I am an artist who wants to participate in SPA. How can I do that?
At this time, SPA is available to Jerome Hill Fellows, Princess Grace Artist Fellows, and MAP grantees. Stay tuned for more information when future partnerships and opportunities to participate are announced.
What kinds of artists benefit from SPA?
We serve artists at all stages of their careers and across all disciplines including choreographers, directors, playwrights, writers, musicians, filmmakers, and visual and multimedia artists.
Historically, SPA focused on artists who did not have ongoing institutional relationships, leading them to primarily self-produce their work. Through a 2019 program assessment, artists shared their view that any artist could benefit from the SPA program and that an ever-growing group of artists are now experiencing the need to self-produce, even when they have partnerships with organizations.
How much does SPA cost?
Thanks to our funding partners, SPA participation is offered at no direct cost to artists. MAP also includes a $1,100 stipend that goes directly to artists to support their participation in the gathering.
How does SPA select its coaches?
When looking for coaches, the SPA Program is interested in folks who have worked in the arts, culture, and creative sectors in multiple ways and have specific experience providing advice, guidance, a listening ear, and support to individual working artists. In addition, we want folks whose practice reflects our program values and who bring a structural analysis of oppression, a commitment to justice, and an ability to work with artists across a wide range of identities, experiences, and social and political locations.
We are not actively recruiting new coaches at this time. If you are interested in being considered for the coaching ensemble in the future, please email info@mapfund.org with more information about you, your coaching practice, and your interest in working with SPA.
How are artists matched with a coach?
It’s a mix of information and intuition. When artists enroll in SPA we offer them an opportunity to share topics they’d like to discuss with a coach as well as characteristics they are looking for in a coach. Coaches indicate whether they think they might be a good or not-so-good match for each artist based on their review of artists’ responses as well as information artists share about their identities, practices, and desires for their creative work. We also hold virtual Artist-Coach “meet and greets” for participants and coaches to get to know each other. Ultimately, the SPA program director makes the final pairings based on all of the above.
How are the one-on-one coaching sessions structured?
Coaching relationships unfold in the course of a year, with up to seven coaching sessions. Each session can last from 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the artist’s preference and in agreement with their coach.
What are some examples of the kinds of topics artists discuss with their coach?
Some areas of consistent inquiry include: strategizing around a specific creative project (design, troubleshooting, implementation), clarifying one’s purpose and vision, creating sustainable structures for creative work and life, relationship building (networking), and accountability partnership.
How do coaching sessions occur?
Most coaching sessions happen remotely — via phone or videoconference, based on the agreements between the coach and artist. Occasionally, coaching sessions take place in person, when artists and coaches are in the same location. Like SPA participants, coaches live and work across the country, so in-person sessions may not be feasible.
Do gatherings happen in-person? Online?
Gatherings happen virtually via Zoom over two days, roughly four hours per day. We structure the time to ensure as much ease and accessibility as possible, in collaboration with artists and coaches.
Banner: MAP 2022 grantee and SPA participant Majesty Royale-Jackson (aka glitterboiwonder) in the space between the riot and i. Photography by Maria Baranova.