What we do
The Artists’ Network is a member-led and member-driven organization dedicated to helping artists with their business practice. What started as a local outdoor art exhibit just before the turn of this century has now become the premiere organization for artists to learn from, and grow together.
Our members are artists, our staff are artists, and our Board of Directors are artists. Together, we decide what we do and how we do it. And we rely on our membership to direct the path we take. We depend on the membership, along with our volunteers, community partners and generous art-loving sponsors, to help make the organization run smoothly.
Our principal base is the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), although members participate from across the province. Membership is not geographically restricted, all fine artists are welcomed from anywhere in Canada.
As a non-profit organization, we are primarily funded by membership fees and show participation fees. All of our Board positions are volunteer; the only paid positions are our Office Manager and Show Producer.
Independent artists must be, by their very nature, small business owners and entrepreneurs. They not only have to know how to produce fine art, they need to know how to promote themselves and run a fiscally responsible business. Our goal is to help our members develop skills to make them self-sustaining professional artists.
“As a remote member based on Vancouver Island, the Artists’ Network had given me access to a new market in Toronto with group shows and corporate instillation opportunities.”
Helen Utsal
“Really great people. I feel that they care that I have a successful show.”
Mike Smith
“Run by artists, for artists. I like that!”
Karen Taylor
How we do it
We promote the development and entrepreneurship of artists in a variety of ways.
We organize monthly educational seminars, offer networking opportunities, and provide business tools. We produce two large shows annually, and continue to develop exhibition opportunities with smaller, popup group showcases at various Toronto galleries. We work with individual artists, the community and with other arts organizations, as well as the private sector and all levels of government to help promote our member artists.
Within our new headquarters on Queen Street East, we have a gallery space that artists may exhibit monthly either solo, in a group, or submit to one of our themed calls for submission.
Members value their ability to connect with their peers through the Artists’ Network. We have created a safe-haven community for artists to learn (everyone’s got to start from somewhere!) and share honest experiences (both good and bad). Artists are encouraged to share resources, too (buy ‘n’ sell, studio space, suppliers, etc.)