Networking Reframed

I keep reading about the importance of regularly attending art openings in order to meet new people and to build one’s network. I appreciate the theory, but not necessarily the means. How do you feel about networking at openings? Are you good at it? Is it something you engage in consciously? Do you feel pressured to make an effort? I’m not referring to when you are the exhibiting artist; I think what is termed as “networking” unfolds naturally when you are in that mode. Rather, when you attend an opening as a viewer do you feel compelled (or follow the frequent recommendations) to reach out to people you don’t know in an attempt to create a connection for your work?

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I have been dyeing this week. I will never tire of the patterns that emerge.

Irrationally or not, I find approaching someone in what is in essence a “cold call” conjures up negative images of self-promotional awkwardness. Is that because it’s work encroaching on what is essentially a social situation? Or is it just that generating conversations with folks I don’t know is challenging? Being caught on the other end of this scenario has likely flavored my opinion: it’s no fun listening to a person you just met who only seems able to talk about themselves and their work. There is a fine line between striking up a conversation with a person you don’t know that sparks a genuinely mutual discussion about shared interests, and purposefully approaching someone with business objectives in mind. I admire those who can do so successfully, but it’s a skill for which I have little aptitude.

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However, I’ve had a bit of an epiphany which makes me realize that, as with so many things, perspective is all-important. Perhaps I’ve been looking at this concept of networking at openings a bit too literally. I had a couple of lovely opportunities, in separate gallery settings, to exchange ideas with folks last week in such a way that it made me realize that an art opening is a celebration and should be enjoyed as such. Occasions to connect with someone outside your circle should be approached as a joy, not as a directive. It is an opportunity to learn and perhaps to help someone else with their goals. It seems to me the act of networking is best served if reframed from an action with an objective, to an interaction that simply makes the world a little wider.

4 thoughts on “Networking Reframed

  1. John Snell

    Yes! Maybe pretend the opening is just in someone’s living room and you are simple getting to see art and to know new people. Lots of folks would like to get to know you and what you are up to! No doubt the same the other way around. 🙂

    1. ehwfram Post author

      Of course that’s a wonderful suggestion…and having the opportunity to do so at Liz’s event last week flipped a switch for me. In fact, in a recent email she brought to mind the important distinction between promotion and networking. Perspective is so key!

  2. Adrianna Benson

    A question so beautifully, thoughtfully and sensitively posed and simply answered. I think often times artists work in isolation and so these are wonderful opportunities to connect and share and build a social network. To me it is like an orchestra; all the pieces (the event itself, others, where we are personally at the time of the event) work together to create a chemistry that can leave you satisfied, happy to leave or wanting more. So glad you found a way to reframe it and find the joy in it!

    1. ehwfram Post author

      You are so right… the goal, after all, is purely connection — let the rest unfold as it will.
      Please know I love your metaphor of an orchestra….what a lovely way to think of such events!

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