Publications

Networker

By: S Mark Gubb

Following the Self Assembly conference organised by a-n in March, Mark Gubb discusses how to make friends and influence people, highlighting some of the words and phrases used by Chair Jason E Bowman that are sometimes associated with networking.

" ...autonomy, infiltration, collusion, covertness, multiple listening, 'inter', governance, failure, sharing, structuring, control and management, disguise, trickery, lies and honesty, deception, intrigue, curiosity, collaboration, parallel economies, malicious behaviour, anxiety, 'the cover story', personality, flexibility, targeting..." Use the word 'networking' and to many people yuppies, power dressing and business breakfasts spring to mind. The voracious 'get-what-I-want-then-I'm-all-right' type of networking that epitomised the 1980s is unpleasant, and often counterproductive, but to get anywhere in your field, networking on some level is required. For networking, the dictionary definition of "an extended group of people with similar interests or concerns who interact and remain in informal contact for mutual assistance or support", sits more comfortably with structures we all have and use; and it becomes apparent that it's a necessary and integral part of artistic practice. From attending conferences and going to exhibition openings, to having a drink in the pub with friends, all are ultimately part of building networks and support structures and are often how and why...

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