Show notes
“I don’t know enough people” might be one of the most convenient lies artists tell themselves. And before you get cross with me, hear me out.
If you tell yourself, you don’t know the right curators, collectors, commissioners, gallerists, or writers, you get to keep believing the problem is your network. You don’t have to risk contacting somebody. You don’t have to hear no. And you get to keep hoping that one day somebody might discover you.
But hope is protecting you from the very thing your work needs you to do.
I speak to artists every single day, and I hear versions of this constantly. “I live in the arse end of nowhere.” “I don’t have the money.” “I hate private views.” ““I’m awkward.” “I didn’t go to the right art school.” “My work is too strange.” “I’m an introvert.”
And look, I have empathy with a lot of this. I’m an introvert myself. Given the choice, I would much rather sit in my little home office writing or talking properly to one interesting person than spend three hours shouting over somebody at a private view.
But I think something else is going on.
Why, when you already know how to network, are you still not doing it?
I don’t think most artists need another lesson in networking. I think some of you need to stop waiting to feel comfortable enough to start. That’s what today is about.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Stop waiting to be discovered. You can’t control whether somebody says yes, but you can control whether you make the invitation, send the email, follow up, or put the work in front of somebody.
You don’t need the whole art world. You need your world: the people whose interests genuinely overlap with what you’re exploring.
Who curated the exhibition that you loved, who wrote that essay that you keep returning to? Who commissioned that artist whose trajectory really fascinates you? Start with your curiosity, research those people, and follow the threads.
You don’t have to become fearless, extroverted, or brilliant at networking. Start ridiculously small. Find five people you’d genuinely like to talk to, choose one, and contact them. Then do it again next week. One small gesture each week is all it takes.
BEST MOMENTS
“Your network should grow out of your curiosity, not your desperation, because desperation makes everybody look like a gatekeeper. Curiosity makes everybody interesting.”
“When your brain says, "I don't know anybody, I want you to course correct it. It's a thought error. Say I don't know them yet.”
“You don’t have to become fearless. You just have to become more practised.”
HOST BIO
With over 35 years in the art world, Ceri has worked closely with leading artists and arts professionals, managed public and private galleries and charities, and curated more than 250 exhibitions and events. She has sold artworks to major museums and private collectors and commissioned thousands of works across diverse media, from renowned artists such as John Akomfrah, Pipilotti Rist, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer and Vito Acconci. Now, she wants to share her extensive knowledge with you, so you can excel and achieve your goals.
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Unlock Your Artworld Network Self Study Course
Our self-study video course, "Unlock Your Artworld Network," offers a straightforward 5-step framework to help you build valuable relationships effortlessly. Gain the tools and confidence you need to thrive in the art world today.
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This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/