Free Professional Development Workshops
Professional Development Workshop series for Fiscal Year 2026:
The Northern Virginia Local Arts Agencies (NVLAA) is a collaboration between the City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts, the Arlington Cultural Affairs Office, and ArtsFairfax to offer FREE professional development workshops and networking for artists and art workers in the Greater DC region. This collaboration included working with the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) to create professional learning opportunities more accessible and equitable for the local arts sector, NVLAA more than doubled its registration count last year with 7,740 registrants in Fiscal Year 2025 from 2,800 in Fiscal Year 2024.
Since 2022, NVLAA working with the New York Foundation for the Arts, has presented 20 workshops, most of which is held virtually through online webinars. Though all three arts agencies conduct in-person networking opportunities, virtual webinars not only enable NVLAA to engage national arts leaders, but also better accommodate artists’ unpredictable schedules, as many of the local workforce engage with arts work in addition to full-time jobs. Fiscal Year 2026, NVLAA will again partner with NYFA for several workshop program offerings. All workshops are held on a virtual meeting platform.
Workshop Series Fiscal Year 2026:
"Nailing the Application: A Guide to Artist Open Calls (Part 1: The Narrative)"
Facilitated by NYFA
February 12, 2026, 12:00-1:30 PM
Learn how to put your best foot forward in narrative, written components of applications. To be an artist is to constantly apply for things. Many creative opportunities–from residencies to exhibitions–start with an open call. How can you ensure you’re putting your best foot forward when submitting these applications?
Drawing upon the perspective of arts decision-makers who run residencies, jury exhibitions, and review project proposals, this panel discussion will focus on the written portion of applications, and cover:
• Where to find open calls for art exhibitions, residencies, and more
• How to determine if an opportunity is right for you
• What reviewers like to see in the application statement/narrative
• The difference between a residency application and exhibition proposal
• Common misconceptions about the writing, and how to avoid them
This is Part 1 of a 2-part series. Part 1 will focus on the narrative, or written components, of the application. Part 2: Work Samples will focus on the work sample components and take place on February 16. To register and obtain a link for the workshop click here.
"Nailing the application: a guide to artist open calls (part 2: work samples)"
Facilitated by NYFA
February 26, 2026, 12:00-1:30 PM
To be an artist is to constantly apply for things. Many creative opportunities–from residencies to exhibitions–start with an open call. How can you ensure you’re putting your best foot forward when submitting these applications?
Drawing upon the perspective of arts decision-makers who run residencies, jury exhibitions, and review project proposals, this online discussion will focus on the work sample portion of applications, and cover:
• Tips for compiling and presenting your work samples
• Common errors reviewers see among portfolios, and how to avoid them
• How to approach work sample submissions as telling a story
• What “cohesive” looks like when you make lots of different things
• Insights into the behind the scenes review process
This is Part 2 of a 2-part series. Part 1: The Narrative will focus on the narrative, or written components, of the application and be held on February 12. To register and obtain a link for the workshop click here.
"Succession Planning"
Facilitated by NVLAA
March 12, 2026, 12:00-1:30 PM
Listen to panelists from local organizations discuss their experience with succession planning and transitions. Presented by the NVLAA.
This workshop will explore why succession planning is essential to keep your organization’s mission, artistic vision, and community impact thriving. You’ll learn how to spot key leadership and creative roles – from executive directors to emerging artists – and build pans that truly reflect your nonprofit’s values and culture.
Panelists will discuss their experiences nurturing leadership and artistic growth while making sure diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of every succession step. You’ll leave with practical tools to create a leadership pipeline that’s inclusive, dynamic, and ready for the future.
Plus, the workshop will cover simple ways to track and adjust your plans, so they keep pace with your organization’s evolving needs – helping you build strong, creative leadership that lasts.
Meet our Panelists:
Katie McCreary, Director of Development/Curriculum and Teaching Artist, Educational Theatre Company
Katie McCreary began working with ETC mere days after moving to the DC-area from Atlanta. While in Atlanta, she spent four years teaching high school technical theater and design, working as the Production Manager for Georgia Shakespeare (where she is also an Associate Artist), and teaching at The Center for Puppetry Arts. When not working with ETC, Katie continues to work as a freelance Lighting Designer throughout DC and Baltimore (select companies include Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, Rorschach Theatre, and Peabody Opera Theater). She has previously worked as a Production Manager for both Georgia Shakespeare (LORT D) and Chautauqua Theater Company. Katie carries degrees in both Theater and Elementary Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Kristin Walega, Executive Director, Alexandria Singers
Kristin Walega is a seasoned nonprofit leader with over two decades of experience driving growth, strengthening teams, and building systems that support long-term impact. She has led teams at high-impact organizations including City Year and the National Breast Cancer Coalition. As the founder of Unstoppable Strategies LLC, a boutique nonprofit consulting practice, Kristin partners with mission-driven organizations to provide strategic and operational support across HR, program execution, fundraising, and communications.
Kristin joined The Alexandria Singers in January 2024 as an Alto, returning to her love of choral music from her high school and college glee club days. In October 2024, she became Executive Director, combining her nonprofit experience with her passion for community arts and music accessibility. Throughout her career, Kristin has been committed to building inclusive, diverse communities and expanding access to meaningful opportunities for connection, creativity, and engagement. Since stepping into the role, she’s been working closely with the Board and Singers to support operations, strengthen fundraising efforts, and lead the chorus through the transition to a new Music Director. Kristin is committed to growing the Singers’ reach, deepening our connection to the community, and helping ensure the group’s next 50 years are as vibrant as the first.
David Welch, Choralis, Executive Director
Bio information coming soon!
Session will be presented virtually. To register click here. Questions email arts@alexandriava.gov
Past Fiscal Year 2026 Professional Development Workshops:
"Jobs in the Arts"
Facilitated by NYFA
October 9, 2025, 12:00-1:30 PM
"Storytelling: Communicating Your Impact"
Facilitated by NYFA
November 13, 2025, 12:00-1:30 PM
"Public Art and Creative Placemaking: Activating Nontraditional Spaces"
Facilitated by NYFA
January 15, 2026, 12:00-1:30 PM
If you have any suggestions for professional development workshops send them to arts@alexandriava.gov
Photographing Your Artwork
- The Zero Budget Guide to Photographing Your Artwork (Article, The Art League)
-
Photographing Artwork: Your Essential Guide for Jury-Ready Images (Article, Café)
- The Art of the Application | Representing Your Artwork Online (Article, New York Foundation For the Arts)
- How to Photograph Your Art (Video, Royal Academy of Arts)
- Photographing Works of Art (PDF Document, University of Toledo)
- How to Photograph Your Artwork (Video, Utah Arts & Museums)
