How to Network in the Art World

As a young artist or art history graduate, it is likely that you have long dreamed of a career in the art world. Yet, navigating the intimidating gallery, museum and auction house circuit can be a truly daunting task. The key to success in the close knit art community is to network. And in a professional culture dominated by events like openings, benefits and galas, it is not as difficult as you might imagine.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Visit art galleries during their off-peak hours, during the off seasons. Summer weekdays are a particularly good time to do this. In smaller galleries that work primarily on appointment, but are open to the public, chances are you will be the only person in the gallery. If the gallery director comes out to greet you, take the opportunity to ask a few questions about the art and introduce yourself.
2. Place yourself on your favorite galleries' online mailing lists. That way you will receive email notifications of upcoming gallery events.
3. Attend art openings at local galleries and strike up conversations with other attendees. With their bustling, party atmosphere, gallery openings are a great way to network without feeling awkward. Remember to bring along a few business cards to pass along to anyone who may request one.
4. Send a follow up email to anyone whose card you may have procured, but keep it short and to the point. A brief “it was nice to meet you at the opening and discuss our shared interests” will suffice.
5. Keep track of all of the new connections you made by writing notes on each of their business cards and keep them in a rolodex. If possible, you may also want to organize them in an electronic database.
6. Stay involved in your local art community. Before long, you will begin to recognize the familiar faces that frequent the art scene and they will come to know you too.

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