Independent art spaces are crucial for creative dialogue and community building. They sit outside the commercial gallery system, offering platforms for emerging artists and alternative voices. These spaces have the potential to create so much impact, but starting one comes with challenges.

In the summer of 2025, Ru-Chien, a Fine Art student at Camberwell, joined the Node Center course Launching an Independent Art Space: Conceptual and Practical Skills, led by curator and writer Nora Mayr, to explore exactly that. With over four weeks of live sessions, participants gained insight into how to set up their own initiative, from curatorial vision and organisational structures, to finances and PR.

For Ru-Chien, the course offered a shift in perspective. “I’m used to showing my work as an artist,” she explains, “but this course made me think like a curator and consider how an audience experiences my work within a space.” This perspective helped Ru-Chien prepare for new conversations with gallery staff and helped to break the ice in what can feel like a high-pressure relationship. “I understand the structures behind the industry, not just my role as an artist.”

A recurring theme throughout the course was the idea that independent art spaces are less about fixed outcomes and more about ongoing growth. “Growing an indie art space isn’t about having an end goal,” she reflects. “It’s about the process, working with people, learning as you go, and adapting to change.”

This process-oriented mindset helped participants see art spaces not as rigid institutions but as evolving communities. Especially for Ru-Chien, who shares that coming from Taiwan, independent art spaces are relatively rare, so learning from international examples was eye-opening. “I was fascinated by how project spaces in different countries reflected their local cultures, both in curation and in how they connect with communities.”

The online format helped to connect these conversations with students from around the world. “We made a WhatsApp group and follow each other on Instagram. It’s inspiring to see updates from artists all over the world and great that we can all keep in touch.”

Much of the learning came through group interaction, supported by Mayr’s facilitation. “The funny thing is, I learnt about collaboration not just from the content, but from how Nora guided us. She was like a library, full of knowledge and always responsive to our ideas. It made us feel comfortable experimenting together.”

For Ru-Chien, the course offered a broader view of her career options. “It made me realise I could be part of shaping spaces and communities, not just making art. That changes how I see my future in the industry.”

Her advice to future students? “Look at art spaces in different countries, see how culture shapes them, and embrace collaboration. That’s where the real learning happens.”

The Arts SU have an ongoing partnership with Node Center for Curatorial Studies. So keep an eye out for further opportunities to take part in their courses, free through the Arts SU.