
Great Companies: How did you get your idea or concept for the business?
Kate Enters: I started ArtCan as I recognised, as an artist myself, that being a creative is often a solitary process, and you can struggle to reach new audiences with your work. By creating group exhibitions, you share the experience and contacts with likeminded individuals, which enhances your reach and gives you a route to confidently move forward with your practice. That is why I organised the first-ever group exhibition in 2013. Almost twelve years later, we are a thriving and vibrant international non-profit organisation and community that provides a platform for artists to exhibit without relying on gallery representation and with an emphasis on ‘owning’ your art careers.
Great Companies: What are the various services provided by ArtCan?
Kate Enters: ArtCan has expertise in producing collaborative art exhibitions in London, across Britain, and internationally. Our exhibitions complement the work of established galleries by enabling talent to gain experience and skills. We work with galleries but also seek new spaces where art becomes a part of everyday life, aiming to involve audiences in an organic and personal way.
ArtCan’s artist-centred ethos means our model does not involve charging commissions on sales, helping artists focus on developing a sustainable practice.
Great Companies: What makes ArtCan different from hundreds of other similar service providers?
Kate Enters: I quickly recognised that the formula I was using to enable artists to exhibit was unique and unusual within the mainstream art world. This did not worry me, as I absolutely believe that creatives are in the world to adapt and provide flexibility when societal structures sometimes seem unbending.
What I didn’t realise at the time was the momentum or ripple effect that my actions would create. It was an international community from day one, and artists enthusiastically embraced the formula and helped build the momentum themselves. Essentially, I was fulfilling a need within the art world for a more entrepreneurial and individually owned professional platform where the core focus was the artists and the art – not commercial gain.
Great Companies: What were the struggles and challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Kate Enters: I think the biggest challenge has been keeping steadfast in my vision! I quickly recognised that I needed help in ensuring the vision I had was valid, inspiring, and possible. I have been incredibly lucky that my board of Trustees were introduced to me through existing connections and contacts at exactly the right time they were needed.
The only thing I can tie this down to is my absolute acceptance early on that I could not do this alone. I needed help and was not afraid to ask for it publicly. If you project positive and genuine energy, you get positive and genuine energy in return – in bucket loads, if my board of Trustees are anything to go by!
This support has enabled me to stay constant, consistent, and genuine in the growth of ArtCan and will be vital in continuing our path forward.
Great Companies: How do you plan to grow in the future? What does 5 years down the line look like for ArtCan?
Kate Enters: We aim for considered and effective growth, both in the UK and internationally. We are developing more localised collectives that will enable in-person interaction and collaboration. This will ensure our artists feel connected and empowered to create local opportunities.
There is much to be said for art being the dominant currency within society. Currently, the world is out of balance—Mother Nature is not happy, power struggles and capitalism are repressing freedom of living and creativity. While I can’t individually solve the situation, I hope ArtCan can be part of the solution. We will always ensure the creative voice has a platform and place in society, enabling future generations to feel they can be artists with a voice.
Great Companies: If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
Kate Enters: Find your Tribe!
Collaborators are essential for growing your practice and your connections. There is huge power in numbers, and if you find the right people to join you on your journey, it is both fun and inspiring.
Be generous. Share experiences and contacts with likeminded individuals, and you will find that you, in turn, enhance your own reach. This provides a solid steppingstone for confidently moving forward with your practice.