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ILAP

We believe artists are essential culture-creators and the most important players in the art world. Here you find a place to belong to and be empowered. Join a revolutionary art community where you can grow emotional-material-spiritually in collaboration.
Organized in small groups and promoting an intimate, safe-environment, ILAP is our art projects incubator. It was developed for creators of the cultural sector, aiming to be part of an art collective that pursues a distinct position in the international contemporary art field.
Start your journey at Uncool Artist by applying to ILAP, and we’ll schedule an interview to discuss your practice and goals.

International Lab for Art Practices

Applications open:

2023 applications deadline: March 9, 2023, at 10 pm (ET).

Apply here, and we will schedule a meeting!

Applications are closed. Subscribe to our newsletter to know the following opportunities.

The community-based program focuses on supporting its participants to create new and unique positions in the international art world through activities based on different forms of practice and examining various contexts worldwide. Participants will be encouraged to devote themselves to developing their practice while working on a proposed project. This includes a series of theoretical discussions and exercises tailored to each participant’s interests and aspirations, as well as live sessions with experts.

Our program structure is the result of over 10 years of providing our services to emerging contemporary artists, with highly successful results. 

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ILAP Overall Themes

A ‘community-based’ versus ‘individual-centered’ education.

METHODOLOGY

At Uncool Artist, we believe that creating strong and lasting bonds is key to a sustainable and happy life in the arts. Our focus is on cohesive work and collaborative growth rather than stimulating a romanticized view of “the artist” or “the curator” as the stars in the art world. For us, a welcoming and interdisciplinary community is the primary way to professional, financial, and emotional fulfillment for all those involved, while respecting individualities and specific necessities without losing sight that we are stronger when we collaborate.

FOUNDATION MODULE

Explore references, techniques, expand your repertoire, and build the foundation for your project.

PROJECT PRODUCTION MODULE

Outline your goals, organize a work and production schedule, and write up your project.

CONCEPTION MODULE

Experiment, refine, edit your references and foundations, and develop a project proposal.

PROJECT PRESENTATION MODULE

Put into practice what was designed and evaluate the results!

MODULES COMBINATIONS

Each quarter, you will meet a unique and diverse group of individuals who, in an intimate space of exchange and support, can share significant improvements in your project.

If you have just started in the arts and don’t know the possible paths for your research and artistic practice, don’t worry; we can help you find references and understand your interests better. If your project is ready to be developed, you can skip modules according to what you think is most strategic. We will help you customize ILAP to suit your needs.

And yes! You can repeat the different modules at other moments of your ILAP journey.

SUMMER FESTIVAL

During the Summer Quarter, we have a unique lineup of online participant’s seminars and open studios with exceptional guests.

Each year, participants have the opportunity to present works developed during the program through three exhibitions and residency opportunities. By the end of the PROJECT PRESENTATION MODULE, participants are invited to present their project publicly.

MODULE's STRUCTURE

Participants will engage in various activities, from theoretical discussions and research to developing assignments based on a proposed project.

Each module covers the following cycles:

1st Cycle (4 weeks)

GROUP CRITIQUE

In the first four weeks of the module, we will focus on the elaboration of critiques, shaping your discourses on contemporary art practices. The critique mobilizes references and involves description, analysis and evaluation, without necessarily the emission of a personal judgment.

2nd Cycle (4 weeks)

PROCESS AND RESEARCH

In this cycle, you will be challenged to present your routine creative practice and develop a compelling narrative presentation about your poetics.

3rd Cycle

PROJECT

In the final stage, participants will focus on the elaboration of their projects, and we will bring questions such as: 

  • Project planning and production
  • Meaningful projects
  • Project execution
  • Project publication

3rd Cycle (4 weeks)

PROJECT

In the final stage of each module, the focus is on developing a project. Depending on where you are:

  • Introduction to project planning and production
  • Conception of a meaningful project
  • Executing project
  • Publishing the project

ARTISTS ADVISORIES

Each quarter, participants will receive individual critical mentorship by advisers who will discuss the participant’s research and projects during virtual studio visits. The selection of advisers is composed of artists, researchers, writers, and curators who are actively engaged in contemporary art practice. Sessions last for 40 minutes via online video conference.

TALKS

As part of the program, participants will be able to hear from experts in various areas of contemporary art practice. A selection of guest speakers including artists, curators, critics, gallery owners, and other art professionals will join us to discuss relevant contemporary art themes based on their work and experience. These sessions take place online via video conference.

Get to know our guest speakers and advisory team.​

Click here.

TALKS

As part of the program, participants will be able to hear from experts in various areas of contemporary art practice. A selection of guest speakers including artists, curators, critics, gallery owners, and other art professionals will join us to discuss relevant contemporary art themes based on their work and experience. These sessions take place online via video conference.

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY FORUM

One Tuesday evening per month, all ILAPers (from all groups in the program) are invited to participate in an assembly to debate and decide collectively on projects, goals, and new Uncool Artist initiatives.

MEANINGFUL PROJECTS

Participants are encouraged to develop and present their projects to the community and the public, either virtually or in person. It’s an opportunity for experimentation, creation, and effective execution of the most meaningful projects for participant’s contexts. Proposals will be planned in collaboration with or guided by our research and curatorial team.

Opportunities for presenting projects at Uncool Artist:

Educators training program

Uncool Artist has a program to train educators interested in developing courses for remote learning. Participants in ILAP will have the opportunity to enroll in our teaching program and, by its end, propose a course or program in art and education to be offered at Uncool Artist.

Exhibitions

As part of ILAP, participants will be encouraged to exhibit their works via virtual and/or in person experiences. The format will be discussed with the group and adapted to the participants’ proposals. The goal of these activities is to allow the participants to experiment with ways in which to present their production while also allowing them to engage with the public in different spaces and by using various mediums.

In 2022/23, we will have carefully curated group shows*, scheduled to take place in New York, São Paulo, and Miami.

* Newly enrolled participants can participate.

3 months at the UA Residency- NY

You can win the excellent opportunity to participate in our NYC UA Residency at the end of an ILAP year! We want to support your career by offering our art residency program for 3 months according to your engagement, participation, and development throughout your ILAP journey.

Artist-in-residence

Prioritizing ILAPers, Uncool Artist has its own residency program that lasts from 1 to 3 months in a 24/7 access space in the Brooklyn Navy Yard area.

Each participant’s experience will be tailored for their necessities and goals.

The Uncool Artist Residency involves: in person studio visits, field trips, open studios, and exhibitions.

Learn more about our NYC Residency

Click here.

Publications on Uncool Artist Platforms

ILAP aims to create new knowledge in the arts. We provide opportunities for art writers, critics, and curators, giving them the chance to share their writings. For this reason, participants in the program are the primary authors of articles and essays published on the Uncool Artist website and social media platforms as part of UNCOOL WRITING.

ENGAGEMENT

Uncool Artist offers a unique approach to art exchanges with a customized blend of platforms and online learning methodology. The program is organized in quarters, with 12 weeks of meetings and activities. Each participant is recommended to enroll in at least four quarters to establish strong connections, take advantage of a whole year set of opportunities and present a well-rounded project.

Group Meetings

*Choose the best timeframe for you: afternoon (1-4 pm) or evening (6-9pm) ET

Advisory Meetings

Up to 8 one-o-one meetings per quarter 40 minutes each meeting 

Available in English, Portuguese and Spanish

Talks

Once a month on Mondays
From 2 to 4 pm (ET)

Community Forums

Once a month on Tuesdays
From 6 to 7:30 pm (ET)

How to enroll

Uncool Artist is a warm-welcoming community that provides solid connections with experienced and generous artists, curators, critics, and art dealers.

We create a unique environment so you can dive deep into your practices, find unique opportunities to show your creations, present meaningful projects, and build a sustainable living in the arts.

Organized in small groups and promoting an intimate-safe-environment, ILAP is our “art projects incubator.” It was created for artists, curators, critics, researchers, educators, and anyone in the cultural sector, aiming to be part of a community that pursues a distinct position in the international contemporary art field. It serves as a platform for those seeking to start or continue to develop their projects, engaging in critical discussions about today’s art world, and intending to expand their networks.

Start your journey in Uncool Artist by applying to ILAP, so we’ll schedule an interview to talk about your practice and goals.

International Lab for Art Practices

MARK ON YOUR CALENDAR

Once we receive your material, we will contact you with further information about the interview.

Application, enrollment, and registration calendar:
Application Deadline:  March 9, at 10 pm (ET)
Interviews: March 13 to 23, 2023
Admissions decisions will be determined and distributed by March 24, 2023
Enrollment and Registration: March 27 to April 6
Welcome Session: April 10, 2023, at 6 pm (ET)

First ILAP Spring Group Meeting: April 12

Application Fee Schedule:
February 20, 2023: $15
March 9, 2023: $25

All fee increases will occur at 10 pm ET on the last day of each payment bracket. Dates and times are ET (Eastern Time).

Why are we asking for an application fee now? 
First, the selection process is labor. Also, we found ourselves overwhelmed with dozens of last-minute applications in the past, which was hard for us. We came to this solution to continue to offer great feedback to every candidate, as we love to do, without burning ourselves out.

Apply to the program

by filling out the form here

If you have any questions, e-mail us.

TUITION

The quarterly tuition for the ILAP is U$ 2,400.

Do not wait until the last minute to apply! 

ILAP accepts up to 10 participants per group, so the order of application counts. The interview is a significant moment for the program coordinators to learn more about you and your goals for the program prior to your enrollment. Send your material as soon as possible and enjoy the conversation with us.

LANGUAGE

All meetings are held in English. Participants must be fluent in reading, writing, understanding, and speaking English.

COORDINATORS

Ana Roman

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Andrea Tavares

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Liene Bosquê

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Julie McKim

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PARTNERS