Have you ever wondered what an art curator actually does? Our founder and lead curator Danielle Robson sat down with the pioneering ladies over at Creative Women’s Business to talk about what a typical working day entails and what fuels her curatorial practice. A copy of the interview is below. For the full article head over to the Creative Women’s Business website here. With thanks to Katie Kaars and Jess Ibbett for their photographs and words.
Danielle Robson launched Soda Arts, a visual arts curatorial consultancy based in Sydney, Australia, in 2018, after almost two decades working in both the private and cultural arts sectors. Danielle thrives on connecting artists and designers with audiences and organisations, inviting a spirit of collaboration along with strategic thinking to every project she undertakes. Clearly invested in both her business and the art world, Danielle’s passion and drive are evident in her continued pursuit of knowledge, both formally with her PhD, and informally, where she invests time in small business courses. For this arts manager, curator and creative producer, building a community of peers has also been key in running a solo creative business, where it can often be challenging to ruminate on ideas or ask for advice.
What are you passionate about?
Connecting people with outstanding artists and their work. I’ve found that that there is a desire out there to work with visual artists and engage their creative and professional skills, but for many people outside the ‘art world’, knowing where to look or how to find the right person is opaque and confusing. Taking clients through a process of discovery where they encounter exceptional work and develop a deeper understanding and respect for the value of artists and what that they do brings much joy.
How do you overcome the ups and downs of freelance life?
Like most creative pursuits, a career in the arts is fuelled by more than just a pay day. Staying engaged with forward-thinking artists, exhibitions, programs and events in Australia and abroad feeds the inspiration bucket and keeps me going. Having a community of likeminded and trusted friends and colleagues whom I can turn to at any time with questions, worries or to sound out an idea is also an invaluable part of running a small creative business. These people have become an invaluable extension of my work and include fellow curators, fellow small business owners, wise business folk and artists.
How do you invest in yourself?
Last year I participated in the inaugural group business coaching program with the brilliant Fiona Killackey at My Daily Business Coach. It was hands down the best investment into my business management skills. (Shout out Fiona!). I also completed Seth Godin’s fantastic Freelancers Workshop late last year which was a complete brain overhaul of all the old tropes we all think of when we think about freelancing. After years as an idea on the back burner, earlier this year I started a PhD at UNSW Art & Design researching play in public art. This research complements my work as a practicing curator and provides an opportunity for me to think deeply and read widely about an increasingly important part of the art world.
What is the biggest risk you’ve taken in your career? Did it pay off?
In my late twenties I quit my full-time job in a different industry, returned to university as full time student and took a right hand turn into pursuing a career in the arts. I’ve never looked back.
What are your favourite resources for creative inspiration or business in a creative industry?
For arts inspiration I sift through the roughly 1,000 newsletters I am subscribed to from galleries, cultural institutions, artists and online publications in Australia and around the world. I read actual printed Australian arts mags like Vault, Artist Profile and Art Monthly (and Lunch Lady for creative family inspo!) The My Daily Business Coach podcast and weekly email are brilliant business resources aimed specifically at creative small businesses in Australia. Seth Godin’s Akimbo podcast is great for business too.
But really, talking to artists, visiting museums and galleries and experiencing art in real life is the most important source of inspiration in my field. At the end of the day, it all comes back to artists and their work.