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Arts & Business: Interview with Joe Kennedy and Jonny Burt, Founders of Unit London

Author
Steven Sulley
Published
Tue 27 Aug 2019
Episode Link
https://omny.fm/shows/the-steven-sulley-study-podcast/arts-business-interview-with-joe-kennedy-and-jonny

“It’s really telling the stories of the artists in noble ways that the industry hasn’t done before.” 
In this episode of The Steven Sully Podcast, Steven chats with Joe Kennedy and Jonny Burt, Co-founders and gallerists at Unit London. Joe and Jonny are making names in the art industry. Their brand, Unit London, wants to highlight art appreciation, the importance of sharing artist’s stories, and not just looking at an artwork’s selling price.  
For Joe and Jonny, they want every experience of gallery-goers to be as human as possible. As artist-entrepreneurs, they always see that they connect with other artists on a genuine level. They aren’t here just to find the best investment-grade art to showcase. Any emerging artist are welcomed to their platform. 
Discover more about arts and business when you tune in. 
KEY TAKEAWAYS 
Joe and Jonny have been shaking things up in the art industry lately. They’re introducing a new way on how to manage galleries, museums, exhibitions, and installations so they can be enjoyed by both the artists and the viewers. In their business model, they prioritised more on giving the full experience to everyone, rather than on the sales. 
For artists who wants their to works to get appreciated by more people and make sales also, Unit London is the right place as it gives importance to artistry. Joe and Jonny’s approach is to showcase the works depending on how the artist wants it, so in this way, people get drawn authentically to its artistic value. 
They’ve carefully planned their pricing structure. Others would increase the prices if they see that there’s a high demand for the artworks of a certain artist. But Joe and Jonny are looking at their long-term goals, and following this kind of practice isn’t the best for their business. 
When scouting for new artists, Joe and Jonny want to work with people who have same vision as them. It should be easier to collaborate if you found someone who’s on the same page as you. 
Joe and Jonny’s advice for entrepreneurs is to always be persistent and consistent. If you keep doing what you need to be doing, you’ll eventually attain your goal. Yes, you’re gonna fail, but it’s part of life that leaves you with lessons and let you grow. 
BEST MOMENTS 
“It’s all really about creating an environment that’s really welcoming, friendly, and somewhere you want to be.” 
“We’ve always led with passion with art, not fundamentally with money.” 
“It’s not just a sales-driven business; it’s about creating experience for people.” 
“If you appreciate the life of an entrepreneur, it’s much easier to go through the weeks.” 
“It was never about selling art; it was always about building a community.” 
VALUABLE RESOURCES 
Unit London - https://theunitldn.com/ 
ABOUT THE GUEST 
Joe Kennedy and Jonny Burt are the founders of Unit London, an independent brand that’s trying to shake up the current art industry. As much as possible, they want art to be appreciated by not just the few, but for everyone-the masses. Their galleries don’t serve the investors, it serves the artists and the art enthusiasts. 
Unit London - https://theunitldn.com/ 
ABOUT THE HOST 
The Steven Sulley Study is my take on success. My view is you should focus on several key areas to be a well-rounded individual. Success should not be just one thing like money, for example, it should also comprise a healthy fit lifestyle and thriving relationships. As a person who has made a success in life and also made some cock-ups, I can offer suggestions and tips on how to become successful or at least start your pursuit of success.  
I started from leaving school at 16 with very poor school results to pursue a career in plumbing following the directions of my parents that then lead me to a barrister's chamber and then to a sales floor. From here, I established a foothold in the sales market promoting financial products and being a founder of an art agency that has a Soho based art studio.  
In addition, I have invested into an urban fashion brand and into a wellness tech company, and my latest addition to the business portfolio is a property company that which creates HMO's in Medway, Kent. The diverse range of industries I find myself in has allowed me to create wealth that enables me to be my boss so I can pursue my dreams.  
As a former boxer and avid sportsman, I find there are similarities between the running of businesses and competing. In my episodes, I will share some of my experiences to explore deeper these connections and how they may bring you success." 
CONTACT METHOD 
Steven’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sulley.steven/ 
This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

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