The Burnout Society
The Burnout Society is an experimental project, developed in collaboration with PontArte Gallery, that focuses on the issues of our Western Society & artworld(s) today.
The Burnout Society is a project initiated to be an alternative to the current, unsustainable dynamics of the art world. Through our a 360° coaching programme (including specific trainings on artist statement, portfolios, residencies, pricing and the commercial world) and a parallel exhibition in a commercial gallery, our aim is to allow artists to gain the knowledge, skills and connections needed in order to develop a career in the arts. It provides and provided young artists the opportunity to exhibit their works in a commercial gallery, entering the commercial art market while supported with professional knowledges, and tools.
Moreover, with this project we aim to create a positive change, proposing a new model for a cooperation between non-profit organisations and a commercial gallery. The long-term objective is to suggest a new working model for the arts and enable artists to have a more sustainable future.
The focus is on guaranteeing more security for the artist (art fee, coaching and support are given), especially important when the artists are very young, but also on how can we introduce the topic of care in the artist’s life while dealing with uncertainty.
We are grateful for having had the possibility to develop this project in collaboration with Marieke Severens, from PontArte Gallery in Maastricht.
After having successfully developed the first exhibition with four artists, “The Burnout Society” at PontArte in April 2024, featuring works by Sara Bachour, Elisa Verkoelen, Milena Dahl & Stef Lemmens, we plan to replicate this model and map the outcome in the upcoming years.
Have a look at the first visual outcome of the project below.
Read the publication (Jumble) made by the artists sharing their stories which reflect on the topic of Burnout.
ARTIST TESTIMONIALS
How was it for you to participate in this project?
“It was a well-rounded project. Although we were picked, the team made sure that we got to know each other beforehand with several meetings, leading to a deeper understanding of our practices. Every step from the moment we were contacted until the deinstallation of the expo was well-managed and very professional. It was a very nice experience. I have taken part in many group shows but never in a commercial setting, so it was interesting to gain insight from that part of the art world. It was also nice to get in contact with a gallerist who was super open about their business and gave lots of advice.” (Sara Bachour)
“It was a really nice experience. I think the artists were selected super well and created a really harmonious mix. There was a mutual energy and willingness to help and work together. I am really happy with what we realised within this project.” (participant)
“For me it was very valuable to participate in this project for multiple reasons. First it broadened my network, I made some very nice connections between my work and other peoples work which really showed in the space and final show and booklet. Furthermore it was the first time working with a gallery for me, I learned about the “rules” in the gallery world, about prizing and communicating and that will help me a lot for the future.” (participant)
Which impact did the coaching have on you?
“The coaching was really good. I knew about the workshops given by TAATO, but I underestimated their effectiveness. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach; the suggestions are tailored to each person. I was given the tools to look at the way I present myself and my practice from an outside perspective, and I noticed after the workshop that the way I talk about my practice has greatly improved.” (Sara Bachour)
What was the project’s impact on your career?
“I prefer to delve into art making and I avoid having to talk about my practice, but with this project, I had multiple occasions in a short amount of time in which I was confronted with sharing my practice with others: other artists, the organisation, the workshops, the gallerist, a magazine, and the public. It functioned as a presentation boot camp.” (Sara Bachour)
“It was really helpful to get the perspective of a gallerist on pricing my work. It is difficult as an artist to get a feeling for it yourself and feel confident in your prices. I am unsure if I am more confident in pricing further works but I have a little bit a better idea.” (participant)
Do you foresee short-term and long-term benefits from this project in your upcoming career?
“The interview on the website gallery viewer was a great opportunity for visibility, and I am sure it will have an impact on my career in the future. And of course, getting to know other artists and the gallerist is helpful not only on a personal level but also for expanding one’s network” (Sara Bachour)
