Things we don't know we don't know

​"Why didn't you arrange an exhibition of X's work when X was in the country?! I love their work!"

"Their work does look good! But, we didn't know they were in the country, and also, we've not heard of them before. That would have been a pretty big stumbling block to arranging a loan with them. If there's a fab artist you think we should know about, please do let us know, so next time we can make plans before they leave the country."

*These exchanges edited for comedic value*

Yes, it's a shocker, but our staff aren't clued into all of the creatives we possibly could be, and even with those we are, we aren't constantly tuned into their international movements.  

If you think your local museum or gallery should be aware of an opportunity, do drop them a line before, rather than after, that opportunity occurs.

Loans and exhibitions are often arranged many months, if not years, in advance, but someone being in the country might provide the chance for a chat, which may get you closer to physically seeing art you love being exhibited in your local area. You never know, you could be helping the artist and venue forge links they would never have known about otherwise!

(yes, there is a chance that they're not the right artist for the venue, there's too much red tape, the artist isn't interested, but if you're too late in sending the information, that connection may never be made.)