Katharsis83 is an art collective supporting emerging artists making sociopolitical art. They focus on building a community and providing opportunities for artists through their collaborations and exhibitions. The collective was founded by University of Greenwich students who won a£1250 Generator bursary last year to help them with the project. We caught up with one of the co-founders Sancho del Val to find out how the money has helped them to grow.
1. Introduce yourself and your business.
Our team comprises Sancho del Val, Aday Muñoz, and Julia Chwalińska. Katharsis 83 is a dynamic art company dedicated to curating creative sociopolitical work by emerging artists. At Katharsis 83, we thrive on exploring creativity across various mediums, rejecting limitations on our projects. We consistently introduce new ventures, including self-organised art exhibitions and in-house product designs in collaboration with artists such as rugs, candles, and furniture. Our mission is to showcase diverse projects on the global art stage, providing a platform for artists to express their raw, honest, and sometimes provocative perspectives on today's multifaceted world. As creatives, we reject boundaries, working in any medium that enables artists to effectively communicate their ideas. We are committed to giving back to communities, particularly those most marginalised, by addressing relatable, misrepresented, or overlooked societal issues. Furthermore, we are constantly on the lookout for charitable side projects to provide direct assistance. Initially, our target audience was 26 to 35-year-old UK millennials earning over £40,000 annually, working in creative industries such as music production, design agencies, and clothing brands. However, the extended preparation time for exhibitions led us to diversify our products. Now, our audience is also focused on millennials interested in art or design products with a social or environmental focus, and creative/corporate businesses seeking high-quality, unique interior products. To enhance our production, we welcomed Kevin Molina and Alex Santamaria to the Katharsis 83 team. With experience at companies like Avis and Leica, Kevin and Alex specialise in video and photo production and post-production. Meanwhile, Alvaro Camara, with over five years in design and fashion working with major brands like Zalando and Bimba y Lola, joined our team to enrich our creative pool. This strategic expansion has allowed us to tap into diverse revenue streams, supporting our primary focus on art. It has not only helped us save funds but also contributed to financing our upcoming inaugural exhibition!
2. How do you find the artists that you collaborate with and how does that process work?
As Sancho, I have always been deeply interested in the discovery of new artists and their works. With today's technology, this pursuit has become more accessible than ever. However, the real challenge lies in uncovering artists who explore socio-political and environmental issues—areas where my awareness has significantly increased in recent years. In the past, I might have been perceived as somewhat naive and uncultured, but I have dedicated considerable time and effort to become more informed. Now, my passion lies in sharing the compelling stories that artists uncover on these crucial topics, with the hope of engaging people and fostering a culture of learning. The primary difficulty we face as a small start-up is identifying artists with valuable projects that align with our capabilities. The world of political art is vast, but what distinguishes a creative business like ours is our curation process, which shapes our brand’s values and persona. Initially, our connections with artists tend to progress smoothly. Over time, however, challenges can arise, particularly as artists may not always possess a managerial or business mindset. Nonetheless, these obstacles serve as invaluable lessons, especially in the early stages. They prepare us for unforeseen challenges, foster resilience, and enhance our adaptability.
3. How did the Generator support you on your business journey?
Before we embarked on our business journey, our understanding of fundamental business aspects such as structure, assessing business potential, and creating operational action plans was limited. However, thanks to the Generator and the individuals involved in its programs, I now feel confident in developing a business, assured that the essential foundations for success are already established. Moreover, I consider these university initiatives crucial for students interested in entrepreneurship, especially given the uncertainties of entering the real world. The practical approach adopted by the university has significantly influenced how Katharsis 83 approaches new obstacles and opportunities, undoubtedly aiding both our short-term and long-term growth as a business.
4. How has the Generator bursary helped your business to grow?
In the initial stages, we had a well-planned budget allocated for our first marketing campaigns. However, as previously mentioned, in the dynamic and ever-changing creative and arts industry, plans can shift overnight. Despite the need for adaptations and the associated time constraints, having the Generator bursary in our business account proved to be a significant asset. This funding played a crucial role in covering our administration software costs and supporting the production of our inaugural art exhibition. It allowed us to make strategic decisions without the stress of basic cost coverage, empowering us to position ourselves strongly in the market. Today, we have a well-crafted and actively unfolding business plan, aiming to achieve £30,000 in revenue over the next four months.
5. What are your goals for the future of your business?
Our future goals are contingent on the timeframe we consider. In the short term, we aim to achieve £30,000 in revenue through art sales, creative workshops and in-house product design. Looking further ahead and aligning with our brand mission, our long-term vision involves challenging the status quo through creativity. We aspire to build caring communities that confront rather than evade the political and environmental challenges we face, fostering dialogue and understanding. While the initial phase of any startup often revolves around survival, Katharsis 83 is unwaveringly committed to making a positive impact, particularly among the younger and upcoming generations.
6. What's the biggest lesson you've learnt from starting a business?
That’s a great question, and it's hard to pinpoint just one lesson. I would say the most valuable lesson is recognizing that there are always new insights to gain. By navigating through numerous challenges, you start to anticipate and learn from them. Overall, the key lesson for me has been the importance of 'TAKING ACTION!'—just as my Accelerator mentors often remind me, hahaha.
7. What advice would you give to other students looking to start a business?
I would recommend not being afraid to take risks. Despite the inevitable doubters, distractions, and setbacks, consistency is key. If you genuinely believe in your project and persevere, the outcome might not match your initial expectations, but it's the start of the journey that's crucial. Additionally, it’s essential to listen to others. Learn to discern valuable advice from what may not align with your vision. Some entrepreneurs resist external input, thinking they know everything, but I view this as a missed opportunity. While a business often reflects the entrepreneur's personality, putting egos aside and gaining a perspective on your business from a distance can be invaluable.
Want to apply for a Generator Bursary of £1250?
Applications for the Generator Bursary are now open. Students can apply by filling in the application form by the deadline of 11:59pm on the 5th of May 2024.
