Why We Should Have An Artist Cooperative!
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Art as Business with Ease
Do you dream of being in your own studio?
Does that dream also include having a Gallery space to show and sell your work?
Art cooperatives are usually member-owned, democratic organizations that are governed on the basis of one member, one vote. Members typically elect a board of directors that makes major policy decisions and may hire a manager or staff to oversee day-to-day operations.
How does an artist co-op work?
In most cases artists in co-ops pay membership fees that covers the space. Because a co-op gallery is usually self-organized, members in most cases not only supply artwork to the gallery, but work in the gallery on a regular basis. Member-artists will man the sales floor and handle the business operations of their art or wares and sometimes for the gallery and all the members that have work in the space. In terms of marketing, public relations and advertising, if the members of your artist co-op agree, purchasing a large advertisement in a local arts weekly or printing and distributing flyers announcing exhibitions and events becomes less costly for each individual artist, though all artists will share in the potential benefits.
Giving creatives a chance to be original, show off style, and tell their stories.
A co-op gallery can have several different models of operation, but is basically a group of artists who have come together to provide a venue where they can jointly display and sell artwork. Sometimes the group of artists share a space and most of the financial obligations, many of the financial hurdles facing individual artists can be overcome as a group. They can also be part of a formally organized community art group or art guild. Sometimes the artists workspaces are also their exhibition space, which helps to ensure that workspaces are organized enough to be able to show off and sell their wares when it is time for exhibits and events.
Get Inspired & Stay motivated
It is always great to be in a community of artists, people that understand your struggles and the dynamics of making your art your business. Being in a co-op also is a way to expand your network, both personally and professionally. Working around and sharing responsibilities with other artists means you'll be introduced to different styles, opinions and points-of-view on a regular basis. You will be able to provide each other with insightful feedback, constructive criticism and helpful suggestions on your own work.
Some Basic Steps on Starting an Art Cooperative
Select a core group that consists of people that are excited and willing to do the work to get the art cooperative going. Recruit other artists for membership. Look in places such as schools, pottery shops and galleries.
Work together to create a mission statement. A mission statement to put what the cooperative is about on paper, have a few concise sentences.
Develop a contract for each member to sign that defines fees, responsibilities and rights between the cooperative and the member. Include termination steps for both parties and how to solve disputes, such as through an arbiter.
Include activities the cooperative will offer to members and then assign people to oversee the planning of the activities. Activities examples include newsletters, workshops, website, sales and planning meetings.
Assign a person as the treasurer. This person should be comfortable with spreadsheets and working out budgets.
Locate a site where you will be a size that fits workspace, exhibition and events. It will also be a space where you can hold meetings and workshops.
Look for inexpensive equipment and supplies from local art studios and sales online.
Determine the membership fees that will cover workshops and other overhead fees. The larger the membership, the more the cooperative will be able to do.
Raise money by organizing a fundraising event or arrange for joint art shows with local galleries. Schedule shows around holidays and themes to create traffic.