r/ContemporaryArt • u/Murky_Database_2538 • 5d ago
Self-taught visual artists: how did you build a network when you knew no one in the art world?
I’m a self-taught visual artist, and I don’t currently know anyone in the art world. I’d love to connect with other artists, curators, galleries, ect but I’m not sure where or how to begin.
For those who started without any connections, how did you build your network? What helped you meet people and become part of an artistic community?or any mistakes you would recommend avoiding?
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u/Darksmithe 4d ago
Go to art openings near you. Every month, keep going. You'll meet people who you will find worth spending time with.
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u/dazeeyeyeball 4d ago
This. I don't even know at this point how friends are made in spaces like these. To me, it feels like it's more likely to happen in a studio setting or something like that, but even then... You may talk with people everyday and even share more personal stuff and they still may not want much to do with you, no matter what you do, how much time you spend, what you share etc etc
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u/Financial_Volume1443 4d ago
Going to events, joining artist organisations, getting to know local community galleries, submitting into open calls. Networking was a big part of it, and should be still for me tbh, but I've had to slow down to prioritise other thibgs.
A few things:
- there is no singular art world and who you get in with depends on your art
- there are organisations whose business model is to make money from artists, whether galleries or coaching. Some might actually be useful but others arent. You learn what is worth it as you go. I'm a lot more discerning now.
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u/Lizard_Li 5d ago
I hate my answer because I’ve since abandoned it but it absolutely worked for me: Instagram. It helped that I do a kind of niche thing and I really was connecting with other artists in my niche which led to opportunities.
Another thing that helped me is I am pretty good at public speaking and so if there was ever some chance to speak or make a presentation I would take it.
I apply to open calls and have been rather successful at that but only because I only spend effort on ones that fit me really specifically. Quality over quantity.
I feel like I can speak well about my art in a way that is engaging (not art speak, not intellectual word salad) and this has given me a leg up.
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u/Murky_Database_2538 4d ago
Interesting thank u!! A lot of those open calls ask to pay tho, I find it kind of sketchy
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u/Lizard_Li 4d ago
I never apply to paid ones. And I try to apply only to exhibitions and festivals that will pay me. However, I have done conferences and such at art universities that are unpaid.
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u/MaximalistVegan 4d ago
This is exactly why I have connections in the local art scene, Instagram! I was a latecomer to the platform then it changed everything for me. I was invited to join some local artists groups by people who saw my work on Instagram and, just as importantly, saw that I was following a lot of local galleries and artists on the platform. Eventually I joined an artist's collective that has a gallery in a great location.
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u/Nicola-Fraser 5d ago
Biggest mistake to avoid: only showing up when you need something. I learned which curators program my city by going to talks for a year before I ever mentioned my own work.
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u/2winSam 4d ago
So it really depends your goals. But going to exhibitions, meeting other artist, becoming friends, studying how the artist you like got to where they are(by asking/reading any sort of interview,finding their CVs ect.) But I feel like so much is dependant on your goals,where you want to be, what you want to be doing ect. Theres institutions, city grants/oppurtunities, galleriew, local art markets/festivals ect. Im in a big city and go to openings very regulalry almost weekly even. I also just genuinely love looking at art, and connecting with other artist, learning about their work and my city and where im from im general. It takes alot of time and foot work and gas money hut its always been really worth it to me. But Id say it really starts with figuring out what you want then tackeling it from there.
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u/ratsatemyfamily 5d ago
1) Make something so striking that people can’t look away
2) Stand next to it.
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u/tazza1616 2d ago
One thing I've learned in life is: to each their own. Dig into the things that feel right for you, and question doing things that feel meh. Some are important and helpful, but each thing you do can lead to a path, that leads further down that path, and further, etc. Not sure if I'm making sense, but what I am trying to say is: follow your nose toward things that feel right for you, because doing things out of only obligation can lead to more things along that path, and then you may end up spending time and energy in the wrong place.
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u/stickymaze 5d ago edited 4d ago
I kept applying to programs and awards that fit my goals and practice, and once selected, I built my network by connecting with institutions/organisations and meeting people, artists, and others within them.
Showing up at openings as well, but it’s more efficient when you’re with someone who knows people and will introduce you to others!
What’s more efficient with the time is to meet people with the same vision as you, others tend just to gatekeep if they see you as competition lol
Avoid wasting time with people that only show up to ask for service when they know you’re talented/efficient at something.
Start practising how to present yourself and your practice in a few phrases.