LIVING CULTURES
INDIGENOUS ARTIST
INTERACTING WITH GUESTS
While you are working with the public, much of your time will be spent interacting with locals and tourists. Many will be excited to see your work and learn more about you and your art. Tips for interacting with the public: Bring completed pieces to talk about and use as examples of your work. Many will ask you about your creative process, and you may find yourself answering the same questions several times a day. If you produce work for the commercial market, some guests may ask, “Am I allowed to wear this?” Simply explain that your work is for the commercial market and is meant for others to wear. Guests like to be hands-on, especially children, so you may want to bring one or two pieces that they are allowed to touch. Guests enjoy hearing stories: Have some stories prepared, either about yourself or what you are working on. When applicable, try to include your history and cultural connections. Tips from artists: “Telling stories about your “When I worked at the Royal BC Museum’s Indigenous artwork helps people gain an Summer Arts Studio, I held a drum-making workshop. emotional attachment to it. This helped me share directly with the public and tourists Storytelling also brings up information on traditions and philosophies, which was an further conversations and important part of the program. It was really good to see the helps you make connections genuine interest from the public when learning directly with the guests.” from the artists.” —Sarah Jim —Virgil Sampson
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Living Cultures: An Empathy-Building Toolkit
