In response to the cost and inflexibility of university- and institution-based arts graduate programs, we are starting a rigorous, minimal cost, independent, collaboratively-led artists' workshop program based on the strengths and needs of its participants. We are looking for a small core of creative and motivated New York-based artists, curators, and art minded people to help build the workshop program with us before its first sessions in the fall of 2010. Since the success and longevity of the program will rest on us, the most important aspect of our preliminary work will be finding the right participants. We hope to find a group of 6 to 15 independent-thinking people working in various media.

Tuition would be low for a one-year commitment: about $100 to cover space, administrative costs, and guest seminar leaders/advisors. The program's structure is still being designed, but we envision a roughly 60% to 40% study-to-critique ratio. Study would include various aspects of theory, aesthetics, and discussion of current or historical work; critiques would be in-depth, constructive discussions of a participant's work. Being outside of any institution, participants would be free to work with advisers (if wanted at all) with any or no institutional affiliation.

Full group seminars would probably be held once a week, but other small-group meetings focusing on technical skills or special areas of interest could take place more often. The program will be flexible enough for participants with busy schedules and full-time jobs, but serious commitments to the program will be expected.

Please email jordan [dot] t [dot] paul at gmail if you are interested. Send us some information about yourself– why you are interested, something about your artistic practice, what you want to work on technically or intellectually, etc. Feel free to send a CV, work samples, links, etc.