My 2 Cents on Juried Shows.
I know, I know. A lot of Art bloggers have been talking about juried shows and entry fees over the past few weeks. Over at SELLOUT there was a particularly interesting post about fees, and Alyson over at ArtBiz Blog also had some great advice. And they raised and expounded on so many good points that I didn’t feel the need to blog on the issue. But an e-mail newsletter I received this week has forced me to add my two cents.
A certain Art Center that shall remain unnamed sent out an open call for a juried show they will be hosting. Everything sounded great until I got to this part:
HOW TO ENTER:
6 images: $45 ($30 student/senior discount in this category only); 10 images: $65; 20 images: $100. *Applicants from Canada & Mexico please add $15 to any of the above categories. International applicants please add $20.
METHOD OF PAYMENT:
Please make checks payable to XXX. AMEX, MC, & Visa accepted. As a way to thank you for entering and keep in touch, you will receive a one year XXX membership when you enter. Current memberships will be renewed for one additional year.
Question #1: Why is it that Canadian and Mexican Artists are forced to add $15 to the entry fee? And those of us who are “international” are apparently footing the bill for the wine at the opening reception because to send in 20 images we would have to pay a whopping $120 entry fee! (Also last time I checked Canada and Mexico are not part of the US thus they too are “International”, who what’s up with the $5 discount?)
Question #2: How exactly are Mexican, Canadian, and International artists supposed to take advantage of this one year membership? They’ve probably used up all their airfare money paying for the entry fee!
Question #1: Why is it that Canadian and Mexican Artists are forced to add $15 to the entry fee? And those of us who are “international” are apparently footing the bill for the wine at the opening reception because to send in 20 images we would have to pay a whopping $120 entry fee! (Also last time I checked Canada and Mexico are not part of the US thus they too are “International”, who what’s up with the $5 discount?)
Question #2: How exactly are Mexican, Canadian, and International artists supposed to take advantage of this one year membership? They’ve probably used up all their airfare money paying for the entry fee!
The worse part is that this institution is a well respected Art Center that has some amazing programming. I generally think of them as one of the places that truly supports artists and encourages diversity throughout the field. But those entry fees seem downright…..predatory. Having worked with various Arts organizations, I am well aware of the very hefty expenses involved in putting on an exhibition, but these added on fees strike me as over the top.
I am deadly curious as to what their reasoning is for the added fees to international artists. Would it be too obnoxious to e-mail and ask …while simultaneously pointing out that these fees are absurd?
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Kesha, I wholeheartedly agree...great post. Yes, I think you should email them and no I don't think it would be obnoxious at all. There are many shows similar to that here in Canada....I see them as money making ventures but not for the artists. Once again....great blog
ReplyDeleteI'm swearing off all juried shows ...I did participate in one last year but I was the one helping to set it up at a museum for the organization. After working with the organization and seeing how little they actually have other than taking money in, I'm not going to particiapate in another one.
ReplyDeleteHaving said this, I'm sure something might come up to make me change my mind..but no more fees and all that stuff. There are a few out there that don't charge and do have other ways to pay for the showing of art...although few I'm sure.
In the very beginning of your art career, they do have a purpose but later on down the line, none that I can see.
Kesha, am I reading this right, that if you send your images, I presume digital, from outside of the US, you pay more? ?? ????
ReplyDeleteYes, I would write them. That sounds completely absurd.
I agree that is way to much! Don't let it get you down though. Your work is GREAT! I can't even afford many of the art show's that MOST artist's can afford due to certain curcumstances.So,I know how you feel. I won't let that stop me, though although, I do envy those who can afford it.
ReplyDelete*HUGS*
It's certainly absurd to me. For one thing,you already have to pay more just to ship your work, so why would they want to charge more on top of that.
ReplyDeleteThose are some crazy fees. I'd inquire about them, too. I know it takes a lot to mount exhibitions, especially in a place like New York, but that still seems to be too much.
ReplyDeleteI've just recently started checking out the posts and discussions on Sellout. There's a lot of good, thought-provoking stuff going on there.
Great post :)
Kesha,
ReplyDeleteI stumbled across this post today. I submitted to the show you are referring to, against my better judgment, I have extremely mixed feelings about these things.
Be glad you did not. They sent out a blast announcement to all those not selected, with a viewable CC. As in, everybody gets a look at who applied and was rejected. I'm now expecting 271 newsletters and invitations to shows in coffee shops across the country. Whee!