When an idea for a project becomes clear and the passion to  produce new work overtakes us, artists begin a journey unlike any other.  Understanding your desired audience and the impact of your project are  critical to achieving the expectations and results you desire.

In this 4 day retreat-style workshop, through a series of  visual presentations and classroom discussions, Mary Virginia Swanson  will lead participants through the essential steps of thorough research  and wise decision-making to create work that is authentic in both its  creation and presentation with the strongest possibility of sponsorship,  exhibition and publication.

Swanson will bring relevant examples from her personal  research library to share with participants, and all participants will  be provided a custom-produced booklet of current resources relevant to  this topic.

RETREAT CONTENT

• Developing project concept and defining audience.
• Identifying / establishing relationships with sponsors, collaborators and venues.
• Researching / testing production materials appropriate to desired audience.
• Defining marketing strategies to share work in production with industry professionals.
• Expand presence to print, web and social media platforms through which to share the project content.

Swanson will discuss each of these touch points in detail  during her daily lectures, providing a broader understanding of  appropriate collaborators, audience, venues and publishers for their  work.

She will discuss participant’s current projects in individualized sessions.

Project discussions and related dialogue on the photography  industry, changing markets and more will extend into meal times during  this immersive educational experience.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Photographers who are at the beginning, middle, or nearing  completion of a photography project that they hope to share with a  larger audience in fine print, exhibition, or publication format.

Course enrollment is limited to 9 students, allowing for more focused time with the instructor.

For further details about the workshop, lodging and meal options, and to register for this workshop, please visit: www.wildriceretreat.com/retreatsearch/the-long-term-project-mary-virginia-swanson.