I’ve been asked (in a fairly last minute way) to give a lecture on Monday to a bunch of Creative Arts students, on professional arts practice and technology. Rather than coming up with a highly prescriptive lecture that pushes a particular position about whether artists should or should not be online, I thought I’d source some different perspectives (curatorial, artist, arts writer) about art and technology. And I was hoping that some of you might be willing to contribute, in either a personal or professional context.

We know of countless musicians who have built their careers through their digital efforts. Is the same true of artists, or is the online art market a myth? Any feedback that I can give to the students, so that they can hear from voices beyond mine, would be appreciated. I’d also love any suggestions for artists from around the world who are using digital technologies well, either in the creation of work itself, or in the promotion of their work. It’s a small secret fantasy of mine to crowdsource every example I use in the lecture, just to show the power of networks.

Are you an artist whose career has been affected by the Internet (for better or for worse)? Or are you a curator, museum educator, or museum tech person? Maybe an arts writer or an academic? If so, how does an artist’s digital presence (or lack thereof) impact your work, or your interpretation of their work?

Thanks for your help.