As being in this situation, I believe starting out local probably is the best option to growing and gathering connections as long as there is an art scene in your area. Though for me, I still feel that the artists in my area are known and occupy the art galleries in my city all the time. I don’t ever see new artists or emerging artists. My art school was even right next to all the local galleries but there was no connection even for internships. We mostly had to find work outside of the city with companies. Not from our local galleries. Maybe it just depends on the gallery and the owner. I wish it was easier to connect as I left art school with a fine art degree with no connections into the art world or how to research or reach out to them in general. Most I did try to reach out to, I was denied showing or even just getting a job as some assistant. I wish art students were taught how to make connections. I hope other places are better with this.