Article

What happens when you leave art school, assuming you ever leave, and you want to establish yourself in the arts community? The first step for many of us is to find a place to hawk your wares. Some artists have visions of grandeur, aspirations for a solo show in the NEW Gallery or at one of the more influential dealer galleries.

However, for those of us with a more realistic, sometimes cynical view of the art world (and what a small world it is), it is simply to have a show. Preferably with a group of like-minded individuals, but more often than not in a series of group exhibitions that contribute to your CV, but offer little consistency in the way of concept or aesthetics.

Many artists, tired of this hodge-podge approach to exhibiting, take matters into their own hands by initiating alternatives to the traditional gallery experience while simultaneously opening doors for other artists in the same situation as themselves.

The Vision
The most logical place for me to begin is with my own experiences having been a member of an ARP called Lightbox Exhibition Space. Lightbox was established as an alternative to the alternative spaces and projects already in existence. As all of the members of the gallery worked in three dimensional or digital media we felt that it was high time there was a space that catered for these often neglected areas. Our collective experiences with starting and running a non-profit space was minimal to say the least. We had a vague idea of what we were looking for and began our search.

The practicalities
This would probably be a good time to let the would-be gallery operator in on some important practical aspects to consider right from the out-set:
Fixed Term Lease Agreements:
You will be made liable for all rental payments for the duration of your lease. It is difficult to get out of these agreements so be sure right from the get-go that you can take on this responsibility.
Hidden Costs:
This includes land rates, GST, Insurance and Water Rates. Some of these may be inclusive but beware if they are not.
Power and Phone:
Be realistic about these things. A phone is helpful, but power is essential. Beware of disorganised energy providers as you could find yourself with hefty bills down the line. Try to use existing phones such as home or cell as alternatives.
Contents Insurance:
Not a necessity, but something to consider in relation to your lease and expensive equipment or artwork kept in the space.

You've now located a space, you've got a constitution or mission statement (an assumption on my part) and you're just waiting for the proposals to start rolling in. It becomes a process of promotion and branding (which has a certain amount of irony)! However, unless artists are aware you exist and what you are on about, you're unlikely to be flooded with proposals.
Something often not considered when you do eventually start getting proposals is that you are providing a service, but only to a degree. Running a gallery has a huge impact on the daily workings of your life. Contributing artists to these types of spaces aren't always aware of this. Many ARP's subsidise the cost of the space for the artist, they organise contacts, mailouts, openings, and maintain the space. No small feat considering, as in the case of Lightbox, that more often than not the members also work or study fulltime, or a combination of both.

Funding
Funding is one of the key concerns. If you think that you'll get Creative New Zealand funding first time, think again! Most funding bodies require you to have an existing track record to show that you are responsible, consistent and able and, most importantly, that you are doing what you say you're doing. This may take time, so be aware of what is realistically possible in the short term. Make the most of resources at your disposal and consider relationships as to how they can be mutually beneficial.

Innovative
However, it isn't all doom and gloom. You have the freedom to show exciting and innovative work that may not be resolved but shows some great possibilities for future work. You meet a huge range of people with diverse backgrounds and you have the opportunity to curate and even (time permitting) show your own work every now and again.

Artist-run galleries are hard work but they create an atmosphere of enthusiasm for the arts, leading by example and promotion get-off-your-arse attitude that gets things done rather than waiting for it to be handed to you on a plate (which, by the way, may never happen).

Networks
As an artists I want to know what is happening in my immediate and greater arts community. This is a way of networking and locating the best opportunities and experiences for myself and my work. I personally think that there is a need for these networks to be expanded and inclusive. There needs to be a greater sense of what we have learned individually and collectively and to share this information with those who are interested. Hence, the ARP Armchair Guide.

Over the next few issues I will attempt to highlight some of the problems and positives involved in initiating and running arts-run projects, and where possible give you some idea of what is currently on offer in the Auckland region and how you might be able to make contact or become involved in these projects.

So, until the next soapbox session,

Karl Chitham

Coming up at Lightbox [an example of the Lightbox programme]

We have had a busy time with a very successful run of shows, including Visiting Hours-Cherie Morley; Spare Room - a group show; Good Day, Bad Night-Tabatha Forbes; and 5 Galleries - Sarah Sutherland. As many of you will probably know, Lightbox Exhibition Space will be closing its doors for the last time (in its current form) on Saturday September 29. We would like to invite all those people who have had a connection with the gallery over the last year to our end of lease bash at Lightbox on the night of September 29 from 7pm onwards. However, until then we have a full run of shows to keep you on your toes (hopefully).

Preview August 7, 6-8pm
Open from August 8-11
Eva Hesse Never Made Anything Properly. An exhibition of drawing towards 3D concerns from Manukau Institute of Technology Sculpture students.

Preview August 14, 6-8pm
Open from August 15-18
Glorybox. A group exhibition
curated by Karl Chitham featuring work by Trish Scott, Sharanagh Tengblad, Rose Annear, Shelly Norton and Dorothea Joester

Preview
September 4, 6-8pm
Open from September 5-15
Drink this, it will make you feel better. A solo show by Jill Sorensen.Supported with funding from Creative New Zealand.

Preview September 18, 6-8pm
Open from September 19-29
Clubland. A solo show by Karl Chitham. Supported with funding from Creative New Zealand.

Hope to see you all at one of these shows and if not at our final curtain for a drink and a chat. We'll be sure to keep you all updated with what is happening and any new projects coming up.

Keep your eyes peeled.

The Lightbox Crew