Who We Are

NYC Crit Club is a radical alternative program offering community, connection, and critique to artists post BFA/MFA + self-taught. Our programming spans studio critique, art history, art theory, material based intensives, research & writing, professional practices, as well as independent studies for artists. The program supports and strengthens artists’ work while building connections between artists, visiting critics and curators. 

The fundamental mission of the organization is to offer the highest level of critique, dialogue and community support without financial stress and to be as inclusive as possible in all ways. NYC Crit Club is uniquely low cost and requires flexibility in time commitment, as artists can take one course when available or as many as they can manage. Time is a valuable commodity that is not afforded to all - so these courses support those who are ready, serious and excited to improve while they maintain their studio and work requirements. 

NYC Crit Club is not a replacement for an MFA and does not want to be. The opportunity to expand learning & community post school is at the core of this project - we support and advocate for several amazing MFA programs within our networks. We want to encourage learning and growth individually and not offer a prescription on how artists should operate - rather we want to listen and help in ways that are specific to each artist. 

NYC Crit Club is a woman-run organization and co-founded in 2017 by artists Catherine Haggarty & Hilary Doyle. The program offers fair pay and employment opportunities to esteemed critics and faculty who are artists, curators or gallerists. NYC Crit Club currently led by Catherine Haggarty, NYC Crit Club Co-Founder and Founder of The Canopy Program. Artist, Amanda Hunter, is the Director of Operations who handles programming logistics + communications.

NYC Crit Club serves artists all around the world!

NYC Crit Club values equity and justice for artists of all backgrounds. It is our intent that artists from diverse backgrounds and perspectives be well-served and represented by NYC Crit Club. The diversity that artists bring to classes is viewed with respect as a strength, benefit and asset in our courses. It is our goal to present materials and activities that are inclusive and respectful of diversity: gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, culture, education, and other background characteristics. The program offers financial aid in the form of financial aid and BIPOC scholarships as part of our commitment to serving artists inclusively.

NYC Crit Club aims to include artists, critics and faculty with a variety of backgrounds, work and research. This range of diversity in educational background and life experience improves conversations and contributions both formally and conceptually within the program. This inclusivity also creates a safe space of learning where peer driven dialogue fuels the courses and promotes a positive and serious art experience.

NYC Crit Club prides itself on improving the pay rate and faculty / critic experience within the organization. We want to be transparent about compensation to faculty, as the cost of courses echo our value system which is rooted in inclusion and ethical practices in hiring, class experience and outreach to new communities. 

Ethical Employment

Affordable Quality Education

NYC Crit Club was founded in 2017 by Hilary Doyle and Catherine Haggarty.

Select Lectures

Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design

Catherine Haggarty “A Flexible Framework”

Articles

Podcasts