2025 Theses Doctoral

Sustaining Creative Practice After Graduation: Artists’ Networks and Alliances in Shared Spaces

Lee, Heejoon

This dissertation investigated how early-career artists navigate the transition from art school to professional practice by forming relationships and networks within shared studio environments. Focusing on three types of shared spaces, (a) private shared studios, (b) artist-run spaces, and (c) artist residencies, this study examined how shared environments shape artistic practices, foster resilience, and contribute to the sustainability of creative careers.

Drawing on in-depth interviews and photo documentation of six artists transitioning from early-career to mid-career stages, the research explored the role of social relationships, spatial dynamics, and informal learning in shaping their professional trajectories. The study was framed by two theoretical approaches: Schlossberg’s Transition Theory of 4S, which contextualizes individual adaptation during career transitions; and Actor-Network Theory, which considers the networks of human and non-human actors that influence artistic development.

Through these lenses, the dissertation revealed how shared studio spaces function not only as physical sites but also as conceptual and relational environments that support early-career artists in cultivating creative agency, expanding networks, and navigating postgraduation challenges. These findings contribute to ongoing conversations about the transformative nature of art education in relation to the art world, offering insights into how alternative and collaborative models can better support emerging artists in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape.