A strategy I am using to find creative work in London is to email galleries and people who work in galleries asking for voluntary and paid work. I am aware that this is a bit of an out-there strategy, and might not give me any success, however to me it is worth trying as I would like to either get a job in arts or increase my chances at getting a job in the arts (through voluntary work).
My method for doing this is: keep a list of contacts, email the contacts in a way that resembles a cover letter, attach my CV, hope for the best.
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Speculative cover letter
My template for a cover letter is:
Dear_____________,
I am writing to you as a soon to be art graduate with a ____ class degree in Sound Art from the London College of communication. My practice and research are based around the contemporary art gallery, and I am currently looking for experience within the field to utilise my existing skills as well gain valuable new knowledge.
*a personalised short paragraph applicable to the role*
Within a voluntary internship at Rinse FM I gained skills in administrative duties and artist liaison which I wish to develop further, this included communicating with artists, completing tasks in a timely manner and multi-tasking when necessary. I also have strong inter-personal skills which would be beneficial for customer facing roles and supporting at exhibition openings and events.
As someone in the early stages of an arts based career I feel that volunteering at ______ would provide me with invaluable experience and knowledge that could tremendously support my aspirations of a job within the arts.
I understand this may not be possible, but given the opportunity I will give the job my absolute all and commit to it in all ways possible. Thank you for your time, I’m excited about the role and hope to hear back from you soon.
Best wishes,
Tal
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I think that this cover letter along with my CV shows initiative and motivation, as well as showcases my skills and experience. I’m aware that some companies don’t appreciate emails like this, so I will be researching the careers pages of galleries, studios, and other work opportunities to see if this outlined.
My method for gathering emails so far has been to ask other sound artists with more experience than me of places they’ve worked in the past. This has been helpful as it has encouraged me to think about places I wouldn’t have otherwise considered such as working for a sound art agency e.g. Adi Audiovisual.