Independents
Independent art historians form a very diverse members’ group. Many earn all or some of their income from freelance activities such as lecturing or teaching, curating, writing, editing or translating art-related materials.
Independent members often lack the support of institutional backing. We have an online communication network and newsgroup called, ‘Art-line’. To join this network group or to find out more contact ch-indeps@aah.org.uk.
NEW: Independent & Freelancing Workshop, September 9th 2010
This Workshop considers a range of potential career options for freelance art historians including curating, writing, cultural tourism, journalism and lecturing. The session would be of interest to established freelance art historians looking to explore additional work options and newly qualified ones who may be planning to work on a freelance basis as a lifestyle choice or who are considering freelance work as a stepping stone between graduating and a permanent contract.
The event will run for the whole day, at the AAH Offices in Cowcross St., London.
THIS EVENT IS NOW FULLY BOOKED.
Facebook Group
AAH Independents members have recently set up a group on Facebook.
Twitter
Follow the AAH Independents on Twitter @aahindependents
Conference Grants
Independent Members* of the AAH who are session convenors or who have had a paper or a poster accepted for any art history-related conference anywhere in the world, can apply for a grant of up to £300 to cover some of the expenses of attending the conference. Grants have been given for members giving papers at the AAH annual conference, and for conferences at other venues such as Venice. This is not a hardship grant. If you are an independent member and have been a member of the AAH for at least one year you should receive a grant as long as there is money available in the budget. For an application form please contact ch-indeps@aah.org.uk
Image Cost Grants
Independent Members* of the AAH who are publishing work with images that attract copyright fees can apply for a grant of up to £500 to assist in meeting those fees. For an application form please contact ch-indeps@aah.org.uk
*Independent members must not have a full-time or near full-time employment within a single institution. They should have declared themselves as independent AAH members when joining/renewing. They must have been a paid-up AAH member for a full year prior to submitting an application.
Online Directory of Independent Art Historians
The Online Directory of Independent Art Historians is an online resource that allows people to search for art historians with different specialisms and skills. It also aims to provide independent members with an opportunity to promote their freelance professional services. Many of our members have gained lucrative contracts through their entries in this Directory. The online directory has been running for several years, having originated from a published booklet.
Freelance Training Day
The Independent members group are planning to hold a training day in 2010 to help members get more freelance work. Watch this space for further details.
Exhibition and Gallery Tours
We organise a number of exhibition and gallery tours throughout the year. These give members a chance to meet each other in the congenial company of art works. These are announced from time to time on art-line or via email to those who have registered as Independents.
Next tour date: The next visit will be to the Ashmolean in Oxford on Saturday, October 2nd. Meet at main entrance of the museum at 12.30.
Special Interest Group Meetings
SIG meetings take place annually at the AAH Conference. They are informal, but informative sessions for all AAH members that identify with a particular group, such as Independents. The meetings provide an opportunity for members to meet up and discuss particular and/or current areas of interest or concern.
Join the Independent Members Group
We need more people to help in the work of providing membership benefits for Independents. Without our volunteers nothing would be achieved. Also it is a good way of networking with your peers. Not a lot of your time is required to make a big difference. If you would like to help, contact the Chair.
To find out more about the group, to apply for a scheme mentioned above, or to make a contribution to our work, contact ch-indeps@aah.org.uk