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Professional development of artists

23 Feb, 2018 - 00:02 0 Views
Professional development of artists Artists participating in a workshop at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe

eBusiness Weekly

Arts Correspondent
There has been a number of developments in trying to establish art and artists as a profession. This means that artists are no longer executing their talent because they are able to, but because they want to be able to become professional artists and earn enough income to sustain them and their family.

There is need to develop businesses that are centred on art, for the benefit of not only the artist but the rest of the community.

Entrepreneurial development in art is important as it does not only help towards the creation opportunities, jobs, culture, products and services, it also helps drive the economy. Being able to develop a business in art has a large impact on an art organisation, the rest of the community and the artist.

Long (2018) states that when you develop your art business as an aspiring artist, one may find financial and personal reward.

The artist’s work becomes established and recognised better as he or she works with different organisations that support his or her works.

Whether starting a business centred on your photography, graphic art or paintings, basic business necessities need attention and meeting the principles and fulfilling the responsibilities related to starting a business can help you accomplish their dreams with less hassle. Galleries and Museums play a major role in ensuring that artists establish their art and transform it into business.

This could be through exhibitions or competitions that allow the participation of artists in these activities.

An example is of how the National Gallery holds annually the Zimbabwe Annual Art exhibition that is dedicated towards aspiring artists. It gives artists the chance to have their works exhibited in a highly recognised organisation.

The opening exhibition is attended by other fellow artists, art dealers, and individuals from well-established business practitioners. This gives artists to create business links with others as this might be beneficial in the long run.

With the help of the internet, art business can reach greater height. The ability to connect with thousands of individuals from all over the world allow can help artists increase their audience as business occurs in a virtual space.

Online shopping in such circumstances can be beneficial to the artists as they can sell their artworks to some who is miles apart from them.

Art sites such as Artsy a free online platform designed to connect collectors to art make artist establish their business and make their work accessible to anyone with internet connection.

Gaia an artist based in the United Kingdom states that as an artist one could have two different social media pages, one personal while the other is professional.

The personal page which caters be it Instagram of Facebook friends, while the professional page includes journalists, art dealers, curators, business owners that one can partner with. This way when an artist creates an event on their business page he or she can invite friends from the personal page and these will get a notification about any upcoming workshops or exhibitions near them.

Evans (2017) states “the internet has broadened the reach of art and made it possible for artists to increase their visibility to viewers and collectors all over the world, making them less dependent on museums and galleries for exposure and marketing, and being a fine artist isn’t the only career option for artists.”

The internet can work as a stepping stone for artists who have not yet been recognised in the art industry. This allows them to expose their talent to the rest of the world and from their galleries and museums can then sign them in, provided their work is up to standard.

Most professional artists can agree that the business side of art encompasses updating websites, managing social media, organisation of exhibitions, accounting, media representation, networking, applications to different art shows, creating newsletters and putting together workshops. All of these influence how the business of art will come out as and if thoroughly taken into consideration, artists will be able to live off their talent.

Martinez (2017) states that artists do not usually put much thought into creating a business plan as they venture into entrepreneurship but having a well-thought out artist business plan can be the difference between success and struggle as an art entrepreneur. The business plan will serve as a helping guide for the artist on their journey to becoming an art entrepreneur as they learn how to put together a business plan has been an important tool for becoming an art entrepreneur. This does not only apply to artists, art institution should have a business plan prepared to assist their artist so that they can be able to stand on their own.

Some professional artists have gone as far as owning their own commercial galleries. Reaching to this point could have had its ups and downs, however establishing strong connections with other practitioners can assist one financially so that they can also establish their own gallery or art studio.

The creative side of art can be competitive, allowing only professional artists to survive in the race, however if one has a solid business plan and the profound business connection then it is likely that their business will develop.

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