Web and print resources
This page includes links to websites with useful tools and information such as template invoices, agreements, information about IP, how to deal with landlords, financial basics and more.
This information was last updated on 28 April 2022
ACAVA Association for Cultural Advancement through Visual Art
https://www.acava.org/resources-artists
Gathers links to resources available to artists, including hardship fund, safety guidelines, rates of pay, etc.
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Art Licks is a not-for-profit organisation that supports the work of early career practitioners and artist-led activity across the UK, championing new ways of working together. Art Licks runs a printed magazine, commissioning programme, residencies, and annual festival (the Art Licks Weekend). Art Licks is based across London and the North York Moors.
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Art Paths is an art agency that supports visual artists on their journey. They work with artists to help them reach their definition of success. They offer an Art Box: a quarterly limited edition art package for amateur, beginner, and professional artists. Each box is created in collaboration with a new artist and includes art materials from art supplier GreatArt. Each box has a different identity and is produced in small quantities, for a short period only.
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Provides links to mostly UK-based website providing funding, venues, festivals, blogs, networks and more for artists and arts professionals working within contemporary performance practices
The website offers advice, information and opportunities for artists working in any medium, mostly (but not exclusively) aimed at practitioners in London. Each year their research and programming is led by a particular theme (‘work’ in 2019 and ‘equity’ in 2020). ArtQuest provides a listing with opportunities for artists and organisations, and useful ‘How To’ about studio spaces, crowdfunding, approaching a gallery. Some useful resources in their Art Law section around IP, GDPR, estates etc.
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The Art Workers’ Guild’s membership comprises over 400 active craftspeople, writers, historians and scientists. More than 60 crafts are represented, from glass engraving and wallpaper design to film-making. The Guild operates a mentoring scheme, through which members are able to offer their in-depth knowledge and expertise over a wide range of specific crafts and more general business-related skills. Their aim is to support the next generation of artists and craftspeople at the beginning of their careers. This scheme is free to all applicants.
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Has established a network of Independent Art & Residency Organisations and Spaces across Asia, providing a community, workshops and opportunities both in the UK and abroad
Latest advice on covid-19, funding, resources, and tips from across the sector for staying creative during the Covid-19 crisis.
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Bow Arts Learning recently hosted an afternoon of updates and presentations to help artist educators plan for new ways of teaching as schools reopen, offer CPD for teachers and work experience for art students. In partnership with London’s Artist Quarter here they offer support and help promote creative practitioners and arts organisations in East London by connecting audiences with artists and promoting interest in local creative projects.
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The Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art
Provides links to a host of websites (UK-based and international) providing: financial advice for artists, anti-racism support, mental health and more. An easy go-to repository of information.
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Offers non-nonsense courses, resources and podcasts for Visual Creators, focusing especially on filling in knowledge gaps after graduating from college or university. Find template emails, advice on how to build an e-book, freelance contract available to download for free.
Creative Champs have created a helpful Pricing Formula Kit https://www.creativechamps.co/pricing-formula-kit - a simple way to calculate rates for visual artists and designers who provide creative services and/or art based products as part of their business. Includes: Step by step guide for 7 different service pricing methods; an essential guide to pricing methods; product pricing formulas, etc. Cost: £47.
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Culture Reset
Project launched in June 2020 funded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (UK Branch) to help individuals and institutions find a way through the Covid-19 crisis. The website provides very helpful tutorials from professionals about researching an idea, developing your practice, researching and using data. Helpful pdf sheets and videos; free to access.
Greater London Authority
Culture at Risk resources https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/arts-and-culture/cultural-infrastructure-toolbox/culture-risk-resources A list of sector-specific information, advice and support schemes from across the London network including resources for the self employed and freelancers.
The Live Art Development Agency supports contemporary culture’s most radical and inventive artists, practices and ideas. LADA offers a portfolio of resources, opportunities, projects and publishing for the support and development of Live Art practices and discourses, including workshops delivered by artists for artists. They primarily focus on LGBTQ+/non-binary artists with experience of mental health conditions who work across live art, film & moving image.
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Mersh is a wiki which shares information to support emerging artists in the UK. Sign up on the wiki page to gain access to monthly hackathon. Mersh provides an atlas of workshops, facilities, groups and artists in the UK, organised by location and by type, useful and practical templates, guides & walkthroughs and a library of creative activities and readings to inspire your practice.
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Outside In, Chichester
Artist Support Days tackle digital exclusion, enabling artists to get their work photographed, introduce them to new digital skills and empowering them to have a digital presence through their own online Outside In gallery.
Share Art enables artists to present and share their artwork to an audience of peers through a presentation of digital images of their work. Share Art is designed to be accessible to a range of artists, it provides an important means for artists to show their work, receive feedback and validation.
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Res Artis
With a more international flavour, Res Artis is compiling a library of tools for remote working, recommended and used by our members all information is listed here. This link offers another list of links to website with useful information on health and safety, international grant programmes, surveys, insights and more.
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SPACE
Provides advice and guidance on planning in uncertain times in a series of free webinars, 1-2-1 surgeries and grants, advice on finance.
Spike Island Art Space, Bristol
Spike Island is a public space dedicated to showing contemporary art and to supporting artists to develop, produce and present innovative work throughout their careers. A number of programmes support artists, a full list is included here. ​You can sign up to their mailing list to keep up to date with opportunities, here.
Unit 1 Gallery
Stacie McCormick of Unit 1 has done a series of IGTV talks with a wide range of artists and thinkers who share their experiences and thoughts on their creative practices and social initiatives.
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Warp - Wales Artist Resource Programme
Warp supports people in Wales who wish to pursue an artistic practice, organising activity ranging from peer critique, mentoring and professional development, artist/curator talks, workshops and seminars to trips and social events.
Warp has downloadable documents (template CVs, invoices, press releases) and shares information about opportunity for artists.
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Books
Delphian Gallery
Has published a book (£12) aimed at early career artists. The book offers practical tools needed to approach careers, including how to exhibit and sell your works, as well as things like how to stay motivated, and how to deal with the periods of insecurity that a career in the arts can often create. https://shop.delphiangallery.com/collections/books/products/navigating-the-art-world
What They Didn't Teach You in Art School: What you need to know to survive as an artist
A career guide for artists, covering everything they need to know about building a successful business after graduating, with topics covering finance, marketing, research, curation and administration.
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