TESTIMONIALS FROM WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS
“Our local art sphere is changing with these workshops. People are talking about things differently and feeling more empowered. The impact is deep.”
—visual artist
“The Artists U workshop I attended was a booster shot of validation, community and empowerment—a reminder that our work as artists matters. I came away with practical strategies for setting goals, managing time, negotiating for fair pay and re-committing myself to the work that makes me feel alive.”
—actor and theater maker
“It is far too easy for individual artists to feel alone and ineffective. The thoughtfulness, compassion and support that the workshops condense and facilitate is quite amazing. I am deeply impressed with the integrity and earnestness of the content and presentation.”
—visual artist
“I have been able to decide how to handle health insurance and tax issues that were weighing me down. I have been able to rewrite my artist statement (which was already pretty good) and to begin writing a book prospectus about artistic practice. While all of these had been on my mind for a while, it was the workshop that unleashed my determination.”
—literary artist
"I cannot begin to tell you all how fortunate I feel to have participated in the intensive today. I have been working full-time as a self-supporting artist for ten years, yet there was not a single idea or observation that arose today that did not make an impact on me. I have also sat through many, many strategic planning meetings, charrettes, and professional development seminars in different fields, and this by far was the most fruitful, efficient, and enjoyable. This weekend will not only make a difference in my artistic and professional life, but also in the creative life of my beloved city."
—spoken word artist
“Being able to clearly identify myself and my purpose has made it much easier for me to create, to reach out to others confidently to build a support system for my creations, and to find an audience for my creations.”
—poet and performer
"This intensive was exactly what I needed - concrete reminders that I use both sides of my brain; the guided direction to jump start my career goals that lay dormant; and defining motivation to move forward to accomplish those goals."
—Visual artist
"Artists U helped me refocus my goals while encouraging me to take them seriously amongst a community of other artists. It also helped me recognize that my schedule needed some restructuring so that I could achieve those goals with some balance and less stress."
—Filmmaker
"Artists U provides real concrete information for artists to take away with us to think, to create and structure our lives. It's affirming and validating. It's like the holy trinity of strong professional development, useful information that can be applied in real time, super accessible, and validating (affirmed with facts). Artists U shifted the way I saw my life as an artist significantly 3 years ago and I want more!"
—Installation artist
I feel compelled to tell you that the Artists U workshop I took in 2014 changed my life. I went in with a big old chip on my shoulder and threw down these challenges:
I want to have my own dance studio with a WOOD FLOOR.
I want my community work to turn into a non-profit.
I want to direct my dance company to big shows in New York.
And then, the thing I thought would NEVER happen:
I want to have enough time for my own solo art that I can rehearse for two hours every day.
I listed all of the reasons that all of this was impossible (three kids, bills, no money). But here I am:
I own my dance studio.
My community work is now a non-profit.
My company is going to perform at Symphony Space in New York in January.
I work on my own stuff as much as I can…because I have my own studio!
It happened. It all happened, faster than I could have imagined. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
—choreographer
When I attended my first Artists U gathering, I immediately felt a wave of relief—I wasn't alone in my frustrations and struggles and, equally mind blowing, nobody was telling me to be less ambitious, to simplify, to fit my imagination into a more 'practical' outfit. Through Artists U, I was welcomed into an ever expanding web of brilliant relatives with far flung passions practicing disparate forms. Artists U was one of the first art spaces where notions of scarcity, competition, and survival of the fittest modes of operating were transparently named and problematized. I had been part of activist groups and DIY collectives where abundance, generosity, and reciprocity were lifted up as values, but that had not been my experience in mainstream theater or art-making rooms. And certainly not in anything called "professional development." I was introduced to artists I may not have otherwise overlapped with in our normally siloed genres, some of whom are still my collaborators and friends. I was exposed to new ways of thinking about shared authorship, fundraising, producing, seeking out more training, as well as nuts and bolts stuff like writing artist statements and figuring out a livable hourly rate for myself.
Through Artists U I found comrades and role models in my efforts as a working parent and artist. The connections I made with other artist parents made me brave enough to advocate for rehearsals ending for dinner time and breaks to pump milk.
When the pandemic hit and Andrew invited me to participate in SHIFT, I didn't hesitate to turn again to this multitudinous community for solidarity and inspiration. It was a relief to gather with other artists, struggling in new ways and old, to survive capitalism/ racial injustice/ industry collapse... while home schooling kids, applying for unemployment, building mutual aid networks, etc. I left those SHIFT meetings feeling held by a community of other makers, grounded in the brutality of our shared (and unshared) moment yet fueled by the warmth and vigor of these other artists; their visions enabling me to glimpse light seeping through cracks, seeds taking root. Andrew's prompts welcomed us to grapple with our nightmarish reality without letting it dictate the scope of our imaginations and undertakings. What a rare gift to be invited to grieve and dream and do, together and alone, amidst sirens, fires, children- reminded of our power and vulnerability. Artists U is fortifying! I'm challenged to get as specific about my struggles as I am about my longings, to trust other artists and what we can dismantle and create together (rather than waiting around for institutions to take the lead.)
—community based visual artist and performer
Artists U helped me create a touchstone of artistic focus which I could return to, revisit, and recraft.
—playwright
Last year’s SHIFT workshops provided creative community and a forum for exploration and expansion of ideas at a highly critical point in time, socially and politically. SHIFT is in large part responsible for a direction change in my own work, which has allowed my creative practice to thrive during the rough and isolating times of Covid.
—filmmaker
I use the Artists U workbook for an annual top-to-bottom "audit" of my artistic life.
—author and storyteller
I am forever grateful for Artists U. It’s like a warm, strong hug for artists. As a social change and community based artist, I was on a kind of suicide mission for a long time. My art practice was about giving to the absolute max but there was no room for receiving. Self-care was not on my list of priorities. A practice can't breathe like that. Artists U was the first place I learned to value and prioritize not only the sustainability of my practice but the sustainability of my body, my spirit, and my household. I remain social change and community minded, and I am stronger, more resilient, better resourced, more loving, self-aware, and ultimately more effective thanks to the care and guidance of Artists U.
—community based visual artist
Over the years, I've benefited from Artists U in a number of ways, ranging from the conceptual to the very concrete. The initial classes I attended at the Leeway Foundation were transformational to my creative practice, as I learned how to describe myself and my work, joined a cohort of amazing artists, many of whom I did not previously know, and began to integrate the seemingly disparate parts of my life, professional, personal, and creative, into a unified whole. Later, the finance workshop strengthened my competencies, and literally saved me thousands of dollars. Finally, the SHIFT conversations once again transformed my practice, as we all needed to shift our work and our thinking during the pandemic. At SHIFT, I shared a new avenue of my practice—a music video—which resulted in three high-profile live performances in the months following. Artists U has become a valuable and vital part of my development and I look forward to next iterations. Thanks for everything. Really.
—vocalist, composer, and community artist
The workbooks are very useful, in particular for crafting artist statements and missions. I have used them in my University teaching classes. In the online SHIFT workshops, it was powerful to witness the work of other artists in the artist presentations and helpful to have the check-ins with our breakout groups. I appreciate that Artists U provides this service free to artists and does the work of fundraising himself. I REALLY APPRECIATE THIS!
—choreographer
I first met Andrew Simonet during his workshop for Philadelphia Fringe artists in 2014. At that time, I had only been producing my own work for about two years. I had no idea where to begin with marketing, budgeting, language, or pitching—really anything except for performing the work. It felt like something that was not the work of an artist, something that you should hire someone else to do. Andrew taught me how working on the nuts and bolts of production can actually deepen your art, forcing you to look at it from many perspectives. It improved my process and work so much. I next interacted with Andrew through our online 2020 SHIFT conversations. Now the executive director of my own nonprofit, I felt adrift in the uncertainty that we all were facing. I had gotten to a place where I was only focusing on how to remain financially soluble, not thinking about creating art at all. These conversations kept me focused on moving forward, learning lessons from our situation, and connected me with other artists who were creating inspiring work.
—musician and composer
Artists U was so instrumental and foundational to my practice, I can't overstate the impact it has had on my life. The 2012 session I attended helped me build skills that still serve me—thinking about, talking about, and planning for the future of my art practice—and that I still use on a regular basis, a decade later. The SHIFT gatherings were the only contact I had with other artists for most of the pandemic. Those gatherings were super grounding. The open discussions followed by the small breakouts helped me process some grief about the COVID shifts happening and remember that I'm not alone.
—Choreographer
My session with you, Andrew, was one of the most clarifying moments of 2021. You were able to articulate what I had been finding so hard to put into words. It was a very practical session and, yet, there was a nurturing aspect to it also. I still think about what we discussed and look forward to a follow-up conversation.
Andrew listens deeply. He has great insight and wisdom about what it is to be a practicing artist at this time. Andrew will gently challenge your assumptions and give you time and space to reassess limiting beliefs. And you'll walk away with 'actionable' things that you can do immediately that help to clarify and define your artistic intentions.
—digital artist
Andrew is a laser-focused listener, clearly understanding the issues I wanted to share with him. He articulated creative, insightful options for me to consider, all in a hip, credible, and relaxed dialogue.
—community-based visual artist + activist
Andrew is able to be present. He has real skill at listening and hearing. And he speaks the truth, calling B.S. when necessary. More than once he heard what I said and reflected it back to me in an elegant way, adding more 'meat on the bones.” He wisely said: “If you don't truly love your project, it will be hard to forge on when it gets really challenging.” As it will.
—visual artist
"The Artists U workshop with Andrew Simonet was an impeccable and incredible event. The information presented was exactly the type of practical and emotional support I needed at this stage of my writing career, and it was an excellent chance to simultaneously learn and network with fellow artists. I deeply appreciated this event. Thank you very much for your support!
—novelist
As a BIPOC woman artist experiencing disability, autism, and low income, Artists U places me in community with other artists that usually only academic connections would allow. For me, these artistic communities are a privilege and a rarity. I am not usually able to afford other programs, and I am somewhat homebound due to health and transportation. With Artists U online, and at no cost, my practice has soared.
I have learned so much from other artists about artist statements, resume presentations, residencies etc. I've learned ways of supporting each other. I have been enveloped in a community where normally I am isolated. This beautiful virtual community has increased my understandings, my confidence, my skills in presentation. I learned what residencies are and even applied for some; I have recently been accepted to my first residency. I wish I could explain to you what it means to me to have an opportunity to write and work along with other writers in this capacity. It is a long-awaited, serious undertaking in line with my life's purpose as a lifelong writer. I am on track working on my first manuscript. Discussions of CVs, resumes, and artist statements with Artists U meant I learned the importance of presentation. I saw what other artists had done successfully and unsuccessfully, and we all learned together. The valuable feedback helped me to refine my CV and artist bio and learn better ways of creating my website (which I will reconstruct this June/July 2022).
Basically, Artist U has given me direction, answered my most vulnerable questions about being an artist and applying for opportunities, but also provided a community that I rarely have the privilege of feeling. I am deeply grateful for what I have received. (I pray I offer something as a participant.) Instead of a smattering of gigs, I now have the burgeoning of a real career as a professional writer. I am deeply grateful for this instruction. I still have much to learn. I am still learning how brave everyone is to be so vulnerable and committed. I am learning that about myself. Thank you to all who make this series/project possible. Please know that you have helped a life much in need of you. Thank you.
~ writer
In the past, I have hired “arts professionals”—spent quite a bit of money on them, truthfully—only to land in a space with a person who doesn’t know what the struggle of making one’s way as an artist really entails. Due to Artists U facilitators background as artists, I get so much more out of Artists U than any other “resource” to date. It is focused, delivers a punch, and is full of hope.
~sculptor
Andrew is a true GEM to our community. Artists U reveals artists to themselves and others. Those revelations are invaluable. They allow us to see each other more clearly and understand what we bring to the table. As artists, we have opportunities to see each other’s work, but not necessarily our soul or essence. Andrew disguises himself as our facilitator and then deftly allows us to chart our own course within a comfortable scaffold. There have been some seismic changes in the arts world as of late, and I have watched Andrew traverse some difficult conversations by being open, honest, quiet when he needed to be, and vocal in standing up for others. At the beginning of the pandemic, I was a little overwhelmed by everything that was going on. An opportunity from Andrew slid into my inbox that essentially made a space for artists to be every week. It was life-altering in that I had a virtual place every week to see and be seen, hear and be heard, and breathe with others without risk.
~multimedia artist
For the past few years I have been a part of these workshops and for me the value is:
1) Developing community
2) My works comes alive when shared.
3) It deepens my connection with my Art.
4) ZOOM has made it so that there is no excuse for Artist to come together for these workshops and connect and through in this community.
5) These workshops help you look at your creative decisions AND clarify your writing and presentation.
6) The workshop allow you to question "Why are you making art?" Even if you do not yet have an answer, it allows you to make space and sit with yourself.
7) Budget is a major factor that art schools and art programs do not discuss. Here, we put it on the table and learn how to better understand budgeting and finance.
8) It is powerful to know all these fellow artists are in support and willing to look at your work and hear what you have to say (even if you stumble)
8a) Oh, and it’s FUN!
~digital artist/animator
My work with Artists U has helped me to articulate what I do clearly; to anchor into the intentions I hold for my work; to focus, organize, and structure my time in order to produce at a higher level; and to realize what is feels like to be at that top of my creative game. My participation in the Big Projects Club, in particular, has taught me how to package my work in realistic, smart financial terms so that I am now able to raise the required funding from a variety of sources and gain necessary resources for doing and presenting my work in the world. I especially love the many ways in which Andrew continues to create spaces for artists to show up, be open, vulnerable, honest, and grow together -- to experience community in ways we seldom experience in society-at-large.
~photographer + visual artist
This work has been incredibly valuable to me as an artist with very little business experience. The frameworks in these workshops help me create structures around my practice, and think about the financial aspect of my work through new lenses. I took the grant writing workshop and then was able to apply for my first grant as an individual artist. I didn't get that initial grant, but I have gotten a few grants since then! Big Projects Club has also been wonderful in keeping me on schedule with my next big project. I also love being in conversation and community with other Baltimore artists that I might not get to meet otherwise and Andrew does a great job building that sense of community in each workshop.
~performing artist