If your bio is your introduction and your artist statement is your voice, then your CV is your professional track record. 😊 An artist CV (curriculum vitae) is a document that lists your career achievements in detail, exhibitions, awards, residencies, publications, and memberships. Galleries, jurors, and curators often look at an artist’s CV to quickly gauge their level of experience and credibility. In other words, while your statement explains your ideas, your CV shows the proof that you’re actively contributing to the art world.

Why do awards, memberships, and exhibitions matter so much? Because they shape how others perceive your value as an artist. Prestigious awards can raise the price of your art: your collectors are not just buying a painting or sculpture, they’re buying into the recognition you’ve earned. Memberships in respected associations or artist societies matter because you “borrow” their credibility. Being listed alongside other accomplished artists puts you in their company and signals that you’ve met certain standards. Similarly, juried shows, residencies, and publications build trust. The more visible and selective your achievements are, the stronger your reputation becomes.

Another important point: the more projects you participate in, the better. Every exhibition, residency, or collaboration adds weight to your CV, showing that you are active, committed, and engaged with your field. Even smaller projects can build momentum when combined. Over time, a steady flow of activity demonstrates growth, consistency, and ambition.

That said, the challenge is not to overwhelm your reader. A CV is not meant to be an endless list of everything you’ve ever done. The most effective artist CVs organize information into sections—Education, Select Exhibitions, Awards, Publications, Memberships, Residencies. Within each, you can choose the most prestigious, relevant, or recent examples. For instance, list two or three solo exhibitions in detail, then group group shows under “Select Exhibitions.” Do the same with awards and publications. This way, your CV stays readable and professional while still showing the breadth of your accomplishments.

Here are a few extra tips to strengthen your artist CV:

  • Prioritize quality over quantity. A single prestigious award or residency is worth more than a long list of local shows.
  • Keep it clear and simple. Use consistent formatting—year, exhibition title, venue, location. Avoid decorative flourishes that distract from the content.
  • Update regularly. Add new achievements as they happen so you don’t forget important milestones.
  • Tailor it to your audience. A CV for a gallery submission may highlight exhibitions, while a grant application may emphasize residencies and publications.
  • Be selective. “Select” shows or awards imply curation. You’re telling the reader: these are the achievements that matter most.

A strong CV doesn’t just record your past, it actively shapes your future. By curating your achievements and highlighting the right details, you present yourself as an artist whose career is on a clear, professional path. When paired with a strong bio and statement, your CV becomes one of the cornerstones of your artistic identity.