Representing work

From its inception, the aim of Axis was ‘to raise professional awareness and improve visual arts practice by providing, in response to need, guidelines and models of practice linked with examples which demonstrate the parameters of good working methods to all who are involved, or are likely to be involved, in the field of work’. (‘Field of work’ referred here specifically to ‘public art’).
Its mission was ‘to broaden the constituency of visual arts and extend its influence in, and relevance to, the community, by:

• Providing a quality service and resource, which encourages good practice and professional relationships.

• Stimulating an enthusiasm for, and facilitating new partnerships and opportunities in, visual arts’.

Around this time, businesses were beginning to get a grip on the visual arts for their investment and publicity generation. Twenty years on, all major galleries have their key sponsors in the private sector and are even running high-profile competitions (e.g. the Turner, Becks Future) to make the most out of their connections. Such high profile art experiences in themselves provide us with benchmarks of quality. But are they reliable? How well do they relate to the work taking place outside of these heavily financed events? The web is the place to see what’s really going on: a virtual starting point, which can lead to real experiences and real partnerships, perhaps even on your doorstep.