Mentoring
Artists303 started many years ago as a self-help collective, rather than to promote a specific or narrow manifesto. We remain committed to supporting ourselves and, of course, to helping new members. Mentoring of recent graduates of all ages flows from this. It is a dispiriting fact that too high a percentage of art graduates stop working as artists within five years of graduating.
We can think of no better way to support the cause of the visual arts in the West Country in a time of economic downturn than to extend and improve its mentoring scheme.
Our members have the practical experience and knowledge gained from sustaining their own creative practice year in, year out. There is a wealth of expertise and experience within Artists303 which can and should be passed on and shared. We are uniquely placed to provide this service because it is committed, well managed and well organised. Its programme is ongoing and group exhibitions are planned well in advance.
Artists303 have a strong and interesting history (see the Heritage section to learn more) and continue to attract new talented members. It wants its future to be secure and innovative – young people have the drive and energy needed to secure this. Young people are our future.
Graduate Members
Artists303 have already appointed a Graduate Member – Natalie Parsley to act as a representative for new artists/graduates. She sees being involved in Committee meeting, administration and so on as part of her own development. So she will serve on the Judging Panel for the young artist/graduate section of the Open Exhibition planned during Somerset Art Weeks 2009 and will help with hanging.
We hope to appoint up to six more graduate members, selected from those graduates who take part in the Open Exhibition. They will be appointed for two years, during which we will help them develop the practical skills necessary to survive as an artist in the present climate. They will be fully involved in the running of the group, its exhibitions and other activities, each having access to a personal facilitator nominated from within the group.
Artists303 is also proud to have attracted directly, as full members, two of the most talented graduates from Somerset College of Art & Technology – Becky Buchanan and Andrea Rowbotham.
Other Mentoring Activities
Artists303 will continue to build on relationships established with Colleges and Schools. We will continue with our current day-to-day advisory and mentoring activities such as work experience and direct advice on specific problems as an ongoing process.
Creating Opportunities
Artists303 will continue to seek opportunities for graduate members – eg. public relations exposure, additional exposure in exhibitions, specific Graduate Exhibitions, etc.
