You Are What You Negotiate.

Stop leaving money—or your creative power—on the table.

You’ve done the work. If you’ve ever stared at a call for art wondering what they’re looking for, or felt your submission vanish into the void (hello, AI shuffle), or too shy to ask for more on the contract - you are not alone. The Public Art Playbook: Top 10 Power Moves to Win Commissions, Negotiate Contracts, and Stop Working for Free is the workshop artists have been asking for—it’s time to get the answers to how to get public art commissions that win, public art tips, how to avoid scope creep and how to negotiate artist contracts to get exactly what you need.

Led by artist, curator, and host of the Female Frequency podcast Jodie Nelson, along with art consultant to real estate developers Sara Everett, this workshop reveals how to advocate for yourself on contracts, deliverables, and what you should be paid for—yes, that includes newly requested changes made by stakeholders. Jodie and Sara bring 40+ years of combined experience navigating artist contracts, city commissions, and real estate developer partnerships.

Walk away ready to negotiate with confidence, protect your time, your voice, and your value.

Before you say yes, submit, or sign

You didn’t become an artist to get taken advantage of.

If you’re tired of underpaid gigs, unclear contracts, or feeling unsure how to ask for what you really need…
This workshop is your game-changer. Whether you’ve completed 0 or 10 public art projects — if you want to feel more confident negotiating contracts, securing funding, and writing proposals that win, this is for you.

In this workshop, you’ll learn the 10 essential power moves to succeed in public art:

➡️ Present your work with impact — Craft proposals that stand out and align with what panels are really looking for.

➡️ Ask smarter questions — Uncover hidden expectations and avoid unpaid extras.

➡️ Negotiate like a pro — Understand real contracts, protect your rights, and stop scope creep before it drains your time, energy, and budget

Led by 2 art consultants - revealing how to avoid costly mistakes artists make in public art.

Meet Jodie Nelson & Sara Everett

In this workshop, you’ll learn 10 essential power moves to succeed in public art:

  1. Navigating the RFQ / RFP Process

  2. Aligning with community needs & project requirements

  3. Staying true to your artistic vision

  4. Advocating for yourself on agreements - Part I

  5. Advocating for yourself on agreements - Part 2

  6. Working with Insurance and Budgets

  7. Expectations at a Glance

  8. Ideal Media

  9. Invoices, Payments, Taxes

  10. Why is Storytelling Imperative?

    PLUS a huge Bonus! Receive a sample contract & template for your use: a $250 value and no headache of researching councel.

🎟️ Early Bird Special: $149 ($297)

Early Bird pricing available for a limited time!

Includes:
✔️ Full access to the workshop
✔️ Bonus: 1-hour private Q&A session with Jodie & Sara
→ Bring your contracts, questions, or real-world scenarios for expert guidance

🗓️ Price increases after August 6 — don’t wait!
Secure your spot now to lock in the early bird rate.

💬 Special Online Meet & Greet

Get to know us and ask your burning questions before the workshop begins.
📅 July 27 at 6:00 PM PST (Seattle time)

📅 August 3 at 6:00 PM PST (Seattle time)

 FAQs

  • This is a self-paced, online course. The videos are available anytime, so you can watch and rewatch them on your own schedule, from anywhere.

  • This course is for you if:

    • You've struggled to get your public art proposals selected or move past the finalist stage.

    • You feel overwhelmed by contracts and negotiation.

    • You've been caught in a project that demanded more time and resources than originally agreed.

    • You've always wished you could sit down with an art consultant and ask how things really work.

    • Perfect for artists submitting their first public art proposal, preparing for their fifth permanent installation, or even those with up to 10 public art projects under their belt.

  • Yes! We’ll host live Q&A sessions on specific dates and will also be available via email for course participants.

  • Due to the digital nature of this course and the intellectual property it includes, refunds are not possible. However, we are confident you will find tremendous value in the content provided.