For two years, the arts industry has been in a state of constant flux – suffering a constant trepidation after the closure of theatres, galleries and music halls over the pandemic. Despite the world taking ginger steps toward normality, there still remains this unspoken fear of the uncertainty that a post-pandemic world holds. With the constant cancelling of performances, cutting of audiences, and closure of theatres and galleries, it is imperative that the public nurture the arts back to their former glory.
But rather than diving straight into the National Portrait Gallery, Tate Britain or the V&A, it might be worth considering dipping your toe into the world of smaller, independent galleries; who, more than anything else, need support in finding their feet after two tumultuous years.
The support that comes with visiting a small, independent art gallery goes beyond allowing these galleries to continue after the pandemic. Visiting one of these galleries provides a multitude of support for both the artists on display there and local businesses. In a world where word of mouth consists of characters in a post, sharing the experiences enjoyed in one of these galleries can be just as influential as the grandiose posters outside the National Gallery. Likewise, independent galleries often run collaborations with local businesses regarding refreshments, souvenirs, the history of the area and even the art displayed, meaning that supporting the gallery often includes the support of local businesses, upholding a sense of local identity.
Alongside a more localised and personalised show of support, something which cannot be emphasised enough regarding the reemergence of the arts industry, is that the experience of visiting a smaller art gallery is in itself a much more personalised one. Without the rush of tourists or the drain of queues, the calm of these independent galleries allows time to think, creating a far more engaging visit than what might otherwise be achieved somewhere larger. The process of meandering around without being overwhelmed at how much there is to cover becomes almost meditative, allowing a moment in front of a canvas to be drawn out as along as a visitor would like. Each piece on display can be viewed, examined, and questioned as many times as one would like. The experience moulds into what the individual wants it to become, rather than what a tour guide would shape it to be.
By downsizing the scale of a gallery, the engagement between visitor and the art increases – allowing opinions, imagination, and emotions to be explored more thoroughly. With the pieces on display constantly changing, the dynamic of these smaller galleries shifts with the artists they work with, rather than preserving a selection of classics year upon year. The result is a deeper conversation around the artist and a finer ability to compare pieces or even the exhibitions themselves. Smaller galleries are thus the perfect way for people to introduce themselves to critiquing and appreciating art, without being overwhelmed at the thought of having to comment on the work of Matisse, Van Gogh, or Renoir without having had a moment to truly explore what that artwork means to them.
Whether a novice in the world of art galleries or a regular visitor, it is definitely worth making a trip to an independent, local gallery before heading straight for the ‘big names’. Whether you seek a shift away from seeing the same displays, feel overwhelmed at the size of a larger gallery or prefer to support smaller businesses and artists after a period of great uncertainty, a visit to a small gallery is a perfect way to reintroduce yourself to the arts industry this year.