The Canopy Program’s
Criticism + Theory
The Canopy Program’s Criticism + Theory Cohort is a program for developing and cultivating future writers and art critics.
2027 Criticism and Theory
This session we are offering one virtual cohort that will meet via Zoom with an in-person field trip schedule for this summer in NYC.
Click through to learn about the schedule of each semester, visiting editors, and to apply!
Cohort Type: Virtual
Meeting Day: Tuesdays
Meeting Time: 6-9pm (EST)
Cohort Size: 10 Artists
3 Semesters:
Spring 2027 - 9 Weeks
Summer 2027 - 2 Weeks
Fall 2027 - 9 Weeks
*specific start dates below
($5 application fee goes to Alzheimer's research)
Applications close Sunday, January 10 at 11:59 pm (EST)
Important Dates
November 11: Applications Open
January 10: Applications Close
January 14: Application Notifications Sent
Mid February: Orientation via Zoom
February 1: Start of First Semester
Criticism + Theory Overview
The Canopy Program’s Criticism + Theory Cohort is a program for developing and cultivating future writers and art critics.
Virtual: the cohort meetings are hosted via Zoom for the fall and spring semesters.
In Person: an event during the summer will take place in New York City for the cohort to meet up in person.
Writers will meet regularly throughout the program’s ten month duration for lectures, discussions, writers’ workshops, and resource building. Each Cohort will learn the history of art criticism, be introduced to major critics and editors, and learn methods for writing about art and strategies for publishing.
The Canopy Program’s Criticism + Theory Program features an in-person tour of galleries and publications in New York City during the Summer of 2027. In addition, artists receive care packages with books and one on one meetings and several rounds of edits from The Editor at Large of the Brooklyn Rail and the inaugural mentor, Andrew Woolbright, as well as a list of guest writers and editors.
Mentorship
Artists enrolled will receive in-depth consistent guidance from their Cohort Mentor, Andrew Woolbright, for ten months.
Community
Work with an intimate cohort of 8 - 10 critical peers + 1 Cohort Mentor for ten months. Experiences and engagements with guest speakers and artists heavily involved in the publishing, exhibiting and art world from New York City.
Visiting Critics + Guest Editors
Exclusive access to esteemed guest editors and critics from established publications like the Brooklyn rail, Art Forum and etc.
Professional Practices
Real talk + feedback about professional practices for writers and critics, along with practical methods for working with editors and getting your writing published and seen.
Art Criticism History / Research
Conversation + lectures about the history of art criticism, contemporary theory and art writing, and methods of research and approaches to critical analysis. In addition artists will have access to a curated extensive recommended reading list.
Writing Edits
Artists enrolled receive edits of art reviews and an essay on a subject within contemporary art by a guest editor.
Critic and Publisher Introduction in NYC
The Canopy Program feature in a tour of art publications and galleries in New York City.
Application Information
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Program acceptance will be based on level of commitment to the year's schedule and the development of the artist's work and experience. The level of participation within each artist's respective community and their engagement with group dynamics is considered in this program's scope and application decisions.
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Artists of all ages welcome to apply. Must be 20 years old + and not currently enrolled in an undergraduate program.
Artists of any academic pedigree (BA, BFA, MFA, or self-taught) are welcome to apply. Artists are juried based on the caliber of their work and dedication to their artistic practice.
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For a spring, summer and fall cohort cycle - applications will be live November through mid January.
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Please view our View FAQ page for more context
Tuition + Financial Aid + Scholarships
Cost Breakdown
The full tuition total is $6,500
This breaks down to $88 per contact hour. We believe in full transparency for where tuition dollars go.
We offer payment plans as well as financial aid and scholarships.
Learn more about tuition break down and financial aid opportunities.
FPO
Scholarship
$3,000 Scholarship offered to one artist in each Canopy Program cohort.
Juried by Catherine Haggarty
Qualified candidates:
Have applied to the Criticism + Theory cohort
Have demonstrable financial need
Are committed to serving their community
Are committed to their artistic development