Published: 06 Oct 2020
Can the art world be reconfigured beyond the privileged few? Voices from across the art world set to come together to explore new futures for the art market
Creative United is excited to announce the full programme for FOTAM 2020: Redefining Value in the Art Market, a programme of events and discussion taking place online 19 - 30 October 2020.
Following the success of its inaugural Future of the Art Market Report and Unconference event in November 2019, this year’s series picks up on shifts and challenges to the art market identified in the initial report, with many gaining new relevance in light of the disruptions and developments that have taken place over the course of 2020.
Organised around a set of core themes - Redistributing Power, Shared Infrastructures, Expanded Formats and Reconsidering the Local - artists, activists, academics, and the arts industry will come together across four key events, the aim to support one another to consider alternative futures within the artworld.
Together we ask:
Can value in the art market be reconfigured beyond the privileged few? What would be the economics of such models?
The series of events is curated by Lucy Rose Sollitt, author of the Future of the Art Market Report, with each of the four events developed in collaboration with a group of ‘Co-Conveners’ and guest speakers.
Each Co-Convener has worked with Lucy Rose Sollitt to select a panel of guest speakers from across the art world and beyond, with guests including Indonesian art collective ruangrupa; Baiqu Gonkar, Founder of Art Represent; Louise Hamlin, Founder & Director of The Art Business Conference; Kieren Reed, Director of the Slade School of Fine Art; Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley, Artist. More speakers are to be announced over the coming days across Creative United’s social channels.
FOTAM 2020: Redefining Value in the Art Market is produced by Creative United. This year’s programme is being supported by and developed in partnership with Creative Scotland funds through The National Lottery, and UCL Innovation & Enterprise.
Lucy Rose Sollitt, curator of the series, said, “The events of 2020 have highlighted both the precariousness and the inequalities of the systems which the art market depends on. As many struggle to pivot and sustain their businesses in the short-term, it may seem like a lot to also ask how the structures underpinning the market can be more radically remodelled for a fairer future. But if not now, then when? Redefining Value in the Art Market, takes inspiration from the thinking and experimentation happening within and outside of the market, to explore the viability of alternative economies. It asks if such economies could anticipate an art world which is more relevant and beneficial to more people.”
Mary-Alice Stack, Chief Executive at Creative United, said, “We are excited to be able to involve audiences across the UK and internationally to take part in this important and timely series of discussion and debates about the emerging value systems, infrastructures and power dynamics of the contemporary art market. We hope that this programme will contribute positively to our collective understanding of the risks and opportunities facing the visual arts sector at this unprecedented time of change, and implications for the wider creative economy.’’
Amanda Catto, Head of Visual Arts at Creative Scotland, said, “Artists and makers in Scotland are reliant on sales of work to make a living and they need healthy markets for their work to sustain. FOTAM provides an excellent forum for industry experts to come together, from across the UK and internationally, to discuss ideas that will shape the future of the art market in these uncharted times. Creative Scotland is delighted to be a partner in FOTAM and we’re anticipating a really rich and rewarding series of discussions.”
The full programme can be found by visiting the #FOTAMUK website.
Entry to all of the events in the FOTAM 2020: Redefining Value series is free, with all events taking place online. To explore the programme in full and book your tickets please visit the #FOTAMUK website.
To enjoy additional content from contributing curators and artists and to contribute to shaping the discussions ahead of the events, follow @creativeuniteduk and #FOTAMUK across social media.
Creative United is an entrepreneurial community interest company, and Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) sector support organisation, that strives for economic growth and social impact in the arts, cultural and creative industries.
We provide a range of programmes and business services which enable the development and sustainability of organisations and enterprises operating within these sectors.
Our vision is for artists, creative enterprises and cultural organisations to have access to the specialist skills, professional advice and services they need to achieve their ambitions for growth and impact within their communities.
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits here. We enable people and organisations to work in and experience the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland by helping others to develop great ideas and bring them to life. We distribute funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery.
UCL is a diverse community with the freedom to challenge and think differently.
Our community of more than 41,500 students from 150 countries and over 12,500 staff pursues academic excellence, breaks boundaries and makes a positive impact on real world problems.
UCL is among the top three universities in the UK for translating its knowledge and know-how externally to benefit society (HEBCI 2018/19). The team of experts at UCL Innovation & Enterprise help connect our academics with businesses, government and not-for-profits, to help solve complex challenges. This can include providing consultancy, developing partnerships and commercialising discoveries.
Find out more at www.ucl.ac.uk/enterprise
Melody Patman
melody.patman@creativeunited.org.uk
Nicole Horgan
nicole.horgan@creativeunited.org.uk
