An Artist CV is a professional overview of your creative practice. It outlines your experience, qualifications, and achievements and is often required when applying for grants, residencies, prizes, exhibitions, auditions, or public art commissions.

Unlike an artist biography or statement, an Artist CV is presented in list format and includes factual information about your arts career. It is also a helpful document to include on your website as a record of your practice progression.

Download Our FREE Artist CV Template HERE — designed to help you write your CV for grant, residency, and exhibition applications.

Need help with your artist statement or professional documents? Learn about our Arts Industry Mentoring for personalised feedback and support.

What to Include in an Artist CV

An Artist CV is not the same as a traditional employment CV. It is structured to reflect the development of your creative practice, rather than listing job history or duties.

Your artist CV should highlight artistic achievements, such as exhibitions, performances, residencies, and awards, in reverse chronological order, with the most recent and relevant details listed first.

The structure may vary depending on your discipline or stage of career, but the core elements remain consistent. Below is a breakdown of key sections to guide your format.

1. Personal Details

Include your full name, birth year, and birthplace. You may also include your current location, website, and email. Next, add a summarised Artist Statement or Professional Summary (1–3 sentences) that describes your practice focus, themes, or medium.

Example – Visual Artist:
Sophie Tan (b. 1993, Australia)
Sophie is a multidisciplinary artist whose work explores memory and material through sculpture and print.

Example – Performer:
Jasmin Clarke (b. 1990, Australia)
Jasmin is a movement-based performance artist working at the intersection of dance, physical theatre, and contemporary ritual.

2. Education

List your formal qualifications or relevant training in reverse chronological order. Include the qualification and the institution.

Example – Visual Artist:
2022 | Master of Fine Arts, Victorian College of the Arts, VIC, Australia.
2018 | Bachelor of Visual Art, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.

Example – Performer:
2021 | Diploma of Musical Theatre, WAAPA, WA, Australia.
2017 | Intensive Workshop, Frantic Assembly, WA, Australia.

3. Solo Performances / Solo Exhibitions

Include your own productions or exhibitions where you were the lead artist, choreographer, or sole exhibitor.

Example – Visual Artist:
2024 | Surface Memory, Brunswick Street Gallery, VIC, Australia.

Example – Performer:
2023 | Unbound, Choreographed Solo, Adelaide Fringe, SA, Australia.
2021 | Internal Weather, Original One-Woman Show, PACT Centre, TAS, Australia.

4. Group Performances / Group Exhibitions

Include group shows, ensemble works, festivals, or collectives where you presented work or performed.

Example – Visual Artist:
2023 | New Narratives, Firstdraft, NSW, Australia.
2021 | Summer Salon, CAVES Gallery, VIC, Australia.

Example – Performer:
2023 | Pulse (ensemble cast), Dancehouse, VIC , Australia.
2022 | Body/Place, Performance Installation, Underbelly Arts Festival, ACT, Australia.

5. Awards and Prizes

Include any prizes, finalist selections, or nominations that recognise your work.

Example – Visual Artist:
2024 | Finalist, Wyndham Art Prize.
2022 | Winner, Print Council of Australia Emerging Artist Award.

Example – Performer:
2023 | Best Emerging Artist, Melbourne Fringe Festival 2023.
2021 | Green Room Award Nominee – Best Ensemble Performance.

6. Artist Residencies

Include time-based residencies or programs that supported the development of your work.

Example – Visual Artist:
2023 | Artist-in-Residence, Bundanon Trust, NSW, Australia.
2022 | Studio Residency, Outer Space Brisbane, QLD, Australia.

Example – Performer:
2024 | Choreographic Residency, Critical Path, NSW, Australia.
2022 | Arts House CultureLAB – Development Residency, VIC, Australia.

7. Grants and Commissions

List creative grants, funding, or paid commissions you have received. 

Example – Visual Artist:
2023 | Create NSW Small Project Grant
2022 | I See Stars, Commissioned Public Artwork, Inner West Council

Example – Performer:
2023 | Australia Council for the Arts – Project Grant
2022 | Sunshine Dreams, Commissioned by Brisbane Festival

8. Collections

Include public or notable private collections that have acquired your work. Performers may skip this section unless your recorded works or scripts are archived.

Example – Visual Artist:
National Art School Collection
City of Melbourne Art and Heritage Collection

Optional Additional Sections

 These can be included depending on your experience or the opportunity:

• Publications & Press – Include reviews, interviews, or articles featuring your work.

• Teaching & Industry Appointments – Include guest lectures, facilitation, judging panels, or mentorships.

• Representation – If you are represented by a gallery or agent, list them here.

Tips for Presenting Your Artist CV

• Keep formatting consistent: same font, layout, and size throughout.

• Use reverse chronological order (most recent first).

• For long CVs, create “Selected” sections to highlight your strongest achievements.

• Save your CV as a PDF titled with your name (e.g. FirstName_LastName_CV.pdf).

   

A clear, concise Artist CV makes it easy for curators, funders, and organisers to understand your practice and experience. It’s a foundational tool for your professional growth and something you should keep updated regularly.

Download Our FREE Artist CV Template HERE — designed to help you write your CV for grant, residency, and exhibition applications.

Need help with your artist statement or professional documents? Learn about our Arts Industry Mentoring for personalised feedback and support.