About us

Joe Parks © CC Mona Lisa Madness ¹

The Outside(r)
“Contemporary art is for everyone, It’s not for anyone” ²

Contemporary Art is beautiful in its complexity, it can involve not knowing, not understanding, confusion and at times leave us with a feeling of being left out, and that’s fine. Art, like people, comes with baggage; it can provoke, be funny or challenging. Art has its own language with a million references and a thousand dialects. There is no one art world there are many. We are all outsiders. Embrace not knowing, own it.

³Marcel Duchamp and L.H.O.O.Q., circa 1965

The Inside(r)

CONTEMPORARY ART INSIDER is an common interest group for art lovers and collectors. Based out of Manchester with a focus on the North West, North east and Midlands, curator and gallery director Nat Pitt, (Division of Labour) organises bespoke experiences and encounters with contemporary art on a bi-monthly basis.

Currently applications are on an invitation only basis, further enquiries vip@contemporaryartinsider.com

1. A provocation by Matthew Higgs, (Director White Columns, NY) at a Contemporary Arts Society conference in Birmingham 2010 paraphrasing Jerry Saltz ( art critic) who was lampooning a Sunday night 60 Minutes segment by Morley Safer (a popularist shock jock, reporter) in 1997.
2. Joe Parks © CC Mona Lisa Madness, August crowds pack theLouvre. https://www.flickr.com/photos/parksjd/28770031810
3. Marcel Duchamp with his L.H.O.O.Q., circa 1965. © Association Marcel Duchamp ADAGP, Paris & DACS, London 2021.

Our programme includes

ARTIST STUDIO VISITS

Angelina May Davis’ studio (currently under threat!)

Every other month we offer both weekday and weekend studio visits, meet the artists and learn why, how and where they make their work.

EXHIBITION TOURS

Nat Pitt fashions scarf by artist Mark Titchner :)

You will recieve invites to forthcoming exhibitions and will gain access to artists and curators for 'behind the curtain' experiences, demystifying and illuminating the art world.

TALKS, DINNERS & MEET UPS

Satellite British Art Show, A Modest Show dinner hosted at The Whitworth, Manchester 2022

Opportunities to learn and gain new knowledge from experts, professionals and our peer group.

ONLINE FORUMS

Online lecture by Andy Holden hosted by Division of Labour 2020

Artist talks, curator talks, art market insiders and discussion from the comfort of home.

TRAVEL

Venice Biennale 2023

Bespoke travel opportunities; art events, festivals, biennials and art fairs > London, Llandudno, Glasgow, Belfast & Dublin, New York, Venice, Brussels, Madrid and Rotterdam all planned for 2026

Membership

Membership is currently by invitation, via enquiry and recommendation only. vip@contemporaryartinsiders.com

rates. Individual £140 / Couple £210

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to follow.

Work Index →
Joe Parks © CC Mona Lisa Madness ¹