Opportunities in the Arts and the ndis

Exploring Opportunities

As an established professional artist you will either be self-employed or working for someone in the visual arts field. 

If you choose to work for someone else they will want to see samples of your artwork and your CV. As a school leaver the school should be helping you put this together. If not you might want to ask the ndis if you can access a job support network. They can also assist you to gain training and experience to enhance your chances of finding work.  Your job support person was also work with your employer and the ndis to make modifications to the work place.  This will involve an occupational therapist (OT) assessment. 

Most artists fall into the categories of amateur/hobbyist, beginner, emerging or established artist. If you intend to work as an artist these will be the stages of your career.  As you gain experience you will pass through each stage.  There is an invisible line between each stage and different art organisations will define each stage differently. 

Amateur/Hobbyist - This person enjoys producing art, but doesn't intend it to be an income source.  However, they may choose to enter art competitions and exhibit their work, but they certainly would not think of creating artwork as a job.  Some people may move from art being a hobby to an emerging artist at some point in the future.  At some stage an amateur may choose to gain new skills, through doing an art workshop, course or study.

As a school leaver developing your art skills may interest you.  It is a good idea to talk to you art teacher so they can support you to apply for a course.  It is likely you will need to present a portfolio and have an interview. 

Other post school options may include:-

• Joining a local art group
• Community art classes
• Art workshops
• Disability Support Service with an art program
• Disability Support Service art group or art based activities. (Before signing a service agreement ensure the activity will meet your expectations.)

As a school leaver it is likely your post school ndis goals will embrace other areas of your life. You might want to become more independent, travel independently in the community and gain life skills.  Next year developing a community network and friendship support may be more important.  

These are all things you need to consider when you talk to your planner or LAC.  The ndis needs to consider every aspect of your life and support needs.  So learning new art skills may not happen straight away and you might find a disability support provider who can assist you in helping you with your other goals and has an art group and/or art program.

Your disability may mean that you do not need to access a disability support provider, but you may just need a job coach, some therapy and equipment.  The ndis pathway is different for everyone. 

It is important to note that most artists do not have any formal training.  You do not need to study art to work as a professional artist and most artists are professionals in other areas like my accountant.

Lets look into the future. What opportunities are there for an artist? 

A professional artist will emerge onto the art scene. They may begin by entering art competitions, joining an art group or enjoy going to art workshops on the weekends.  

Through art competitions they may start selling their artwork.  You do not need to set up a business to sell your work, you can sell it through competitions or even markets.  The choice to formally establish a business will be based on your income.

Depending on the type of art you create, 'art & craft' markets are another opportunity to sell your work.  This may not be the best place to sell traditional or abstract wall art. Markets are more likely to suit handcrafts, printmaking, screen printing or pottery.  We will look at where to sell your art and business planning in a later post. 

Working with Galleries

If you have visited an art gallery (such as GOMA) you will have seen different exhibitions on display. The artwork may or may not have been for sale. If the work was not for sale that artwork was most likely owned by the gallery or on loan.  This is known as a 'gallery collection' or it may be a touring exhibition on loan from another gallery or the Australian Art Bank

The Australian Art Bank buys art from collectors and artists or their representatives, to rent to galleries across Australia.  You need to be a well established artist before the art bank might consider looking at your work.  Having work acquired by the Australian Art Bank or any gallery is a goal for well established artists. 

There are two types of galleries that emerging artists will work with. (1) Community Gallery and (2) Small independent commercial galleries.

Community galleries are owned by the local council and belong to the local community.  Typically, local artists and art groups will exhibit in these.  Anyone can apply to exhibit.  Each gallery has their own application process. Information on these applications can generally be found on the galleries website.

Commercial galleries are small independent galleries which are privately owned. Again their is usually a gallery application involved.  All galleries charge a hire fee and a commission on your sale price.

So, with all this information it is time to consider what your visual art practice may look like and when it may be considered a business. My next post will explore what your art studio might look like and the types of support the ndis might consider for your work in the studio.