Performing Artist Networking: Steps for a Successful Transition

By Beth Rodriguez

Breaking into an arts scene can be as difficult as the first day at a new school. We ask ourselves the same questions: Who will talk to me? Who are the people to know? Will anyone share with me the insider secrets? Whether you are moving to a new city, transitioning from the university to the professional world, or making a change in your approach to your art form, finding the who's, what's, and where's is crucial to your success.

As a young dancer attempting to crack the code of the NYC Modern Dance scene and again ten years later moving back to my home state, I found ways of navigating my way through the mass of unspoken rules governing how one connects to a city's performing arts scene. Although I found some resources offering advice, I needed something more specific: Where do I begin? I finally discovered I could use methods I utilized while searching for a "day job". I quickly forgave the masses of who denied me this advice, and began to aggressively apply it. This article is meant to illustrate the steps I found to be undeniably beneficial.

Making Yourself Marketable
This is not just a concept to be considered in business careers. I cannot stress enough the importance of a professional resume, curriculum vitae, and portfolio. Being able to offer these to future employers, collaborators, producers, and funders assures them you take your work seriously.

A good beginning is a quick look at your favorite artists' sites. They will include resumes and other press materials that you can use as templates. Also look at the body of articles on Columbia College Chicago's Portfolio Center and the Business of Art section at NYFA for ways to begin, edit, or expand your promotional materials. A no-frills DVD of current work or an appropriate website acts as a portfolio for performing artists. A page on one of the artist network sites or even on MySpace is sufficient at first.

Doing Your Research
I don't believe in luck. I believe if one is prepared, then when the right opportunity comes along he or she is ready. Preparation has been the key to any success I have earned as an adult. One of the most important steps of building the foundation for a new career was doing my homework: Who were the people already working in the field? What were the current trends? What was I interested in, and where would I find it? Beginning by researching the targeted art community, I learned what companies are working, who is teaching classes, where performances are taking place, and what the performance styles of the practicing artists are. This research gives one a valuable context for future work.

This body of knowledge can easily be obtained through basic internet research. The arts pages on community web sites (including newspapers, visitors' bureaus, and Craigslist.org) can give you a quick glimpse into the pulse of that city's scene. Also be sure to seek out online sources that offer lots of links, such as Go Tour to give you options for your city.

Networking
Now that we know whom, what, and where we can begin to make contact with some of the individuals in the community. Knowing who those people are can be tricky, and sending out unsolicited letters and emails asking for work or advice could give you a reputation for being a nuisance. What is appropriate, and what I found to be very beneficial, is (again) research: Find out who is in charge of what, and where. Then you can send a professional letter of introduction, stating your interest in any opportunities.

Also, begin reviewing the sites of area artists. Most of these include a link to a general email address where comments can be sent. A brief and professional "hello" can act as a friendly introduction. In smaller communities, other artists like to know who is joining their village!

One Last Point
Much of this reads like common sense. And for the most part, it is. However, performing artists are rarely given the keys to successfully introducing and promoting ourselves and our work. Only by applying methods learned searching for work outside of my field did I finally discover the means through which I could triumphantly maneuver the professional performing arts scene, ensuring I had a strong foundation upon which to continue my work.

Beth Rodriguez is an adjunct instructor within IU's Contemporary Dance Program. She has just returned from New York City where she has spent the last several years performing and teaching. She recently earned her M.A. from NYU.

Edited by Robyn Kelly, Web Publications Manager: rkelly@iac.in.gov.
The IAC, a public catalyst, partner, and investor in the arts, serves the citizens of Indiana by funding, promoting, and expanding the arts. Funding is provided by the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts.