If you have never been to a First Fridays in the Exchange, I highly recommend checking it out. If you are unfamiliar with the event, all the more reason to go! Like its name suggests, it is an ever changing collection of cultural events that takes place on the first Friday of each month in Winnipeg’s Exchange district.
If you’re not used to the art world rhythm of openings, talks, and exhibits I get how it can feel intimidating to drop in. I find the art world an intimidating place—and I’m an artist! Maybe for you it feels like there are about 101 reasons not to go. Who wants to drop into an exhibit of works by an unknown artist working in a medium you may not care for, on a topic you feel is irrelevant? If that wasn’t enough reason to avoid art events, you might find yourself in a room full of strangers—or worse, alone with a gallery attendant eager to engage you–awkward!
If you find yourself in a place where you are curious about the art world but a little apprehensive about how to jump in, here are a few tips that have helped me access events with much less stress now.
1. Accept the awkwardness. There is nothing normal about an art opening. Chances are you are not the only one feeling the awkwardness of the lack of social script. You may or may not meet the artist. They may or may not be interested in talking about the work. Sometimes there is food and drink, but not always. Sometimes it is free—sometimes not. Sometimes there are very specific protocols, like not photographing and sharing the work while other times it is expected that you will. This, and more, can contribute to feeling like an outsider in an unknowable microcosm. For the record, many insiders feel like outsiders in the art world—For me, when I realized this it helped me relax and accept that awkwardness is normal and fine.
2. Don’t expect to form your forever opinions. Compared with being an audience member for a concert or film, it can be arduous work to take in an exhibit. Walking around a room, reading text, looking at sometimes a bewildering assemblage of sensory experiences requires a level of processing that can take time. It’s totally fine to go into an exhibit and reserve judgment until you have thought about it for a while. If someone asks what you think of the work it is totally fine to say, “I am not sure yet. I have to think about it.”
3. Break out of the “white cube.” Remember, not all art is found in a gallery. Whether it is graffiti under a bridge, performances on the sidewalk, the food on a plate, or the drink in your glass—art takes on many forms. Broaden your expectations to include cultural work that moves past the walls of a gallery and into alternative spaces. When you democratize cultural work in this way it can help to make the art world much more approachable, and the regular world much more interesting.
Whether you are a veteran attendee, or the apprehensively curious, First Fridays is a great way to engage the strange world of art. Most importantly remember: art is for everyone!
More about First Fridays in Winnipeg: https://www.firstfridayswinnipeg.org/
Alexandra Ross Works 