Get Involved in Your Local Art Community!
Whether you’re moving to a new city or exploring your own, on today’s episode we talk about the advantages and strategy behind researching art opportunities, spaces, and events in your area. This action oriented episode is great for artists who want to get more connected with their local art community, who may be intimidated or overwhelmed with jumping in, and for artists who may not know where to begin.
Researching Art Opportunities
Whether you’re moving to a new city or exploring your own, here are some ideas to help you research the art opportunities in your area. Treat it like an adventure, discovering new places and making friends without the pressure with having to “pitch” yourself or your art.
Researching art opportunities is a great idea for artists who want to get more connected with their local art community, who may be intimidated or overwhelmed with jumping in, or for artists who don’t know where to begin.
So, where do you start?
Visiting physical spaces
Researching opportunities
Attending events
Researching Physical Spaces
Research physical spaces by making a master list of all the places you want to explore and then start checking them off! This list can include museums, galleries, art non-profits, regional art organizations, outdoor markets, indoor art fairs, and more! If you begin to get overwhelmed, start with 2 or 3 and then go from there! It may also help to go “undercover” in order to fully experience these events and spaces as if you were a collector yourself.
Researching Opportunities
Researching opportunities in your area is a great way to stay in the loop with what is happening in your area. The best way to do this is to subscribe to local listservs because they will generally share upcoming events, artist opportunities, artist calls, news etc.
Researching Events
Researching events is a great way to see which physical spaces or opportunities may be a good fit for you and your work! When doing this, look up a calendar of events for the next 2-3 months and then put them on your own personal calendar! Going to events is the best way to experience new places. To make the experience even better, invite friends to join you, especially if they are artists too!
Evaluate
Once you begin to explore spaces, opportunities, and events it can be a great way to meet new people (so bring business cards just in case)! Networking with other artists and event attendees is a great way to connect with your community, get insight into the opportunity you are exploring, and see if this may be a good fit for you.
When you leave ask yourself:
Is this event one that I would like to be a part of one day?
Is the quality and price point of my artwork in line with the ones on display?
Does this audience match who I would ideally like to connect with?
Then, if it seems like a good fit, ask yourself:
What do I need to do in order to get ready and be prepared for this kind of event or opportunity? This can include updating your CV and/or resume in order to apply, having a body of work or products that would be appropriate for this opportunity, and network with artists who have participated before in order to get advice for success!
When in doubt go into every location or event with an open mind! It can be tough at times but don't let self limiting beliefs of what is possible one day get in your way. The creative community is a big one with lots of events and opportunities happening all at once so although every opportunity may not be a good fit for your and your work, connecting with fellow creatives and supporting your local art scene is always a productive use of your time! Keep exploring and eventually you will find a place that you belong!
Podcast Music By Corey Claxton:
Website: https://www.coreyclaxton.com/
Instagram: @thecoreyclaxton
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3gMzkkK
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