Participating as a volunteer at a nonprofit organization, teaching classes in the field, and generally giving back to the community is a good way to keep in touch with what is going on in the art world, your neighborhood, or your region.  Many organizations were founded to help artists with exhibitions, professional skills, or presentation.  If you have been supported by one of these organizations, please consider giving back by volunteering, or serving on a committee.  If you have not benefited, consider it anyway, as it helps the next generation of artists have a support sy

One of the best ways of making connections is networking.  This means being visible, going to events and openings, participating on panels, going to lectures and accepting visiting artist lecture gigs.  If you stay home in your studio, you are not going to meet the person who will open doors for your next show, or give you a good idea, or tell you about a public art project  opportunity.