Should Artists pay Fees to Exhibit
It has been almost the case for Artists; paying fees to exhibit their artwork. At times, Artists end up carrying the artwork back and forth with no happy results. Frustration is the common feeling. That is why, number of Artists have cut down on such exhibitions for the high cost and some galleries have closed down as a result. Different Artists learned different lessons and the resilient ones remain. Some Artists had to find second jobs to make the ends meet. Even though, the art-market is like a growing giant yet, some Artists have given up.
No denial that artists are the main feeders for art organizations. However, those art organizations open the ways for artists to be seen for potential sales. Having said that, the question is; should/should not artists pay fees to exhibit their artwork? Yes and No. When we pay an amount of money anywhere is to receive certain services. With the same token, paying fee to exhibit artwork is to receive all the potentials of promotion, exposure and possible sales as the normal expectations. That is said, sale of artwork can’t be guaranteed in any exhibition. Factors are many, think about it.
Nevertheless, when exhibiting in a physical Gallery, Galleries must have their own clients and are aware of what their clients normally purchase. It is the gallery’s homework to build up good clients, art buyers and have a list of permanent buyers to invite. Accordingly, they accept certain Artists with certain styles to exhibit their artwork. Such galleries only select artists who are already and successfully selling and accepting to pay, in turn, a good percentage of the sales price between 45%-80%. If the sale is poor or there is no sale at all, obviously, galleries will not keep such artists. Most likely, those galleries are focusing only on collecting fees with their minimum advertising and least cost. In general, galleries barely invest the amount of money needed on promoting an exhibition. Simply, they count on the list of clients they have. In addition, they do not want their artists to be taken away from the. Thus, they hock them in a contract of five years for example where artists are not allowed to exhibit anywhere else. With their limited number of clients/art buyers who might or might not fall in love with the artwork or might/might not agree with the sale prices, chances of Artists are slim.
In comparison, exhibiting in reputable international exhibitions usually targets thousands of guests including art collectors which is worth the investment for artists. These Art Organizations set measurable budgets on promoting the exhibitions internationally and dedicate thousands of hours preparing for such huge exhibitions. In this case, it is worth the investment for artists to paying fee. Even though, sale still will not be guaranteed yet, artists will have a wider exposure and the opportunities to widen out their communications on international level. As far as sale goes, it will depend on your artwork, who will like it, find it valuable, appreciate the quality, captured by the subject, impressed by your authentic biography, and agree with prices to invest. You will direct contact with visitors and potential buyers.
Artists however, need to keep in mind that they will be competing with hundreds of other artists exhibiting there. In case of lack of sales, you will still get your artwork seen by hundreds if not thousands of visitors who seriously, interested in art. You might be contacted later on, whereas when exhibiting in a physical gallery, they is hold on the direct communication with you by the buyer.
In addition to the benefits of exhibiting in a renowned international exhibitions, it will look good on your biographies as where your art was seen and by whom.
Some artists prefer to pay percentage 45%, 60% or even 80% to physical galleries and be controlled and others prefer to pay fee in known international exhibitions to have full control of their artwork and to receive the full sale price, it is a personal choice.
In either case, there are questions Artists need to ask before deciding which direction to choose: 1-Reputation: Is the exhibition has a good reputation? Is it well known and to whom? 2-Location: Will the exhibition be held in a well-known location with which the public is familiar? 3-Visitors: what kind of visitors/guests usually attend such exhibition and how many? 4-Promotion: What kind of promotion is offered and how professional? How many will see it such promotion? And what is the budget spent for the promotion? 5-Recognition: Is the organizer well documented, expert and has extended connections? 6-Timing: Will the exhibition take place at a time of an active season of that city/country? 7-Well written agreement: Does art organizer invite artists with a legal Agreement stating clearly, all Terms and Conditions? 8-Application fee: Does organizer collect fees to submit the application or artwork? Artists, pay attention to that request. There is difference between paying to apply and paying the exhibit. The first is far from professional/ 9-Reasonable cooperation: Does art organizer cooperate well and gratify all your questions? 10-Goal: Are art Organizers working only for themselves or for you as well? 11-Question to ask yourself: Will I feel proud to say “I have exhibited there”? 12-Exhibiting in a gallery: aside from the above questions, What promotions will artists receive? Will the promotion be included in the written Agreement?
Regardless of the above, Art is playing a big role in the world’s industry. This what moves massive amounts of currency around worldwide. Some Artists’ names and artworks are priced highly because of such massive market monitored by large business campaigns. Such efforts mostly, are behind artist’s success and mind blowing prices.
When artists have outstanding talents, they need to be professionally visible, promoted, and get discovered by the right audience. Such exposure can’t happen inside your studios, unless you exhibit in selected exhibitions or have personal strategy to get you there alone.
While the international competition is huge yet, artists need sometimes to take the risks. Complaining more than doing something will not get you anywhere. Thus, make the decisions for yourselves and be responsible for the results. We all do invest on what we believe in doing. Expecting free service is unheard of. Should Artists chooses to only pay fee, then count the cost and think about all the pros and the cons.
Should you be able to build you own collectors where there is no need for galleries or for art organizers, congratulations.
