Why Do Some Artists Always Win? Secrets to Success in Art Opportunities
In the competitive world of contemporary art, some artists seem to consistently secure residencies, exhibitions, and grants, rising above the crowded field of applicants. What makes these artists stand out? Success in submitting to art opportunities is not just about talent; it’s about crafting strong applications, maintaining consistency, ensuring strategic fit, and learning from rejections. For Artinfoland’s community of emerging artists, mastering these elements can unlock doors to career-defining opportunities. This article explores why some artists always seem to “win” and offers actionable insights to help you succeed in the art world.
Crafting Strong Applications
A compelling application is the cornerstone of success in art opportunities. Winning artists invest time in creating submissions that are clear, professional, and aligned with the opportunity’s goals. 
- Tailored Proposals: Successful artists customize their applications to reflect the specific requirements of each call. For example, when applying to residencies like KODA’s 2024 Mental Health Open Call, artists highlight how their work addresses wellness or identity, directly addressing the theme.
- Polished Materials: High-quality visuals, concise artist statements, and updated CVs are non-negotiable. Artists like Wendy Red Star, whose striking visuals of Crow heritage captivate curators, ensure their portfolios are professional and cohesive.
- Authentic Storytelling: A strong application tells a story. Whether addressing decolonization, as in Entangled Pasts, or personal narratives, like Linda Brogan’s MY MUM IS WHITE, artists who weave compelling narratives about their practice stand out.
Tip: Use platforms like Artinfoland to find opportunities and study their guidelines carefully. Tailor each submission to show how your work aligns with their mission.
Consistency: The Power of Persistence
Winning artists don’t rely on one-off submissions, they apply consistently, building a track record of engagement with the art world.
- Regular Applications: Successful artists treat applying as part of their practice. They submit to multiple opportunities, from open calls like those at 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair to virtual residencies like Vresidency, increasing their chances of success.
- Active Presence: Consistency extends beyond applications. Artists who regularly share their work on platforms like X or Instagram, as seen with the Black Artist Database’s advocacy, maintain visibility and attract curators’ attention.
- Building Momentum: Each application, even if unsuccessful, refines an artist’s skills. Over time, this persistence leads to recognition, as seen with artists featured in Indigenous Identities exhibitions, who built their profiles through repeated submissions.
Tip: Create a schedule to submit to at least one opportunity per month, using resources like Artinfoland to stay organized and consistent.
Strategic Fit: Aligning with the Right Opportunities
Not every opportunity is the right fit, and winning artists know how to choose strategically.
- Thematic Alignment: Artists who succeed target calls that match their practice. For instance, those exploring mental health apply to exhibitions like Mindful: Exploring Mental Health Through Art, ensuring their work resonates with the curatorial vision.
- Researching the Platform: Understanding an organization’s mission (whether it’s community engagement at State of the Nation: A BIPOC Artist Perspective or decolonization at 1-54) helps artists position their work effectively.
- Networking Synergy: Successful artists leverage connections to find opportunities that align with their goals. Engaging with curators like La Tanya S. Autry on X can lead to tailored recommendations for relevant calls.
Tip: Research each opportunity thoroughly. Check past winners or exhibitions on platforms like Artinfoland to ensure your work fits the call’s focus.
Learning from Rejections: Turning Setbacks into Growth
Rejections are inevitable, but winning artists use them as opportunities to grow and refine their approach.
- Seeking Feedback: Many residencies and open calls provide feedback upon request. Artists who analyze this input, as seen in virtual residencies like Vresidency, strengthen future applications.
- Iterating and Improving: Rejections often highlight areas for improvement, such as unclear statements or weak visuals. Artists like Njideka Akunyili Crosby, who gained international recognition through iterative refinement, show how persistence pays off.
- Building Resilience: Each rejection builds mental toughness. Successful artists view setbacks as part of the process, continuing to apply to opportunities like those listed on Artinfoland until they break through.
Tip: After a rejection, review your application, seek feedback if possible, and revise your materials before submitting again.
Overcoming Systemic Barriers
While strategy is key, systemic inequities (such as limited access to resources or institutional bias) can pose challenges. Winning artists counter these by:
- Leveraging Alternative Platforms: Self-organized exhibitions or alternative fairs like The Other Art Fair allow artists to bypass traditional gatekeepers.
- Amplifying Marginalized Voices: Artists addressing identity or decolonization, like those in Entangled Pasts, align with growing curatorial interest in diverse perspectives, increasing their chances of selection.
- Community Support: Collectives and online communities, like those on X, provide encouragement and resources, helping artists navigate barriers.
Why This Matters for Artinfoland’s Community
For Artinfoland’s audience, mastering the art of submitting to opportunities is a pathway to success. By crafting strong applications, staying consistent, targeting strategic fits, and learning from rejections, artists can position themselves to win residencies, exhibitions, and grants. Artinfoland’s platform, with its curated list of open calls, empowers artists to find opportunities that align with their practice, whether focused on identity, mental health, or social justice.
The Takeaway: Your Path to Winning
The artists who “always win” combine talent with strategy, resilience, and a keen understanding of the art world’s dynamics. By crafting compelling applications, applying consistently, choosing opportunities wisely, and learning from setbacks, you can increase your chances of success. At Artinfoland, we encourage you to seize these strategies, leverage our resources, and carve your own path to victory in the vibrant, competitive art world.
