I’ve just been reading the ‘Trade off’ survey as published in a-n : http://t.co/8Q3Feq5 in which it states that ‘galleries don’t like artists approaching them’.
Athough it is meant to be about ‘Commercial’ galleries, It made me wonder how many other galleries feel the same?
I can partly emphasise with some of them as after working in an arts institution for so long, I know that an endless stream of hopefuls do turn up with their portfolios and expect to be seen. But it is a little worrying that it is no longer a ‘done’ thing.
Q How do you prefer artists to approach your gallery (if at all)? A “It is not a method we use for finding artists.”…. “We don’t really. We never say no to an email with images but we have never taken on an artist that has approached us.” ….”Artists should only approach a gallery if they have been recommended. Don’t bombard/cold call/turn up; galleries don’t like artists approaching them.”
It gets even more worrying….
Do you think it is helpful for artists to have their own portfolio-based websites? “Sometimes, yes. But I’d warn against advertising/flaunting it.
Oh no!! I’ve just scanned through the pages of twitter and face book and noted how many artists have given their web pages a plug. So is that wrong?
Does that also mean that we should shun publicity?
I find the article ( although fascinating) particularly disturbing, as I’ve been working at this centre which gets virtually no visitors at all. Although not a gallery, It was me that approached them with my portfolio etc… and it’s me that has given my work constant plugs. I want people to come..to see the work…to join in…and for other artists to use the space.
But now I’m thinking – should I have just sat quietly in the studio and not told anyone and hope that someone will find me?
Feel a bit depressed now : (
