Setting up an artist-led space: the ‘Why’ factor…
Rosalind recently asked me a pertinent, and challenging, question. It’s had me shaking in my boots – well, sandals, actually, we’re having a heatwave here in Philly – and thinking hard. So, after a few days of wondering, I decided to set a timer and blog my tentative, flighty, totally unedited, stream-of-consciousness, passionate answer…
Why do you want to set up an artist led space?
– I want to be in West Philadelphia to be with my amazing partner & I want to have a real, hardcore purpose and set of goals to work on while I’m here
– I care passionately about the arts, always have, probably always will, and have always dreamed of running a small space, with a garden, plenty of light, and a friendly atmosphere
– I’d love to facilitate artists residencies and having a physical space set up would be an ideal way to do that
– I’m a bit of a control freak and so, rather than work my up in a big commercial gallery or museum as a curatorial assistant and so on, I would rather carve out a modest space on which I can make my mark, and help other independent artists and curators to do the same
– Also, I have an entrepreneurial type of spirit – hence the blogging, the freelancing etc – and, as above, prefer the challenge of running a business of sorts rather than working for a salary
– Running a gallery in West Philadelphia in particular brings together my two desired outcomes in life – developing contemporary art and doing something socially active, socially worthwhile (which I feel I’ve neglected over the past few years) – I hope that community outreach and education in the city’s poorer/high-crime areas can be part of the gallery’s remit
– I’ve found over the past few years that working as a writer has brought me into contact with so many more interesting and helpful and friendly people that I would otherwise have met. I’m kind of antisocial and shy (would you believe!?), so interviewing people and calling people regarding research and giving presentations pushes me out of that comfort zone and into brilliant new relationships, friendships, opportunities and networks. I reckon running a gallery would make for a similar push out of my comfort zone into new wonderful experiences and friendships
– Making friends in Philly is very important to me, as a newbie here, and I hope that having a real project on the go will (as above) push me to meet new people and enjoy life
– I’ve worked in galleries and always wanted to be the one in charge, haha! On a less control-freakish note, when I’ve worked in galleries, I’ve always paid attention to systems, mailing-lists, PR, ways of handling work and people, even little things like cleaning the gallery floor and making notes on the condition of paintings each day – I want, one day, to be able to teach someone else the ropes, help others embark on their art careers
– I’m an artist
Ok, timer buzzed… I feel a little exposed, but there you go… trying not to judge myself or my motivations… I’ll keep thinking about ‘the Why’. Thanks to Rosalind Davis for the great question!
