We have heard countless of times about the importance of networking. It is tedious, time-consuming and probably only for extroverts. I get it, I’ve been there before. As an introvert I know first-hand that awkward feeling of being thrown away at an event with none known faces in the horizon. No but truly, networking is crucial for the development of everyone’s career. So more for the arts, as collaboration between individuals is a key component of art itself, at least to me.
Okay, you’ve realised the importance of networking. So, how can I meet relevant people in the arts industry?
Showing up at events
First and foremost: show up at events as if it were your job. Small talking at openings is a great exposure, as well as serving the essential function of self-promotion. But, as obvious as it gets, not many artists follow this religiously. By going to gallery and museum openings, your chances of meeting the curator or gallerist are as high as your willingness to dare to talk to them. Research first who the individuals you’d like to meet are, and be familiar with their faces and names, so you know who to interact with when you see them IRL.
Apart from gallery openings, look in your city for the following events and try to go to as many as possible as it is very likely curators and other cultural practitioners might attend too: art conferences and talks, presale exhibitions arranged by auction houses, lectures, art fairs, launches of public art projects by brands in collaboration with artists, etc.
Interacting with your peers
Fellow artists, especially if they are more experienced and established than you in the industry, could provide you with valuable connections and advice. Share your goals and ambitions with them and you will see that most of the time they will genuinely try to connect you with someone you’d wish to. Besides your college and studio mates, you can meet new artists via IG, visiting their studios or attending to annual degree shows (whether if you’re doing a BA/MA or not).
Engaging with arts organisations
Join organisations dedicated to supporting artists and/or other creatives, for they often organise networking activities and events that might help you meet interesting people in the sector. You can also become a member of arts associations and clubs and benefit from the network they naturally provide with by meeting other members, who most likely work in the industry as well. Some of these, in London, include The Association of Women in the Arts, Saloon London, I Like Networking, or if you want something fancier, the Arts Club.
Reaching out on social media
Don’t be afraid of connecting with people you wish to establish a work relationship with on social media. You can do this organically by commenting (always in a genuine and respectful way) on a curator’s or gallerist’s post or story. The chances that they peek to your profile afterwards are quite high so make sure your Instagram profile is showcasing you and your art in the best possible way.
And those are some of the strategies you can take to meet curators and gallery owners/directors. Just show up, be yourself and have always ready some visit cards with your contact details!
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