During the series Artist Meetings (an initiative of Art is A Guarantee en Culture+Entrepreneurship, in collaboration with CBK Rotterdam), artists and experts investigate how they could strengthen and expand their independent social and economic position. Central is the exchange of knowledge, insights and a series of concrete tools. On this page we bundle the toolkits that emerged from these meetings.
1. This is how you build relationships with collectors
Artists, designers, photographers, musicians and performing artists, the world is changing for every discipline. We are less dependent on galleries, traditional representatives, labels. The advantage of this is that we can take more control ourselves. How can you market your work without losing your authenticity?
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2. Five steps to a successful presentation
If you let an idea mature long enough in the privacy of your studio, the day will come when it will be finished: completely perfect, perfect, ready to take the world by storm. However? Well no, that is indeed too good to be true. How do you give a presentation that conveys the essence of your work and – very importantly – stays in the mind of your listener?
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3. How to constructively organize cooperation
If you want to develop new work as an artist, it can be interesting to explore the possibilities of a collaboration. With education, for example, with the government or with the business community. But how do you find parties that match your work in terms of interests? How can you best recognize and capitalize on opportunities? And how do you keep a collaboration permanently relevant?
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4. How do you get found online?
Art collectors, clients and curators regularly search for art online. A good website can therefore bring you a lot. But then it is important that your site is easy to find.
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5. How do you build a relationship with a patron?
When you hear the word 'patronage' you may think of the Medici family or the Guggenheims: wealthy people who have managed to immortalize their name by supporting art. Patronage – private individuals who support artists – has existed for centuries and can still be a way to strengthen your artistry today. In exchange for that support, the patron does expect a few things in return: it is good to be aware of this before entering into such a relationship.
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6. How can you effectively spar with like-minded people?
A peer group is a group of like-minded people who meet regularly to discuss a shared topic. Such a group functions on the basis of equality – there is no chairman, no hierarchy. The common goal is to grow: professionally as well as personally. A peer group can be a valuable tool for artists. This way you can exchange knowledge and experience, present issues, discuss your work, address each other's network and inspire each other.
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7. This is how you use your creative power for social issues
In art school you learn to embrace failure, allow for chance or start a quest when you have no idea what you're looking for. In short: how to think like an artist. This way of thinking also proves valuable when tackling social issues. For example, makers are increasingly being involved by governments. With these five steps you can use your repertoire to effect change.
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8. How does the art market work and how can you respond to it?
Traditionally, the gallery is the most important place for selling art. But there is more and more room for other ways to create a market for your work. Understanding the mechanisms of the art market can increase your chances of selling your work.
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9. A patron or crowdfunding? This is how you successfully raise money for your art
A patron or crowdfunding? This is how you successfully raise money for your art
It sounds too good to be true: a patron, or a well-to-do giver who supports you as an artist with money, materials or a studio. Still, you don't have to be called Leonardo da Vinci to find support for your work in this way. There are plenty of ways to maintain your artistic autonomy while accepting support from one or more donors. Experts Helleke van den Braber (Professor of Patronage Studies, Utrecht University) and Marjolein Marzacu (Project member Leve het Giving, voordekunst) share their insights on the art of asking.
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10. Procrastination? A personal user manual offers a solution
First a little cleaning, taking a look at social media, another coffee, watching a series... and the day is almost over. Maybe better start tomorrow. Sounds familiar? Research shows that 95% of people sometimes suffer from procrastination, or procrastination. For artists, 'not knowing yet' can be an essential part of the artistic process: creative ideas need time to mature. But it can also be paralyzing to keep putting off tasks for you. As a certified procrastination coach, Angela van Son helps people gain insight into the triggers and causes of their procrastination. On the basis of this you can draw up your own 'manual'.
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