Artists are supported by a vast network of people working behind the scenes, helping them navigate both the abundant opportunities and the inevitable challenges that come with their careers.
In this episode of The Art Biz I’m thrilled to talk with one of those key people.
Virginia Broersma is an artist deeply committed to her practice and a passionate advocate for empowering fellow artists with the tools they need to thrive.
Her work in the Los Angeles area includes The Artist’s Contract, a groundbreaking collaboration with an attorney. This much-needed resource has evolved into Studio Loan—a program that helps artists secure studio space, powered by that very contract.
Virginia’s dedication reminds us that artists don’t have to navigate their careers in isolation. Collaboration and shared resources not only protect artists but also foster a sense of community that strengthens the entire art world.
By developing tools like those we discuss, Virginia is addressing critical gaps in the industry—helping artists advocate for themselves and secure the space they need to create. Her story is a testament to the power of artists supporting one another, and how that support can transform their careers.
In this episode, we explore these initiatives and discuss how you might start something similar in your community. But first, we reflect on the current landscape for artists.
Listen
Virginia Broersma Quotes
“I started to think about how I could transition the work that I was doing for other jobs—architects, music publishers, investment makers—take those skills and put them to work for artists.”
“I wanted to formalize a way of getting that information to people and helping them through the process… not providing artists with giant lists that caused them to do more work, but really eliminating a lot of the work.”
“ … Artists were saying, ‘No, I don’t use contracts. I am embarrassed to ask for them.’”
“I had this idea that it would be great to create a bulletin board where these people could find each other. And then if they want to share space, loan out… somebody wants to loan out their studio and somebody wants to borrow a studio, they can be protected by using a contract.”
“Networking, to me, is not about telling other people about me. It’s getting to know my community … just so that I have that information.”
“Artists are creative problem solvers, and it doesn’t always have to be something very complicated.”
Related Episodes
On the law, collaboration, and supporting one another.
About My Guest
Virginia Broersma is a Los Angeles-based artist whose figurative paintings focus on countercultural health and leisure practices. In addition to her studio practice, her engagement with the art community involves curating, writing, collaborative projects, public art, and advocacy.
In 2019 Virginia launched The Artist’s Office, through which she creates systems of support for artists’ professional practices. Then in 2020, she co-founded The Artist’s Contract to create, gather and share legal resources with artists including free contract templates.
Follow Virginia on Instagram: @virginiabroersma
2 thoughts on “Artist Contracts, Studio Loans, and Collaboration with Virginia Broersma (ep. 207)”
Your interview with Virginia was very informative and inspiring! Thank you both!
Thanks for listening, Diana. Virginia is incredible!