Networking For Artists
A Lifeblood For Art Businesses

In my earlier days as a budding artist entrepreneur, I learned an important lesson on about the role of the artist and networking. I was on my way to an exhibition sponsored by one of the art organisations that I belonged to.  As a member, I was aware of the schedule of the press and media coverage, so I decided to time my arrival at the venue, not because I appreciated the value of networking, but just to ensure I didn’t miss any of the action.

Well, unbeknownst to me, that turned out to be a very wise arts networking move!

The Making of Arts Networking

Communicate Effectively

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!

Networking For Artists 101

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:

  • As a business person, you need other people, groups and organisations within your sphere of influence. It is through arts networking that those influences are cultivated.
  • Strong networks can lead to referrals, for future work as well as future assistance you may need to collaborate on joint projects.
  • When it comes to getting to know people of influence, and having them get to know you and your work, the artist and networking go hand in hand. If you don’t engage, you and your business are likely to remain largely anonymous! 
  • When you network with others, you build personal and professional relationships, which can subsequently be leveraged to everyone's advantage. And since marketing, selling and business promotion are a key outcome of good networks, networking for artists is extremely important.

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:

  • Join arts organisations you like. Perhaps even volunteer on the board or a committee there. When you give of your time, like I did on many occasions not only with my now long-time journalist friend, you’ll get back manifold! I cannot count the amount of information I gained to get to know the arts industry.
  • Networking for artists is about building contacts. Make sure you hand out your email and business cards at every meeting, exhibition or social event you go to. And request others to provide their contacts as well, but do not insist!
  • Join relevant online communities on Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms, and contribute regularly to those communities.
  • Start a blog, and make sure you respond to every comment or post that you get to your writings, pictures and posts. Your followers will become your most extensive network!

Arts networking doesn’t have to be very complex; but it does need to be a formal part of your marketing and promotional strategy.
Learn To Communicate Picture
Research Paper

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.
Martina Pook