Creating artists networks can sometimes be a pointless exercise. In the social sciences a social group has been defined as two or more humans who interact with one another, share similar characteristics and collectively have a sense of unity within their interests. Theorists are a wary of definitions which stress the importance of interdependence or objective similarity. Instead, for researchers in the social identity tradition “a group is defined in terms of those who identify themselves as members of the group”. The idea of sharing experiences, gallery contacts and clients etc. sounds like a very good idea on the surface. The reality is actually rather disappointing. Social groups come in a myriad of sizes and varieties. For example, a society can be viewed as a large social group. Artists are no different from any other group of people and have an underlying self serving agenda, they are simply out there to make a fast profit and steal contacts and ideas – well at least the majority are…
Often artists’ groups have a core of members who initiate activities and support the rest of the group. Not only is it important to support new groups, it is important for these founding members to fully understand the structures and reasons for creating new groups. They must be asked ‘Why are you doing this?’ and ‘Are there other groups around that already fulfill your needs and aims?’ Creating new artist groups/collectives could be counterproductive and create an even more fragmented environment. It is important that a robust armature is created for a network to succeed. If this is achieved then it would be a formidable and powerful organisation.
A mentoring scheme which enables artists and crafts people to get access to strategies and processes needed to create successful art and business practice would be highly beneficial to individuals and groups. North Devon Web can help you with setting up an artist website and help you to promote your art.
Our skills are at the ‘start up’ phase of businesses and organizations, where the creativity of the entrepreneur or group is at its most inventive and vulnerable. We find the energy that is created very infectious but we also know that this enthusiasm gradually dies and needs ‘mothering’ to take it to the next growth phase. To achieve sustainability is key, and we have wide and varied experience of achieving this both in a traditional business environment and in pioneering innovations.
North Devon Web belongs to a network of websites that host in a green way. North Devon Web is helping to prevent the release of 2,660 metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere each year by hosting on ‘Green Servers’ – as a result, the network’s energy efficiency is equal to planting about 2,390 acres of trees, not driving 6.1 million miles, or removing 510 cars from the road. We are here to help you stay in business.
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