Networks for Artists who Educate

25 January 2011Kate Martin

The Edinburgh Gallery Education Forum

Contents

• Why do we need networks?• Successful models in Scotland, UK

and Worldwide• What might artists need from an

artists network?• What might educators need from an

artists network?

Why?

• To improve EGEF’s access to artists for education work

• To address gaps in arts education provision in Scotland

• To act on recent opportunities presented by Creative Scotland/engage research and changes in CEC structure

•Improve numbers of educators

•Simplify searching

•Allow better communication

•Provide a platform

Improving EGEF’s Access to Artist Educators

Address Gaps in Arts Education Provision in Scotland

•Lack of communication between arts organisations and schools/other community groups•No Scottish directory of artists that is accessible by schools or the general public•No free central hub of information for professional development, employment or training opportunities for artist educators in Scotland

Recent Opportunities BOP report - “Mapping of Training Opportunities for Teaching Artists” recommended • A central teaching artist database managed by a lead network

Changes within CEC

•EGEF has £2000 to go towards developing the role of Cultural Ambassadors in Schools•Development of the Creativity Portal

What Might Artists Need from an Artists Network?

•Specific information•Access

•To peers•To employers•To opportunities•To the site itself

•Representation

What Might Educators Need from an Artists Network?

•Specific info•Access

•To peers•To artists•To opportunities•To the site itself

•Assurance

Successful Models in Scotland, UK and

Worldwide

Current Networks in Scotland - Central Station

Current Networks UK - engage Educator Locator

Current Network UK - AXIS

Current Network UK - a-n Networking Artists Networks

Current Network UK - National Society for Education in Art and Design

Current/Previous Network UK - Arts Council Wales

Current Network Ireland - Visual Artists Ireland’s “Common Room”

Current Network Worldwide - National Association for the Visual Arts (Australia)

Current Networks USA - National Art Education Association

Current Network - USA - Maine Arts Commission

Previous Network UK - artscape

Recommendations

• Databases with clear, concise search fields

• Welcome page• Free to search for employers• Free for artists to join• Usability and connectability• Relevant information