Key considerations for internationalizing your artistic project: Essential Tips.
For those who have not yet decided to take the plunge, but want to get to know new circuits and countries, new audiences and new innovative projects. For those who want to meet new, different people with whom to collaborate, to think about new ideas, to discover what is happening in their artistic discipline and what they can contribute to the enrichment of this global community. For those who feel that the opportunities for work and recognition lie outside. For all of you, I will define the different areas you need to address in order to answer the question: Am I ready for internationalisation? What do I have? What don't I have? What am I missing? How will I get it? When will I get it?
Bear in mind that internationalising the career of a creative artist is not the same as internationalising the career of a performer. It is not exactly the same process for music producers, set designers or other professionals involved in artistic creation. Nor is it the same for a performing arts company or a music group; a production, distribution or publishing company; festivals, theatres or auditoriums. And so on, through all the professions, disciplines and parts of the value chain of the cultural, artistic and creative sector. But there are common elements that allow us to make this article useful to as many arts professionals as possible.
A sound project full of singularities
The first thing to consider is whether your project is suitable for internationalisation. This is a difficult question to answer at the outset. As I often repeat in my articles and podcasts, any "quality and honest" project can be developed internationally. What you need to find out is which circuits it can circulate through. But of course there are projects where it will be easier to identify the circuits, and others where it will be more complicated. So here are some recommendations:
- What is it about you or your project that makes you unique, singular, different?
Consider some of the elements that make you stand out in an international context:
Cultural identity. I am not saying that folk music or folk dance is what sells internationally. If we consider that a programmer or producer of a festival, for example, is trying to programme what his country does not have, what could be more different than the cultural identities of the countries of the world? So if your work has touches of your own culture of origin, in its aesthetics, in its content, in its environment, it will fulfil the condition of having a differential factor
Innovation and degree of experimentation. Another element that makes a difference is the experimentation with new styles and formats created by artists. There will always be a differentiating factor when it comes to innovation. But you have to be very careful and well informed not to try to offer something that is innovative for you, but has not been innovative for many years in the country where you are offering it
Virtuosity. Technical mastery in the execution of an artistic work is highly valued at the top circuits. So if you are a technical virtuoso in your field, be it piano, dance or circus, you have a good chance of an international career
- Long and successful local career and reputation. If you are an artist or collective with a good reputation in your own country, who has won awards, appeared at major festivals or sold many books, you have a good chance of being well received in other countries
Competences and skills
In the article "Soft skills for the internationalisation of the arts", I mention the basic skills, the attitudes or soft skills for the dissemination of the arts, which have their origin in the intrinsic values of culture. In addition to these general skills, internationalisation requires a number of specific skills, the most important of which are described below:
Intercultural competence: respect for diversity. Internationalisation offers the opportunity to meet people from very different cultural backgrounds. In many cases, the cultural differences are significant. Taking these into account will be essential for building lasting relationships. People who value cultural diversity and treat people from other cultures with respect and care will be able to engage in collaborative projects and will be more successful in offering their projects or products
Understanding international cultural and artistic landscapes. Culture is a form of knowledge, reflected in the projects and products that the cultural sector provides to society. Therefore, the methods used to share this knowledge should not dilute its depth with superficial or meaningless messages. The team responsible for promoting a cultural project must possess a level of cultural awareness that aligns with the project’s artistic significance.
Be open and collaborative. Direct interaction fosters networks of professionals built on shared interests, trust, cooperation, and exchange. Cultural projects driven by highly collaborative individuals are more likely to gain visibility and recognition than those that approach external relationships from a purely commercial perspective.
Finally, speak and write English fluently
Resources
What resources are essential for internationalization? While the previous section focused on the skills required for effective project management, resources refer to the assets available to support these activities. For international mobility and circulation, the following resources are necessary:
Financial Resources. Allocate at least a small portion of your budget for travel. Relying solely on emails, phone calls, or video conferences is unlikely to be enough to gain visibility. Face-to-face interactions are crucial. The most effective approach is to regularly attend trade fairs and key networking events or participate in professional networks related to your field or discipline
Información. Disponer de información clave es necesario para iniciar el proceso. Para empezar, debéis preguntaros lo siguiente: ¿qué contactos internacionales tengo?, ¿dónde conseguir más?, ¿qué aliados me pueden proporcionar nuevos contactos?, ¿conozco las subvenciones para la internacionalización?
- Information. Having access to key information is essential to kick-start the internationalization process. Begin by asking yourself:
- What international contacts do I already have?
- Where can I find more?
- Which allies can help me establish new connections?
- Am I aware of the available grants for internationalization?
- Herramientas de comunicación. Imagino que a estas alturas ya tenéis una página web en la que comunicáis vuestro Relato artístico y exponéis vuestra oferta y contenidos, pero: ¿la tenéis en inglés? ¿Tenéis vídeos de vuestros trabajos subidos a, por ejemplo, YouTube o Vimeo? ¿Qué tipo de boletín publicáis?
- Communication Tools. By now, you likely have a website showcasing your artistic narrative, offerings, and contents. But is it available in English? Do you have videos of your work uploaded to platforms like YouTube or Vimeo? What kind of newsletter do you publish? Ensuring your communication tools are well-structured and accessible is key to reaching a global audience.
Identifying the Circuits
With all the information, resources, and skills you have, you need to start defining the international circuits you want to navigate. If you are ready to internationalize, you should be able to identify both the circuits and the countries. Initially, this can be a broad selection, which you can refine over time. Are you prepared to determine which circuits you want to enter first?
Recap
To summarize the key points discussed: What do you need to be ready for mobility and international circulation in the artistic sectors?
- First, a solid project with distinct qualities:
- A strong identity
- Innovation and experimentation
- Technical quality and virtuosity
- Local recognition and reputation
- Essential skills and competencies:
- Intercultural communication skills
- Collaboration abilities
- Knowledge of cultural and artistic landscapes
- Proficiency in English
- Necessary resources:
- Financial means for travel
- Contact information, grants, and funding sources
- Effective communication tools
- Finally, you must identify the circuits and networks you wish to navigate