Crafting An Artist Statement: Communicating Your Value(s)

A workshop for artists of all disciplines and experience levels who want to develop intentional and authentic ways of describing their work.
About this Event

For many artists, finding the language to talk about their work can feel just as challenging as making the work itself. Yet artist statements often shape how artists connect with opportunities, audiences, collaborators, and communities.

“Crafting an Artist Statement: Communicating Your Value(s)” is a community-centered workshop for artists of all disciplines and experience levels who want to develop more grounded, intentional, and authentic ways of speaking about their creative practice. Together, we will explore how artist statements can communicate not only what we create, but also the values, histories, questions, and communities that inform our work.

Through discussion, examples, and guided writing exercises, participants will reflect on how to write artist statements that feel accessible, honest, and aligned with their artistic vision. Whether drafting a first statement or revising an existing one, artists will leave with practical tools, new language, and greater confidence in communicating the purpose and impact of their work.

About the Presenter(s):

Cézanne Charles is a creative practitioner and researcher focusing on the intersection of design, technology, culture, and public policy. She is a founding Partner at rootoftwo, a Detroit-based creative + consulting studio, she runs with John Marshall. rootoftwo explores under-imagined futures and works to build civic imagination through innovative research, strategic frameworks, exhibition-making, and public art. Notable creative works include ‘Whithervanes,’ commissioned by Locust Projects (Miami) and Creative Folkestone (United Kingdom). rootoftwo are Creative Capital Awardees for ‘Anyspace? Whatever.’ and recipients of a Knight New Works grant for 463NCY. Both will feature in a 2026 solo exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit. Charles is an active participant on local and national boards, advisory councils, and as a presenter focused on creative industries, urbanism, and emerging technology. She holds a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Michigan Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy with an emphasis on science, technology, and society.

About Detroit Lit :

Detroit Lit is a project to support Detroit’s literary community. We acknowledge and uplift the history and culture of Detroit as a city region of people who have been traditionally excluded from the national conversation. As a place that is majority Black, Arab American, and Latinx, we center writers of color and their experiences.

Through joyful engagements and high-quality professional development, we provide writers with opportunities to gain the skills they need to excel in this field. Detroit Lit’s mission is to sustain and expand Detroit’s vibrant writing community, so no one feels forced to leave to succeed in the literary arts.