If you are running your own gallery space it’s important to have an idea of the kind of programme you want. A clear curatorial vision will help attract visitors and funding to your space.
Why run an artist led led space?
Running an artist led space could be useful in
- Raising your profile in the artworld
- Building your networks
- Developing useful skills
- Providing a space to show for you and your friends
Listen to this conversation with Bean & Benjamin and Jordan McKenzie on artist-run spaces. Commissioned by Live Art Development Agency as part of their Fifteen Minutes With… series.
Programming an artist led space
What sort of shows will you put on? What kind of artists are you going to work with? What will make your space different? Have a short, written statement on your website and publicity material. This should explain what the focus of your programme is and what is individual and unique to your space. This will tell your visitors what to expect, and help your space stand out.
On top of exhibitions, spaces often have extra strands to their programmes. These could include
- Talks and panel discussions
- Networking events
- Educational workshops
These can attract audiences with different interests. Consider the different access needs of your audience. How to Put On an Accessible Exhibition by Shape Arts can help make your programme accessible to disabled people.
Running a gallery programme takes a lot of work. It is important to be realistic about how much you can take on. You’ll also need to fund these activities
Running a gallery programme takes a lot of work. It is important to be realistic about how much you can take on. You’ll also need to fund these activities somehow.
Curating and programming resources
The resources below can help you run and devise your own artist-led programme. They are drawn from The Source: A curating toolkit. This resource covers the nuts and bolts of exhibition making with a focus on copyright.
Exhibition practicalities – Nick Kaplony, Artquest
An introduction to practical considerations when staging an exhibition.
Exhibition public programmes – Marianne Mulvey, Tate
A talk on devising public programme to accompany exhibitions
This work has a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike License