Export opportunities for artists

By Colin Serjent

Liverpool and Manchester Design Initiative recently staged workshops for Merseyside based artists, to provide an insight into identifying, researching and developing links in international markets, particularly Germany and the USA.

The workshops were primarily aimed at people involved in the creative sector with little experience in exporting but interested in developing international markets for their work, products and services.

Local artist Julie Jones, who specialises in oil on canvas paintings, visited Germany, including Berlin and Cologne, to research the art market there, and was one of the presenters during the workshops.

"It is a very competitive market for painting and photography, so therefore undertake research on a particular gallery, said Julie. "Show an interest in the way they operate, and the specific ways they buy and exhibit art work."
"After returning home, keep in touch with the important contacts you have made, and send them examples of your work."
"You have more kudos with gallery owners in Germany", added Julie, "if you represent a group of artists rather than representing yourself as an individual."

She recommended contacting the website www.Germangalleries.com (it is in English!).

For more information about her research work on export opportunities for artists to Germany, including details about her visit to a major art fair in Cologne, contact Julie: juliealisonjones@hotmail.com

If you are interested in finding out more about exporting your art work abroad, get hold of a copy of 'The International Trade Pocketbook'. It includes chapters on getting started, agents and distribution, pricing, marketing, transport, and getting paid. It is available free from Trade Partners UK through: www.tradepartners.gov.uk

Other useful free publications available via the same e-mail address are 'Ten good reasons to use export marketing resources' and 'Support for export marketing research'.