The Making of Arts Networking
Just as I was arriving, a TV crew and a journalist were entering the venue too. As the TV crew moved ahead, the journalist fell behind, and I was able to catch up with him. What happened next is a great illustration of why networking for artists is so essential! As we got to talking, I introduced myself and the journalist asked about my work. Soon, he asked if he could see some of my exhibits and I gladly complied, explaining in detail some of the finer points of my best display pieces. Well, as I said before, my mind was furthest away from realizing how networking were at play here; but even though I didn’t realise it at the time, that’s exactly what was happening, I had just interconnected with this journalist! A few days following this unplanned encounter, I saw an article in the local newspaper. It was about the exhibition, complete with my images and highlighting the work that I had displayed! You can imagine how astonished I was at this unexpected publicity! Even though I hadn’t consciously set out to do any arts networking, I managed to pull off a networking coup! I later thanked the journalist, and commended him on how well the article was written. He was appreciative of the fact that, even though it was a busy time for me, since I was one of the exhibitors, I had taken time to tell him about my work in great detail. We have been in close contact for many years. All in all I realised that networking for artists does not only pay off but brings people who have similar interests together as a community! |
Communicate Effectively
Almost every skill can be learned even the art of communication. It does not matter, if you are shy or a weak speaker, by starting out in small steps you will find that in time, networking gets easier. I was terrified to speak in front of a larger group, until I pushed myself into the role of an art teacher, because I loved it too much and within days I felt not only comfortable but deeply enjoyed teaching. It is exciting to push through fear and expand who you are. |
My initial experience of arts networking was unintentional, but the long-term benefits of communicating with others has brought many opportunities. My artist friend and I had a very professional “give and take” relationship, where I helped him on art-related stories he covers, and he occasionally reported events where I had participated. However, networking for artists shouldn’t be an unintentional thing. If you are in the art business, you should make it a conscious part of your artist promotion and marketing strategy to network. Here’s why:
So how does one go about networking? Well, networking opportunities are all around you – in the grocery store, the gym, at the community center, on the train or bus – all you have to do is reach out:
Arts networking doesn’t have to be very complex; but it does need to be a formal part of your marketing and promotional strategy. |
ART CLASSES
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