Leigh Sneade describes how an innovative membership scheme took a Norwich art gallery into the heart of an international community
OUTPOST is an artist run gallery based in Norwich, built on the backbone of a membership scheme. The scheme is what drives the gallery forward; OUTPOST is constantly being developed by who joins, their work and the changing relationships within the OUTPOST community.
The annual fee of £15 parallels the expenses provided to invigilators, meaning that each member's subscription effectively keeps the gallery open for one day. A day’s invigilation can be provided in lieu of payment. The scheme was based on that of artist-led space Transmission, who visited Norwich in 2003 for the East International symposium on artist led spaces. A conversation arose at the conference and OUTPOST was set up in 2004.
OUTPOST members submit material to the archive, which is both digitally and physically housed at OUTPOST and from which at least a third of our annual exhibitions are selected. Members can also nominate other artists and collectives to exhibit, who, if they are successful, become lifelong members as well. We hold a core programme of eleven exhibitions a year; supplemented by an annual Members Show and a programme of events that includes film nights, critical forums, group exhibitions and artists’ talks which are open firstly to members. The annual show is selected by a Steering Committee of eight members. Service on the committee is limited to two years, to ensure that selection and organisational processes don’t become stale.
OUTPOST studios were set up in February 2010 to offer local and regional members affordable studio space within Norwich city centre. The proximity to the OUTPOST Gallery has also helped further develop and strengthen our community. The studios currently house 80 local and regionally-based members, and are managed by a sub committee and a studio manager.
The membership functions as a mutually supportive network for artists in the region. Long distance members are also welcomed; one of the founding aims of OUTPOST was to present work of national and international relevance. A patron membership scheme is run alongside; for £30 a year members receive a 10% discount on any works purchased. Membership support for OUTPOST is invaluable, it extends beyond the financial – it ensures that a credible context for contemporary art in Norwich is recognised and sustained.