INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINED CREATIVITY
Mentor
Shervone Neckles
Artist, Educator, Art Administrator, and Cultural Organizer
As an interdisciplinary artist, I create multimedia works, immersive site-specific installations, and public art that engage intergenerational audiences across cultures and abilities through intimate, sensory experiences that reimagine diasporic histories, mythologies, and personal stories.
This work extends into my 20+ year career as an educator, art administrator, and cultural organizer. I work directly with artists and collaborate with industry experts to understand how artists and their communities can preserve and protect their history and cultural contributions, and how to steward that legacy at every stage of an artist's career.
I bring this combination of experience, leading community- and artist-centered art education and professional development programs at philanthropic organizations like the Joan Mitchell Foundation, and in educational settings like the NYC Department of Education and Pratt Institute. Paired with my rigorous studio practice, it gives me a distinctive perspective to help advance artists’ ideas and make meaningful contributions to them.
This work, and the rich exchanges it’s given me with artists, has shown me that we all share a common desire: to tell our stories and have them connect with and serve others.
I'm interested in working 1:1 with artists to help them get clear on their intentions and accomplish their creative aspirations. Together, we take focused time to strategically think through and critically map the full scope of an idea, project, challenge, or opportunity in a judgment-free, supportive setting that empowers and builds agency.
I provide the opportunity to engage artists in candid, critical conversations while providing practical, constructive feedback in the following topic areas:
Concept to Project Management
Develop ideas, conduct research, and discuss work in progress. Set priorities and goals with accountability and follow-up, with a clear understanding of your capacity and resources.
Home Studio Operations & Studio Visits
Prepare your home studio to support your creative practice and business operations efficiently and effectively.
Preparing for and Navigating Career Shifts and Life Changes
Career shifts can be disruptive; talking them through and mapping them out can bring clarity and help you prioritize next steps.
Crafting Your Artistic Legacy
Steps for starting the career documentation process (studio organization, artwork inventory management, and record-keeping) and for long-term legacy planning.
Building Support Systems and Creative Circles
Connect with and maintain professional relationships with artists, art professionals, organizations, and institutions, and create opportunities for collaborative work.
CATEGORIES OF EXPERTISE:
Concept to Project Management
Home Studio Operations & Studio Visits
Preparing for and Navigating Career Shifts and Life Changes
Crafting Your Artistic Legacy