How do you build up an international network?
To start working cross-border, it’s important to build up an international network. A lasting and loyal bond with people or organisations often has more influence than a single successful presentation abroad. Therefore, invest in sincere contacts with curators, programmers and fellow artists abroad. In addition to brand awareness, such a network can also ensure that your practice has an international base.
As an artist, you’re usually the one asking for something, but also think about what you have to offer. What is in the collaboration for you and what for them? Networking is about give and take. Make sure that you develop genuine contacts, where you can do something for each other and it’s not just about promoting your own work.
If you have to travel for work, take the opportunity if possible to expand the planned activity with additional meetings or spontaneous collaborations with local artists or organisations. After your performance or presentation, stay to talk to the programmer, curator or audience. Be present in the local arts field and also attend other performances or exhibitions. Don’t limit networking to the business or professional context. A chance meeting at a party can be the start of an international career.
Flanders Arts Institute also encourages people to grow across national borders together with others. It can be interesting to form an informal network of peers with which you can exchange content and inform one another about opportunities in different countries.
If you are not good at networking yourself, foreign residencies, master classes or summer schools can offer a solution. These allow you to get to know a region and network locally at your own pace and sometimes with support. Read more about residencies abroad.
If you prefer to outsource it completely, you can work with a manager, agent or booking agency. Professionals often already have an international network themselves.
There is great potential in such collaborations, but also some pitfalls. Make sure you have the same goals in mind before starting the collaboration. Don’t count entirely on collaboration, and maintain your artistic ownership. For example, programmers and curators for larger institutions often prefer direct contact with the artist. Therefore, look for a balance in the collaboration and be transparent with each other.
Only by actively working will you discover what works for you and what does not.
Which initiatives within the arts can help with international networking?
International residencies play an important role in networking. You can search for and apply for residencies yourself or respond to open calls. An overview of international residencies can be found on the website Transartists.
Participate in festivals or become a member of organisations that focus on networking and meetings. A number of these are summarised below. Is there a festival or organisation that focuses on international networks that we’ve not yet mentioned? Let us know at advies@kunsten.be.
- International promotional fairs:
- Modern dance: Tanzmesse
- Classical music: Classical Next
- International networking moments during festivals:
- Music: Févis New Deal
- Photography: Les Rencontres de la Photographie d’Arles
- Visual arts: Biennale Chroniques
- Working visits and visitor programmes: keep an eye on the Flanders Arts Institute newsletter and calendar
- International networks:
- Music:
- REMA: Early Music In Europe
- International Society for Contemporary Music
- Europe Jazz Network
- Visual arts:
- IKT: International Association of Curators of Contemporary Art
- International Council of Museums
- European Visual artists
- Performing arts:
- IETM: International for contemporary performing arts
- Union des Théatres d’Europe
- Transversal or multidisciplinary:
- Region specific
- C-E-A: France (curators)
- 50 degrés Nord: Hauts-De-France (visual arts)
- De Brakke Grond: Netherlands (transversal)
- Music:
Read on to find out how How can policy help you when working internationally?.
