When we work alone we rely on our own resources.  What that really means is that we are totally dependent on our own mailing list, contacts, etc to bring attention to our work when we're having an exhibition.  Of course, if you're showing in a gallery they will have their list, but how extensive is that and how do you generate walk-by traffic.

My latest walk down Santa Fe, the arts district in Denver, I was going to pass by Habitat Gallery and not go in but there was a lot of energy in the gallery and from those entering and leaving the gallery.  Upon closer inspection I saw they were doing a collaborative project with Children's Hospital.

The project is titled "plates of change" and working to raise awareness and funds for the Insulin Resistant/Type 2 Diabetes Clinic at Children's Hospital.  The food that night was from the cookbook, just so happens they were selling the cookbook at the gallery and all the proceeds went to the hospital.

This type of collaboration is creative because it draws people in who might not have an allegiance or interest in your work, but have some interest or connection with the charity, cause, nonprofit in the spotlight.  I believe this type of collaboration increased the traffic in Habitat Gallery by a large number.  I don't know what it did for sales, but I know I would not have seen the artwork by the exhibiting artist had it not been for the collaboration.

Who could be your partners in the community?

Thinking collaboratively...
Greg

coaching artists to success