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A Partnership between Art & Business
The twentieth century Modernist model of the Artist/Gallery/ Dealer relationship still exists - and in a few cases the Artist/wealthy Patron relationship of centuries gone by can be found too -. However, artists these days need to be far more creative and resourceful in ways of 'earning a living' and gaining opportunities to exhibit and sell their work. It is not always viable to simply to rely totally on the established practices of the art world to fulfil their ambitions in terms of recognition and financial recompense.
Why do we need Art?
It maybe obvious to some, but not to others, for example
• Art can be aesthetically pleasing as an item of interior design, or it can give visual respite in architectural spaces
• Art helps us communicate between people (Artist & Viewer) on our different approaches to life.
• Appreciating art requires a lively interest in life, art changes our perception of the world, and we can only evolve as humans if we change.
• In business, art challenges employees to think outside the box by presenting visual paradoxes to them
• Art enables business to be Philanthropic rather than just focusing on financial turnover.
You've got to have creativity
In relation to points made above, we all need to be creative. Some businesses like advertising and interior design may be more obviously termed as 'creative' than say, law and accountancy, but ultimately greater creative thinking can unlock the mind and lead to quicker and more flexible approaches of business whatever field we are in, as well as other areas of our lives.
" Many of us wish we were more creative. Many of us sense we are more creative, but are unable to effectively tap into that creativity. We hunger for what might be called creative living Ð an expanded sense of creativity in our business lives, in sharing with our children, our spouse, our friends"
(Julia Cameron 'The Artist's Way' Pan books 1995).
The Partnership
Examples of how I can bring together my experience as an artist, an educator, and a curator of exhibitions are given below through initiatives as to how an artist can work in partnership medium (over 10 employees) to large size Companies
- A resident artist
I produce a series of paintings, drawings, in situ, relating to a companies products, philosophies. This type of residency is good PR for any Business either at an equivalent fair/convention where the wish is to stand out from their competitors, or for the launch of a new product or line of business. In April 2003 undertook such a residency at a coatings trade fair in Nuremberg Germany for Air Products
Procedure/costs: An initial free consultation meeting, to identify for both parties the common aims objectives of the project and to discuss possible ideas and approaches. Sketches and working drawings will be produced for an initial fee of £75-£100. At a second meeting these will be reviewed and minor adjustments subsequently carried out free of charge. Further costs related to the artist's fee, for the event itself, of £140 per day plus materials and expenses.
- Exhibition & Workshop/classes
What a business would provide for me is-:
• A solo exhibition on the company's premises in an appropriate space such as a foyer, reception or amenities area. This would be for a minimum of a 3-week period.
• A private view, with refreshments, for guests/clients of the artist and the business and help with publicising the event and related costs.
What I would provide for the business is-:
• Free display of my work on the business's premises for the period of the exhibition, and a good PR opportunity.
• A discount rate for a workshop or art class (or series of) for their employees, ideally during the period of the exhibition. Examples of what form this could take range from general after work drawing classes or workshops to bespoke collaborations that involve interaction between the artist and employees leading towards a finished piece of work to be displayed on the business's premises.
• Drawing class: Either from the life model or still life, that help employees gain or improve their drawing skills in a relaxed environment. Projects can explore techniques such as line, tone, proportion, mark making and perspective in individual or group interactive formats.
Commissioned Work/collaboration: A workshop would be devised to encourage conventional business practices such as defining goals, delegating responsibility, team work, meeting deadlines, and of course creativity. This would be encouraged to lead towards a finished piece of work that would symbolise the philosophies and identity of the business.
Procedure/Costs: The full package including the exhibition would obviously only be able to take place a couple of times a year, due to the lengthy planning time that would be probably be involved. However a workshop only would still be available, my rates would be-:
Drawing option:
£70 per session (2 hours) including my preparation
Commission /Collaboration option:
£300 for a 4 hour workshop including initial meeting, sketches, bespoke project brief and a reasonable amount of other preparation.
The above figures do not include materials or other expenses
Exhibition /Work shop:
A 50% discount would be available on the Commission/collaboration option. A £15 charge would be made for the drawing option.
