The Labs
Spring 2025 Applications are now open.
Visit the APPLY page for info and application.
The Crit Lab is a supportive forum for exploration and discussion of work at all stages of development, from nascent, vulnerable, in-progress, experimental, to completed works in all media. The rigorous, ongoing, intensive, inclusive, space of the meetings encourages work to flourish and grow in critical depth and perception, within a strong community of committed artists. In the Labs we build trust, engage intensively with the work, gain a common language, and nurture bodies of ideas over time. The connection and community transcend the Lab.
We utilize an ethical framework for our art practice and in our community. We use radical observation in our encounter with objects and radical listening to the work and the artist. The Lab uses an egalitarian critical analysis that meets the work where it is in order to learn from it. We do not evaluate, judge, or offer value-based directives.
The Lab works with artists to gain clarity on conceptual ideas, and how they are realized through visual and material strategies. The Lab creates accountability, intensifies focus, structures studio practice, and builds language to articulate and contextualize the artist's voice. Through guided, engaged, viewing and discussion, artists are supported by the cohort to push boundaries in their work.
We Cultivate Brave Safe Spaces
We offer multiple Lab structures:
Main Lab; Nxt Lvl Lab; Project Lab, Duet Lab and more.
Info on the Labs at links above.
Click here to learn about our new
Winter 2025 Lab Intensive at Truro Center for the Arts
at Castle Hill Edgewood Farm Campus in Truro MA
February 10-22, 2025
Max 8 artists. (one spot left)
Crit Lab participants have priority applications
To learn more about our philosophy and pedagogy, visit the about page.
The Crit Lab is Mobile, IRL, Virtual, Adaptable
Cohorts are curated for maximum engagement and connection.
The Crit Lab Pedagogy is rigorously employed in all Labs.
Lab Participation Includes:
1. Artist page on The Crit Lab website, a public space where all current Lab artists are featured.
2. Forever access to our Crit Lab Mighty Network.
This is a private social media Crit Lab space where we share crits, conversations, exhibitions, articles, professional tools, resources, opportunities, and more. Access is permanent and there are no member fees. (some sections may only be accessible to current critters)
3. Promotion on our instagram throughout the session
4. A page on the Crit Lab Flat File, a virtual shop. 10% of proceeds go to Earth Justice (the Flat File is free for all current Critters, $45/year for those not currently in a Lab)
Contact us for more info.