Artist Intensive
MASTERING YOUR WORDS
& WINNING GRANTS
TRANSFORM YOUR ART CAREER - IN TWO WEEKENDS
A Two-Part Online Workshop for Artists
Take your writing, your mission, and your funding game to the next level with our 2-part intensive designed for serious artists.
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"I turned my struggle to articulate my work into applications that win – and you can too."
What you'll
GAIN
TWO PARTS, ONE POWERFUL JOURNEY
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​PART ONE: PRESENT YOURSELF AUTHENTICALLY & PROFESSIONALLY
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Led by MONA LERCH, this segment is all about clarifying your voice, your story, and how you share your work.
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You'll:
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CRAFT A COMPELLING ARTIST BIO THAT FEELS LIKE YOU
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WRITE AN ARTIST STATEMENT THAT MOVES PEOPLE, NOT JUST DESCRIBES YOUR PROCESS​
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DEVELOP A CRISP ELEVATOR PITCH THAT OPENS DOORS
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LEARN TO WRITE EFFECTIVE, CONFIDENT EMAILS TO GALLERIES
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GET CLARITY ON YOUR CV VS. RESUME, AND WHERE EACH BELONGS
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RECEIVE MINDSET COACHING & REAL-TIME FEEDBACK SO YOUR WORDS TRULY REFLECT YOUR PRACTICE
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By addressing the disconnect between written and visual materials, this part of the workshop empowers you to present yourself and your work with CLARITY, CONFIDENCE, and IMPACT.
Why this workshop exists
– and why it MATTERS
AS ARTISTS, WE ALL FACE THE SAME FRUSTRATING LOOP:
YOU CREATE. YOU DREAM. YOU APPLY.
AND TOO OFTEN... YOU HEAR NOTHING BACK.
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Funding cuts. Rejection after rejection. And the nagging feeling that, no matter how good your work is, you're being overlooked.
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It's not because your art isn't powerful – it's because your words don't reflect that power. If you can't communicate your vision and mission with clarity, conviction, and heart, you're leaving money, opportunity, and visibility on the table.
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THAT'S WHERE WE COME IN.
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THE ARTIST INTENSIVE is built for you – the emerging artist, the grant seeker, the creator with big ideas and even bigger goals. We give you a clear, proven framework to write and pitch like a pro, and to apply for grants that can propel your career forward.
​​PART TWO: WRITE GRANT APPLICATIONS THAT WIN
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With KATELYN CHAPMAN, a three-time Elizabeth Greenshields Grant recipient, you'll dive into the real mechanics of funding. This session focuses on demystifying the grant-writing process and making it approachable, achievable,
and even enjoyable.
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You'll:
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UNDERSTAND EXACTLY WHAT MAKES A GRANT APPLICATION STAND OUT
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LEARN HOW TO BUILD A POLISHED, FUNDABLE PROJECT PROPOSAL & CORRESPONDING BUDGET
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WORK WITH REAL EXAMPLES & PROVEN STRATEGIES DRAWN FROM SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS
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PARTICIPATE IN INTERACTIVE EXERCISES AND Q&A SESSION TO LEAVE NO QUESTION UNANSWERED ​
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WALK AWAY WITH THE CONFIDENCE AND TOOLS TO APPLY FOR BIG, COMPETITIVE GRANTS
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By the end of Part Two, you’ll have ALL THE TOOLS to craft a polished, professional grant proposal, along with the confidence to apply for big opportunities and dream grants.
WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN THIS WORKSHOP?
This isn't just for beginners. The Artist Intensive is perfect if you:
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HAVE APPLIED FOR GRANTS BEFORE – BUT NEVER WON
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FEEL UNCLEAR ABOUT YOUR MESSAGE, STATEMENT, OR VISION
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WANT TO BUILD A MORE PROFESSIONAL PRESENCE AND PITCH YOUR WORK EFFECTIVELY
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WANT TO FUND A BODY OF WORK OR A MAJOR PROJECT (RESIDENCY, SOLO SHOW, ETC.)
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NEED SUPPORT, STRUCTURE, AND CLARITY – BEYOND JUST "LEARN TO WRITE"
TESTIMONIALS FROM PAST STUDENTS
Debra Cook Shapiro, US
"Mastering Your Words" was both thorough and deeply thought-provoking, pushing me to new limits. Mona's dedication and genuine desire to help each of us was clear throughout the entire experience. I especially enjoyed the writing assignments, though they were also the most challenging for me. It was difficult to reach inward and express the true feelings and reasons behind my paintings. Mona’s deep understanding of the psychology behind presenting our work and ourselves is incredible. She has a unique skill in helping us face the tender places we've often avoided.
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"Winning Grants" part was both unique and generous. Katelyn broke the process down into clear, detailed steps and shared her journey of winning grants in an insightful way. She explained everything so we could understand exactly how she succeeded at each stage. The list of grants she provided was incredibly helpful and impressive. My main takeaway was the importance of routine, organization, and hard work in achieving success.
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I’m so grateful that the workshop material and recordings are saved on my drive, allowing me to revisit sections and gain a deeper understanding over time. I can’t put a price on this experience—it was truly a turning point for me. It helped me learn how to view myself and my art with honor and love, rather than falling into the cycles of comparison and self-doubt that can arise when I’m facing challenges in my work or applying for opportunities.
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The workshop was wonderfully condensed into a short amount of time, but there was still space for questions and deep connections with other attendees. Katelyn and Mona created a welcoming atmosphere with their warmth, presence, and openness. I’m truly grateful to them for their work to support artists. I’ve never experienced anything like this before, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to learn valuable skills that will help me grow and reach new goals in my career.
Elissa S Davis, US
"I signed up for The Artist Intensive to learn more about statements and writing about my art because my biggest challenge was being completely unclear as to my purpose, process and why I should have to articulate about
my artwork.
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The breakdown on the Power Points were very helpful as was the accompanying discussion walking us through it, and I really loved the discussion parts with the other women. I feel much more confident and more prepared to apply for opportunities and grants after the workshop. It was very thorough and an excellent practice on completing a deep dive regarding my attitudes about myself and my art. Mona and Katelyn were excellent - 10 out of 10! I would recommend this workshop to other artists because I learned so much during those
four sessions.
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It is clear that Mona and Katelyn took the time and interest to provide a thorough workshop on writing artist bios and statements and preparing us for grant submissions. I apply for multiple grants and now the process is MUCH less complicated and intimidating and that result is PRICELESS! Thank you, Mona and Katelyn! I'm looking forward to additional workshops!"
Meryl Lettire, US
"The workshop provided me with specific criteria regarding industry standards for each type of writing. The most impactful takeaway from this workshop will be learning ways to engage my audience, whether it be patrons, grant committees, or curators. I was surprised that being vulnerable and personal could enable my audience to better understand who I am, what I do, how I do it, and why
I do it.
I believe my writing has vastly improved. This workshop has helped me both in confidence in writing these documents as well as providing guidance regarding what the specific audience would like to know. I feel I can now create more successful grant proposals, bios, and artist statements.
The thought provoking prompts of Mastering Your Words part of the workshop were excellent. The writing exercises inspired a bit of soul searching which opened up possibilities for more personal and impactful prose. I felt supported during the critiques. The Winning Grants part of this workshop was impactful. It demystified the process of grant writing. I appreciated how organized and well laid out the resources were.
As a veteran educator and workshop leader myself I rate both Mona and Katelyn as exceptional teachers. They provided pertinent and well-written resources, and clearly explained all of them. They were also patient and insightful when answering our questions. They were incredibly generous in sharing their time beyond the workshop by providing their emails and additional resources so that I can tap into their expertise in the future.
I will wholeheartedly recommend this workshop to other artists. We artists do not receive this type of instruction in our undergraduate or graduate courses. This is like a masterclass in the business of promoting and advancing your career."
YOUR TRANSFORMATION STARTS
HERE
Through a powerful combination of practical guidance, mindset coaching, and group support, you'll leave this workshop equipped and ready to:
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TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR CAREER WITH CLARITY AND CONFIDENCE
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PRESENT YOUR WORK IN A WAY THAT TRULY CONNECTS WITH YOUR AUDIENCE
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WRITE GRANT APPLICATIONS THAT STAND OUT AND WIN
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BREAK FREE FROM FRUSTRATION AND TAKE YOUR ART CAREER TO NEW HIGHTS
WHY INVEST IN THIS WORKSHOP NOW?
This isn't just about learning skills - it's an investment in your future. By mastering how to present yourself and secure funding, you'll open doors to dream opportunities, residencies, solo exhibitions, and more.
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We cap at 10 to ensure personalized feedback and an intimate learning environment.
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This workshop runs only twice a year. If you miss this round, you may wait for months.
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Crafting tasks, statements, and grant proposals that work means increased chances of funding & real career opportunities.
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Not just theory. We teach you things you can use immediately.
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You'll be supported by two expert coaches and a peer group who get what it's like to struggle – and strive.
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STOP FEELING STUCK. START THRIVING.
BESTSELLING ONLINE WORKSHOP
ARTIST INTENSIVE
MASTERING YOUR WORDS & WINNING GRANTS
DATES & TIMES
MASTERING YOUR WORDS
SESSION 1
17 JANUARY 2026
2 - 4 PM ET / 7 - 9 PM UK
SESSION 2
18 JANUARY 2026
2 - 4 PM ET / 7 - 9 PM UK
WINNING GRANTS
SESSION 1
31 JANUARY 2026
2 - 4 PM ET / 7 - 9 PM UK
SESSION 2
1 FEBRUARY 2026
2 - 4 PM ET / 7 - 9 PM UK
BLACK FRIDAY DEAL
ARTIST INTENSIVE PREMIUM
EUR 290
INCLUDES A FOLLOW-UP 1:1 CALL
(REGULAR PRICE EUR 390)
REGISTRATION OPENS ON 25 NOVEMBER
WHO WILL GUIDE YOU?
HEY,
I'M
MONA
Mona Lerch is a self-taught contemporary mixed-media visual artist and entrepreneur based in the Czech Republic. She's also the brain, heart and soul behind Women United ART MOVEMENT, a huge women-in-the-arts supporter and passionate coach.
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After graduating with an MSc in Criminology from London Metropolitan University, she pursued a career in internal security specializing in counterterrorism and hybrid threats while continuing with her creative passion – dancing, teaching and choreographing for one of the most prestigious dance studios in Prague, Czech Republic.​​Shifting her attention towards visual arts, she's exhibited her work in Europe, the US and Canada, both physically and online. Her work is held in private collections in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Ireland, United States, Austria, The Philippines, Australia, and The Hendrix, Jersey City Luxury Rentals, US.
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When not making art, Mona focuses on podcasting, editorial design (Women United ART MAGAZINE, Artist, Mother, Proud & Serious annual publication, and Art Seen Magazine by The Curator's Salon), and creating opportunities for women artists.
Katelyn Chapman received an MFA in Painting and Drawing from the University of Georgia in 2018 and a BFA with an emphasis in Drawing from Clemson University in 2014. After graduate school she pursued a career in both the arts and higher education, teaching at the College of Charleston and The American College of the Building Arts in Charleston, SC at various capacities. At the end of 2023 Chapman decided to leave her full-time position as Professor of Art at ACBA to pursue her art career full-time. She continues to teach on an occasional basis with both online and in-person workshops mainly in Charleston, SC.
Chapman received her first artist grant in 2017 as a graduate student to help fund her thesis exhibition and has worked to master the craft of grant writing ever since. She is a three-time Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grantee (‘19, ‘21, & ‘24) and the recipient of several smaller faculty, opportunity, and regional grants; all of which helped to fund artistic goals including three solo exhibitions across the Southeastern US as well as several artist residencies including those at The Hambidge Center for Creative Arts & Sciences in Rabun Gap, Georgia (’21), Chateau Orquevaux in Champagne-Ardenne, France (’22), and The Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston, South Carolina (’24).
HEY,
I'M
KATELYN
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Is this workshop only for beginners?
A: Not at all. Whether you're just starting to articulate your work or have applied for grants before, you'll come away with fresh strategy and clarity.
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Q: How much time do I need to commit?
A: Four live sessions (2 weekends) plus some homework and writing. We provide structure so it's intense – but totally manageable.
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Q: Will I get support after the workshop?
A: Yes. With the Premium Package, you get a 1:1 feedback/support call. Plus, you keep access to workshop materials and our live grant-list document.
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Q: What if I miss a live session?
A: All sessions are recorded. You'll have access to recordings so you can catch up on your own time.
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Q: Can I use this for gallery applications too?
A: Definitely. The bios, statements, and emails you write here will serve beyond grant applications – for galleries, residencies, and more.