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Research papers
As a well-respected UK organisation representing the practices and concerns of professional artists, we not only undertake our own research on an on-going basis to inform cultural policy and arts planning, but are often called to give evidence to and advice on specific initiatives and campaigns. This section of the site draws together as downloadable pdf files 'hard facts' drawn from our research, evidence provided to inquiries and consultations, and conference presentations on issues around artists and their value and interface with social and economic environments.
Series titles
Changing face of artists' employment
Explores the affect of the economic recession on the livelihoods of artists in terms of access to employment and career opportunities and raises concerns about how artists' practice is likely to fare in this period of arts austerity.
Making a living as an artist
The second of the Research papers series, Debra Savage presents her case study-based research into the working lives of artists. With foreword by Rohini Malik Okon.
View publication pdf, text-only version and companion detailed case studies below.
Leading through practice
Anne Douglas and Chris Fremantle of On The Edge Research share insights into the Artist as Leader research programme. The research aims to understand the way artists lead through their practice with a view to informing and developing a critical understanding of the role of creativity in culture. With contributions from Linda Frye Burnham, Reiko Goto, Tim Nunn and Francis McKee.
Biennials and city-wide events
Edited by Jeanine Griffin and Steve Dutton, looks at the issue of local versus global with reference to the ever increasing number of biennials and city-wide exhibition projects taking place around the world. Includes essays by John Byrne, Neil Mulholland and Jan Verwoert.
Art work in 2007
A review of the changing face of work for visual artists using a-n’s regularly researched and published information on jobs and opportunities. Focusing on the main areas of awards and fellowships, commissions, competitions and prizes, exhibitions and residencies, this Research paper analyses the key findings for 2007.
Boxed in
Sonya Dyer's publication questions assumptions about non-white artists, curators and administrators that shape the current diversity landscape, and suggests alternative ways forward.
Indexing intelligence
Updated for 2008 Research papers, Indexing intelligence is a listing with live weblinks of accessible 'facts and figures', research studies, conference reports, publications and other resources that are pertinent to all those working in the visual arts, compiled and edited by Sheena Etches and Terri Harris.
Sections on Public policy, Artists' contemporary practice, Location & community, Networks and professional development.
Artists' livelihood strategies
Emily Speed looks at the complex nature of how artists make a living. She profiles four artists whom she worked alongside at the Salzamt, Linz, all based in Austria and Germany: Katharina Gruzei, Jens Sundheim, Clemens Kogler and Maximillian Haidacher.
Alternative art schools
Pippa Koszerek investigates the recent revival of alternative art schools within the context of contemporary artworld preoccupations and cultural movements. She profiles eight alternative art school projects and invites three opinion articles from Students' Union officer Robyn Minogue, art historian Martin Patrick and artist Terry Smith.
Ladders for development
New evidence exposing, quantifying and discussing the likely impact on the visual arts of Arts Council England's decisions on fifteen previously Regularly Funded Organisations (RFOs) visual arts organisations unsuccessful in their NPO application. It shows that a disproportionate number of artists' membership and development agencies and practice-based organisations lost core funding, despite ACE's aim of creating a balanced national portfolio and makes recommendations for sustaining their work as part of a strengthened arts ecology.
Understanding Turning Point
More information on the history and scope each of the regional Turning Point networks such as objectives, priorities and membership of committees and decision-making groups, and the 2011 stakeholder survey results plus a commentary on the future challenge.
A fair share?
A fair share - direct funding for individual artists from UK arts councils. Is there enough funding going to individual artists and are the application processes user-friendly? We asked Dany Louise to examine the current state of play for grants to individual artists from the UK arts councils - including comparators of volumes of artists applying and success rates - to see whether a 'fair share' has been getting into the hands of artists to develop their practice.