Senior Dance Project Artist Statement Information & Guidelines

(Choreographic and Performance Project Options)

 

What is an artist statement?

An artist statement is a written document, typically by the artist, that succinctly describes his or her artistic work. The artist statement is typically displayed alongside the artistÕs work at an exhibition or performance.

 

What is the purpose of the artist statement?

The artist statement is often used to assist the viewer/audience in finding points of entry into the work by highlighting aspects the artist believes are important.  Artist statements may also be used for applications for grants, fellowships, teaching positions, etc.   

 

The Senior Dance Project Artist Statement

Your senior dance project artist statement will examine your process as a choreographer or performer, depending upon your project option, during the creation and implementation of your senior project.  Your artist statement will also place your current work in the context of your previous body of work as a dance major at St. Olaf College.  The final draft of your artist statement will be displayed in the lobby of the performance space in conjunction with your final project performance.

 

Artist Statement Directions

Your artist statement must be written in paragraph form not exceeding 250 typed words, using Times 14pt. font.  Include the title of your project as a heading for the statement and your name.

 

Within your statement, you must address the following questions:

 

For the Choreographic Project Option:

  1. What was your original intention/inspiration (ÔspineÕ) for this work?
  2. What is the prevalent theme/idea of the finished work, and how has it has evolved from the original ÔspineÕ?
  3. What was your creative process like, from conception to completion?
  4. In viewing your work, what elements specifically point an audience member toward an understanding of the theme of the work?
  5. How does this work compare/contrast to your previous work?
  6. What artistic struggles, successes and discoveries have you encountered in your choreographic process from the beginning of your time at St. Olaf through this point in the completion of your senior project? 
  7. How have your previous hurdles, successes and discoveries impacted your process and creative process for this particular work?
  8. What have you discovered about yourself as a choreographic artist and art making during this process?

 

For the Performance Project Option:

  1. What was your original intention/inspiration (ÔspineÕ) for this work?
  2. What were your intentions/goals in selecting this dance artist to work with and/or work to perform?
  3. How would you compare/contrast you approach to this performance process with your previous performance work?
  4. How did your role as a performer influence the theme and direction of the piece?
  5. What artistic struggles, successes and discoveries have you encountered in your performance process from the beginning of your time at St. Olaf through this point in the completion of your senior project? 
  6. How have your previous hurdles, successes and discoveries impacted your process and performance of this particular dance?
  7. What have you discovered about yourself as a performing artist in this process?

 

Artist Statement Submission

Drafts of your artist statement will be submitted to your senior project faculty committee members for feedback several times throughout the project process.  A final draft will also be submitted to Anthony Roberts, instructor of Senior Dance Seminar.  Please consult with each of your committee members to learn which format (electronic, hard copy) you should submit your artist statement.

 

Artist Statement Assessment

Your artist statement will be assessed on the degree to which it:

  1. responds to the questions listed in the directions above.
  2. demonstrates appropriate, effective and correct written communication skills.

 

Artist Statement ÔHow ToÕ Documents and Examples

  1. Jeffs, Cherry. ÒHow to Write An Artist's Statement: An Opportunity for Creative Self-expression.Ó 9 Mar 2010.  Web. 03 September 2012.

<http://www.suite101.com/content/how-to-write-an-artists-statement-a211143>.

  1. Gordon, Molly. "Writing Your Artist's Statement." Molly Gordon, Master Certified Coach. 2009.

Web. 03 September 2012. <http://www.mollygordon.com/resources/marketingresources/artstatemt/index.html>.

  1. Wotherspoon, Melissa. ÒHow to Write an Artist's Statement.Ó Web. 03 September 2012.

<http://www.ebsqart.com/ArtMagazine/za_400.htm>.

 

Artist Statement Examples

Below are a few of the many individual and company artist statements that exist online. Feel free to search for and peruse others.

  1. Naccarato Dance

            http://naccaratodance.wordpress.com/teoma-naccarato/about/
            Web. 03 September 2012.

  1. Jessica Gaynor Dance

            http://www.jessicagaynordance.com/statement.html

            Web. 03 September 2012.

  1. Liss Fain Dance

            http://www.lissfaindance.org/lissfain/

            Web. 03 September 2012.