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What can you do if you can't get an exhibition?
Well, it can be a problem. The work of a particular artist may be brilliant but if it's not seen it cannot be the subject of the 'process of art', the necessary system of criticism and writing that decides where it should belong in the canon of art history (or not, as the case may be).
So if an artist can't show work, does this mean that he (or she) is therefore NOT an artist?
Whatever the answer may be to this question, there still remains a lamentable lack of exhibition space in Wales and the majority of that space is run on a commercial basis. This means that curators, or owners, are obliged to show work that they are confident they will sell. It may be frustrating for artists who wish to 'push the envelope' but it's entirely reasonable. After all, if these small galleries close there will be the same number of artists competing for even less space.
So, if you can't get an exhibition what can you do? Well, many artists have got around this problem by making their own.
There are industrial units left vacant from the crash of businesses in recent years. Perhaps it's possible to rent one of these for a short contracted period. If a group of you get together you could split the cost and maybe even get a grant in the process. (See "What are the advantages of forming a group?")
DON'T FORGET - IF YOU ARE A PROFESSIONAL ARTIST WORKING FROM HOME YOU REQUIRE PLANNING PERMISSION FROM YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY.
What financial resources are available to artists in Wales?
The simple answer to this is - 'not a lot'. It's sad to say but it seems that unless you have a track record of exhibiting you are unlikely to get one of the treasured grants to develop your work. (That 'catch 22' problem again).
However, there are ways you can help yourself in obtaining funding.
Firstly, contact your local authority. They often carry a data-base of professional artists living and working in their area. This allows them to contact you if they require artists for particular projects or exhibitions within the county.
Don't forget that any success in this area is always a good insert into that vital C.V., and this seems to be the only way of ensuring that you make those in power aware of your experience.
What are the advantages of forming a group?
As previously mentioned, an art group has more power than an individual artist. The Arts Council of Wales will consider applications from groups, to subsidise the costs of exhibiting, and to assist in providing a workshop environment that can be utilised by the wider community.
A group may also be eligible to Lottery funding.
Apart from the obvious financial merits of groups, it is also inspiring to meet with fellow group members from time to time, to discuss work and tactics. It can also help in times when two heads are better than one.
However, to be considered as a bona-fide art group, the group members must ensure that it is run according to the rules and regulations of such bodies. This means that regular meetings are held, that minutes of those meetings are kept, and officials have to be appointed to be responsible for the operation of the group.
Don't let this put you off though, once into the rhythm of things you'll find it's no more difficult than serving on your local P.T.A, and the possible benefits far outweigh the problems.
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See
below for details of grants and interest-free loans from the
The Arts Council of Wales
www.ccc.acw.org.uk
INTEREST-FREE LOANS
A limited number of interest-free loans to
professional visual artists and craftspeople
are available for ANY purpose to assist with the day to day costs of running a professional practice. They are repayable within 3 years. Must be living or working in Wales for at least 9 months of the year and have been
OUT OF FULL-TIME EDUCATION FOR AT LEAST 2 YEARS.
CAPITAL GRANTS
For building developments and purchasing equipment.
Contact:
LOTTERY DIVISION, at any ACW office.
AWARDS TO ARTS GROUPS
Flexible grants for artist-led initiatives and groups towards costs of identifying suitable buildings for use as shared workspace, or for temporary use as exhibition spaces.
If you can help us to help artists in wales, either with advice, support or practical help in obtaining space to show, Please contact us.
The Alternatives?
If you'd like full details of what you may, or may not, be entitled to, either as a group or individual, click on the web addresses listed on the left side of the page. Most of these will take you directly to the departments which deal with the problems highlighted in this text.
If you've read this and can help us to help our colleagues, please contact us. Every little helps.
Good hunting and we wish you much success.
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