Creative Collaboration:
An Interview with Bisa Bennett
Director/Curator in Chief
Could you tell us about the gallery’s vision and mission?
Our mission is to champion contemporary art that challenges conventions and sparks dialogue, all while providing a welcoming environment for artists and visitors to engage with the transformative power of art. We are guided by core values, which include artistic integrity, innovation, accountability, and a commitment to spotlighting emerging talent.
What are the guiding principles behind your curatorial decisions and exhibitions?
As the Chief Curator, I approach curating exhibitions with a focus on creating meaningful and thought-provoking experiences for our audience. When selecting artists and artworks for a show, I consider several key elements, including artistic merit, relevance to contemporary discourse, thematic coherence, and the potential to engage our diverse audience. We strive to strike a balance between showcasing established artists and providing emerging talents with a platform to exhibit their work.
What factors influence your selection of artists and artworks for exhibitions?
I carefully consider various factors to create a cohesive and impactful presentation. The overarching concept or theme of the exhibition guides my selection process, ensuring a coherent narrative. I prioritize artistic quality, seeking works that demonstrate creativity, originality, and technical skill. Relevance to contemporary discourse and social issues adds depth to the exhibition, while diversity and inclusivity are essential to fostering a more representative art world.
How does the gallery support and promote emerging artists?
Supporting emerging artists is central to our gallery’s mission. We establish open communication with our artists, to mentor and guide them towards a successful art career. We work to showcase work by emerging artists to as wide an audience as possible. We achieve this by holding open calls for submissions, promoting their social media platforms and showcasing their artwork on Artsy.net
Does the gallery collaborate with other institutions or artists to create joint exhibitions?
We collaborate with other institutions, such as cultural centers, museums, and fellow artists, to create joint exhibitions. These collaborations allow us to bring together diverse perspectives and expand our artistic horizons. For artists, these partnerships offer valuable networking opportunities and exposure to new audiences, while for the gallery, they enrich our exhibition offerings and foster meaningful connections within the art community.
What are the gallery’s plans and aspirations?
Looking ahead, we plan to expand our gallery’s physical space to accommodate larger and more immersive installations. Additionally, we aim to establish an artist-in-residence program, inviting artists from around the world to collaborate and create within our community. We also intend to further integrate technology to enhance the digital art experience and continue exploring innovative ways to engage art enthusiasts worldwide.
Our upcoming London Biennale of Women in Art is particularly thrilling, as it provides a platform for female artists to gain global recognition and reach audiences from diverse backgrounds. I feel proud to organize this extremely important exhibition as it highlights and platforms women internationally.
Our second project is this magazine, what you’re reading right now is our first edition. We will have new editions which will be distributed in all our future exhibitions and fairs.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists seeking to showcase their work in galleries or gain visibility in the art world?
To aspiring artists, I would encourage them to remain true to their artistic vision and continuously explore and experiment with their craft. Networking and building relationships within the art community are crucial, as these connections can lead to opportunities for exposure and collaboration. Engaging with galleries, participating in art fairs, and responding to open calls can also be fruitful in gaining visibility and recognition.
Most importantly, perseverance, passion, and a commitment to their unique artistic voice will ultimately help them stand out and succeed in the competitive art world.
