Dark Yellow Dot: Helping Young Artists Break Into the Art Market

Dark Yellow Dot (DYD) is a London-based non-profit that helps young artists break into the art market. The organization recognizes that despite art schools nurturing an artist’s technical skills, such as painting and photography, being an artist today requires additional skills, such as marketing, networking, and even extensive business knowledge. To help young artists navigate the ever-changing and challenging art market, Dark Yellow Dot hosts frequent workshops and mentoring sessions to help young artists acquire these skills. They also host exhibitions at partnering spaces to help young artists get the coverage and exposure they have worked hard for.

Chosen by Savanna Achampong, part of Out Loud, a group exhibition at Genesis Cinema Gallery presented by Dark Yellow Dot. Image courtesy of Dark Yellow Dot’s website.

In 2024, they have also partnered with social space, CRATE Walthamstow’s 3-month residency programme to help bring the work of young artists closer to the public. The work that the DYD does will help artists turn their practice into full-fledged careers, one that will allow them to sustain themselves and acquire financial freedom. This is why programs held by Dark Yellow Dot are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education and Decent Work And Economic Growth.

Raw Edge, a group exhibition at CRATE Walthamstow presented by Dark Yellow Dot. Image courtesy of Dark Yellow Dot’s website.

Dark Yellow Dot was founded by Lauren Little, an art school graduate who found it difficult to navigate the London art system after school. Hence, she founded DYD, whose primary mission is to help young artists build sustainable careers in the arts. She aims to do that by providing them with a sense of community and access to helpful resources, including early professional experiences. This background story of being an artists’ organization made by artists, for artists, is why DYD can create a real impact on the careers of young artists that they work with. Furthermore, they have been recognized for their work by the 2022 Webby Awards, and their blog of resources for young artists has even been named Vuelio’s Top 10 UK Art Blogs.

Their key programs are separated into online and offline events, with their offline events focused on exhibitions that are held at either Genesis Cinema Gallery or 1B Window Gallery. As previously mentioned, they have also collaborated with CRATE Walthamstow’s 3-month residency programme, an event that will be commemorated with the Crate Party! Workshops. At the workshop, attendees will be able to E17 Art Trail skill-building classes for young artists and creatives seeking to further their careers.

Wanderings by Charlotte Cuny, an exhibition at the Genesis Cinema Gallery presented by Dark Yellow Dot. Image courtesy of Dark Yellow Dot’s website.

Meanwhile, on the online end of their programs, DYD has set up a free resource library, a continuously updated blog, and a subscription-based artist talks library. These resources give young artists access to templates and tools to help them sell and market their work both online and offline. They will also find guides and best practices from established artists, including a series of inspiring artist interviews to help them pursue their careers.

The Well by Teresa Sykorova, an exhibition at the 1B Window Gallery presented by Dark Yellow Dot. Image courtesy of Dark Yellow Dot’s website.

Dark Yellow Dot is revolutionizing the art market for young artists by providing them with essential skills and opportunities that extend beyond traditional art school training. Through workshops, mentoring, and exhibition opportunities, DYD equips emerging artists with the knowledge needed to thrive in today’s competitive art world.

Find out more about Dark Yellow Dot’s initiatives by checking their Instagram on @darkyellowdot.