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signpost
the importance of being connected
getting connected is one of themost important things
you need to dowhen starting out as a newartist. It’s
imperative that you begin to forma network (if you
haven’t already got one in your graduating group).
That old adage ‘it’s not what you know, but who you
know’ may not bewholly true, but in the art world at
least, letting people knowwho you are, where you are,
andwhat you do can reallymove you along.
a-n offers plenty of opportunities for artists at all stages of their
career. Critical writing bursaries, for example, can get you started as
a reviewer, while Go and see bursaries help give artists the funds to
go to amazing places. My own experience of a trip to Lille supported
by a-n – promoted as a research and networking opportunity – was
incredibly positive. I went on to work with a number of artists I met
on the trip, providing opportunities for them through my activities,
but also gaining opportunities from them; including a two-month
curatorial bursary, a commission for a publication and ongoing
support and advice over the years.
The key to getting so much out of the trip was making sure I was
proactive. I took publications and business cards with me, and
made sure to exchange them with people. on my return to the UK, I
followed-up on interesting conversations with emails. I also visited
people back in their own spaces in Preston, Nottingham and Margate.
I also wrote up my experiences on my blog, which brought a lot of
traffic as a result.
If you are really interested in other people and what they are up to,
they will also be interested in you and what you are doing. Take
opportunities, maximise them, make connections – but remember to
keep them going too.
A F
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ArTiST’S PAgE: JoHnny gAilEy
Johnny Gailey is a freelance
photographer, artist, educator and
organiser based in Edinburgh. Since
2000, he has worked freelance for a
range of organisations in the visual
arts, community arts and gallery
education sector in Scotland, including
An Tuireann on the Isle of Skye and
The Fruitmarket Gallery in Edinburgh.
Johnny has written for publications
and contributed to national debates
and sectoral development via
advisory work and speaking at
events across Europe. In 2011, he
programmed the engage International
conference, held in Margate, UK,
bringing together practitioners,
artists and academics from across
the world to discuss participation.
Currently, his time is divided
between the studio, developing
projects, curating, researching and
writing; the darkroom, working on
developing and printing an exhibition
of photography; and across the UK,
where he works with a range of
partners on participation in the arts.
Formalliances/gangs/clubs/schools/studios. Bepart of something,
especially if you’ve just graduated. Regular contactwithsuchgroups
remindsyou that youareanartist andnot just ashopgirl/bartender/
houseworker/marketingassistant. It keepsyour eyeon theprize
(whatever that is!).
MarcelleHolt, artist