Continuing with the virtual studio visits; at the end of April Susanna Chisholm came to talk to us over Zoom.
Susanna is Programme Development Director at Film and Video Umbrella and has a background in commercial galleries. She began by introducing herself and FVU, telling us about how they operate and how they commission moving image work. We heard what FVU look for in artist’s they want to work with, what they aim to do by commissioning and supporting them as well as about their latest funding initiative.
Susanna gave us real insight into her experience of the art world while sharing anecdotes and examples of artists who have achieved success with their practices. She also gave important practical advice on things like creating portfolios, building relationships with curators and writing successful applications.
Jen Eldvidege, Maria Mahfooz and Billy Sassi had all sent examples of recent work to Susanna before her visit. Susanna had generously taken the time to look at everything we sent her and gave insightful and honest feedback, with valuable advice as to how we could develop the work and what might be good opportunities for our practice.
Susanna was exceptionally generous with her time and knowledge. We all left the meeting feeling energised and excited to continue making and sharing our work. She encouraged us all to find and create opportunities for ourselves – with helpful advice for how to do so – while also demystifying a lot of the workings of commissioning bodies, commercial galleries and artist run projects. Billy Sassi
