The price of booth fees keeps rising and rising. I can't believe artists aren't screaming to promoters about this. We are going through tough times and no one wants to give us a break. It is TIME TO LOWER BOOTH FEES. I have been in this business for 22 years and when I started booth prices were $90.00 for a high end show with no jury fee or a $15.00 jury fee. I don't know about the rest of you but I've had to lower prices to survive and most of us are barely surviving. This past week-end as they collected the artist survey they handed us an early application for next years show, with an increased price. Without even thinking about it they automatically raise the booth fee every year. I for one always write it in the surveys "IT'S TIME TO LOWER BOOTH FEES AND HELP ARTISTS. Personally I would rather see less award money then higher booth fees. Award money only goes to a handful of people and usually the same handful of people. What is everyone doing about this crisis. Please, start speaking up. I tell every committee and write it on every survey.
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Hi Linda... Jury fees only go for jury fees. Experts have to be paid, rarely do they "volunteer" their services for free. Its like telling teachers/professors, well you know this stuff, you just just share your knowledge with others. Of course there are office supplies that go along with this stuff (like postage and time notifying all artists), getting the jury members together and other misc. expenses do accrue, and then there are all the "jury in person events too" that may have other expenses I am not aware of. Don't misinterpret my comments as siding one way or the other though, I believe you and agree in your frustrations as not all juries are "created equal". Most of the time when I think of juries is can you define the term "jury" as applied to "your event". I have seen so many events calling themselves juried, when it is very obvious the day of the event it is not juried. Perhaps Linda this is something you may want to bring up with the promoters you do shows with who do have high fees. Just thinking out loud... Over and out :-)
Great points! I just wanted to add that when it comes to raising funds, many show directors and so on have sponsors or get grants or are able to raise money some how to meet a lot of financial demands. But there is a big difference from those promoters who are for profit and those who are non-profit. In the end all should and usually earn some money, but the promoters are not rolling in it - they aren't driving the big fancy cars or eating expensive meals. Many of the good ones are out and about during shows, greeting their exhibitors, asking if they need help or even breaks - these people are humble and respectful people. Granted I have the hardest time finding them ( as I do sell at shows too), but know there are rare ones out there where the shows reputation shines like justice.
With the shows I did - booth fees came to just a little over $100 a day (now this is me speaking with my promoter hat on :-) )... I still had people complain this was too high - mind you this is for an 2 day indoor show with great amenities - clean bathrooms, easy access to their cars, booth sitters, etc. The ones who complained - which are minimal mind you, were the ones who just can't be pleased - may you the artists out there can relate to the "customers" who just can' be pleased. When it comes to booth fees, as a promoter I want to do my best to make sure as many of my exhibitors as possible will at least make that back and hopefully plenty more.
My question though is when it comes to booth fees, would you all pay a booth fee (and I am taking jury fees out of the equation here) no matter what the price is, if you knew you were going to come out well ahead? I would, but there are always unknown factors that come into play when it comes to "finding success - financial success" - at shows... I can't say enough how fun this topic is to read and participate in... - Michelle
Most excellent post Diana. My theory is similar to yours. Expenses rise for us all.
My only real gripe is the "jury fees". If the promoter is using those fees to pay for any show expenses, shame on them. Those expenses should be covered under the booth fee and/or the event's commercial sponsors. The huge increase in applications result in increased non-acceptance notices. Those not accepted into a show should not be responsible for supporting a show/promoter/accepted artists. This is just plain & simple wrong.
$30,000+ paid for jury fees (large show scenario) seems a little excessive for a panel of five or so judges. I've paid jury fees anywhere from $10.00 to $65.00 and in many cases, the jurors are volunteering their time. Capitalizing the jury equipment over it's lifetime, the equipment costs used by the jury certainly cannot equal the additional costs. So far this year I have expenses of $725 in jury fees and that takes me only through October! I also agree with most that the huge prize amounts that are awarded to the few could be shaved down a tad to assist the many artists attending.
I have enjoyed reading the thoughts expressed here. I firmly believe artist & promoter need to view each other as partners for a short time and work together to find a common ground on the fees.
Have a great show season everyone!
I have read the posts to this topic and I hear you all. Not only am I a craft person, but I actually started promoting a fine art market in Maryland. I really am not sure if many craft artists realize what all is involved - and I am just going to stay on the topic of expenses and money here. Right off the bat you have to pay for insurance for the event before you can even pay to put on the event. Then there is the rental fee for the facility, park, or whatever venue the event will be held. I encourage all to look up info on how much just insurance and fees for renting a place to hold an art fair. Now, you have to get the word out to artists to get them to attend - this can be expensive (if the show is new for instance) because ads in magazines, getting info on appropriate websites, and paying for printed fliers all add up. Then there is the actual advertising of the event to the public. Remember we live in an age where people get info about shows in various ways - radio, newspapers, websites, t.v. commercials, to even pizza box covers (if you have sponsors). Before you know it you have an event that costs at least $15,000 to put on (if you do it in a grass roots way) and can be as much as $250,000 (depending on the venue, labor, electricity, paying the jury, office expenses - like telephone bills, paper, website fees, etc.) - and remember this is JUST expenses.
If I can back up just a bit - to figure out how much a booth space should be one needs to take the total amount for rental, insurance and advertising (the basics) and then divide that by how many spaces you can possibly fit in the venue (park, convention hall, etc.). This is how you determine the amount of booth spaces. Now each year they are going up because expenses go up every year. Of course some people are able to cut advertising that doesn't work and other things here and there, but in the end the expenses are always a little more each year.
Granted, as a promoter we did offer discounted spaces for those who apply early, money back incentives for artist referrals and things like that, and opportunities for people to get photos of their work on our promo material, but it is amazing how so many people DON'T take advantage of this as they do add up. If I had any advice to those who aren't happy with booth costs, instead of just saying "lower booth fees" offer tips on how they can do so or ask why are booth space fees higher this year - work with promoters instead of against them. If they don't want to hear it - that's their tough luck, and let your money do the walking. But I really do think promoters who want to turn a profit will listen and even use your ideas.
I am not making excuses here or sticking up for one side or the other. I do shows and have promoted and all I can say is if you ever get to wear the hat of a promoter, you get a very big, eye-opening experience.
From the past few posts, it is necessary for us to voice I concerns with the appropriate people. There are polite and correct ways of doing this and if you are shy, a nice note can be perfect.
I am always honest with people about how much is paid out to do shows. In their minds, you can see them doing the math...ie $400 x 3 weeks a month = $1200. That is about the price of an average size mortgage.
I just did a show that let us know that instead of raising the booth fee, they would eliminate the awards. I was happy with the $150 booth fee.
Although if I won a best of show award and got a ton of money, I would gladly accept. It would be nice to be in a position to redistribute that money to my fellow artists but I need the money now more then ever.
I agree. I also had someone in my booth this past week-end who didn't have a clue and she was one of the volunteers. When she mentioned that they wanted to add more artists and raise the booth fees, I really let her hear it. After I finished explaining how much we start out in the hole she said she would talk to the committee people.
This is so true! I have repeatedly had patrons in my booth who had no idea that we have to pay for our spaces. (Most are very suprised that we do!) Should the public be more educated on what is involved in being an exhibiting artist?
This site is a good one just for that. If everyone who has bad vibes about a particular show would present that info on this site the impact could be great. Others could steer away.
First, I'm glad Larry Jelf added a response today to bring this issue to the top of the forum again. Midwestern shows are now in full swing and it's a great reminder to all to mention to promoters in full force - or at least include these requests in the exit surveys.
Second - I just noticed the comment left by Zaki about Mayslake. GREAT FOR YOU! I'm switching out a show to send my application to you. I hope more artists do the same to show support. I may not get juried in, but still want to mention my support for promoter understanding! Hope you have a great turnout!
I remember 40 years ago with many of the shows that it seemed they were just in it for the money. "Hey, here's a lucrative field, let's jump in and make a mint. Now, there were some shows in those days that were reasonable, and they managed to maintain and were even concerned for the artist. There is the theory, even when I put on a show, that paying an entry fee insures that the artists will show up, and will try to show quality work. However, the entry does not have to be so large as to scare the heck out of the entrant. The entrant needs to maintain a saleable price on his or her work. I think the idea posted in one of these posts of a small percentage of sales plus a very reasonable entry fee would work fine.
On the side of those putting on the show: Things are different today. Most big shows probably need professional policing. Most of the help is probably paid help now, compared to people in my day who were in it to support the arts. I'll bet insurance is a big thing, too, but never a concerning factor in my day.
One last thing: If the artists could get together and agree, a boycott can do great wonders. The artist does have a voice. The show promoters DO need you. Without you they are out of business!
Replies
Hi Linda... Jury fees only go for jury fees. Experts have to be paid, rarely do they "volunteer" their services for free. Its like telling teachers/professors, well you know this stuff, you just just share your knowledge with others. Of course there are office supplies that go along with this stuff (like postage and time notifying all artists), getting the jury members together and other misc. expenses do accrue, and then there are all the "jury in person events too" that may have other expenses I am not aware of. Don't misinterpret my comments as siding one way or the other though, I believe you and agree in your frustrations as not all juries are "created equal". Most of the time when I think of juries is can you define the term "jury" as applied to "your event". I have seen so many events calling themselves juried, when it is very obvious the day of the event it is not juried. Perhaps Linda this is something you may want to bring up with the promoters you do shows with who do have high fees. Just thinking out loud... Over and out :-)
Great points! I just wanted to add that when it comes to raising funds, many show directors and so on have sponsors or get grants or are able to raise money some how to meet a lot of financial demands. But there is a big difference from those promoters who are for profit and those who are non-profit. In the end all should and usually earn some money, but the promoters are not rolling in it - they aren't driving the big fancy cars or eating expensive meals. Many of the good ones are out and about during shows, greeting their exhibitors, asking if they need help or even breaks - these people are humble and respectful people. Granted I have the hardest time finding them ( as I do sell at shows too), but know there are rare ones out there where the shows reputation shines like justice.
With the shows I did - booth fees came to just a little over $100 a day (now this is me speaking with my promoter hat on :-) )... I still had people complain this was too high - mind you this is for an 2 day indoor show with great amenities - clean bathrooms, easy access to their cars, booth sitters, etc. The ones who complained - which are minimal mind you, were the ones who just can't be pleased - may you the artists out there can relate to the "customers" who just can' be pleased. When it comes to booth fees, as a promoter I want to do my best to make sure as many of my exhibitors as possible will at least make that back and hopefully plenty more.
My question though is when it comes to booth fees, would you all pay a booth fee (and I am taking jury fees out of the equation here) no matter what the price is, if you knew you were going to come out well ahead? I would, but there are always unknown factors that come into play when it comes to "finding success - financial success" - at shows... I can't say enough how fun this topic is to read and participate in... - Michelle
My only real gripe is the "jury fees". If the promoter is using those fees to pay for any show expenses, shame on them. Those expenses should be covered under the booth fee and/or the event's commercial sponsors. The huge increase in applications result in increased non-acceptance notices. Those not accepted into a show should not be responsible for supporting a show/promoter/accepted artists. This is just plain & simple wrong.
$30,000+ paid for jury fees (large show scenario) seems a little excessive for a panel of five or so judges. I've paid jury fees anywhere from $10.00 to $65.00 and in many cases, the jurors are volunteering their time. Capitalizing the jury equipment over it's lifetime, the equipment costs used by the jury certainly cannot equal the additional costs. So far this year I have expenses of $725 in jury fees and that takes me only through October! I also agree with most that the huge prize amounts that are awarded to the few could be shaved down a tad to assist the many artists attending.
I have enjoyed reading the thoughts expressed here. I firmly believe artist & promoter need to view each other as partners for a short time and work together to find a common ground on the fees.
Have a great show season everyone!
If I can back up just a bit - to figure out how much a booth space should be one needs to take the total amount for rental, insurance and advertising (the basics) and then divide that by how many spaces you can possibly fit in the venue (park, convention hall, etc.). This is how you determine the amount of booth spaces. Now each year they are going up because expenses go up every year. Of course some people are able to cut advertising that doesn't work and other things here and there, but in the end the expenses are always a little more each year.
Granted, as a promoter we did offer discounted spaces for those who apply early, money back incentives for artist referrals and things like that, and opportunities for people to get photos of their work on our promo material, but it is amazing how so many people DON'T take advantage of this as they do add up. If I had any advice to those who aren't happy with booth costs, instead of just saying "lower booth fees" offer tips on how they can do so or ask why are booth space fees higher this year - work with promoters instead of against them. If they don't want to hear it - that's their tough luck, and let your money do the walking. But I really do think promoters who want to turn a profit will listen and even use your ideas.
I am not making excuses here or sticking up for one side or the other. I do shows and have promoted and all I can say is if you ever get to wear the hat of a promoter, you get a very big, eye-opening experience.
I am always honest with people about how much is paid out to do shows. In their minds, you can see them doing the math...ie $400 x 3 weeks a month = $1200. That is about the price of an average size mortgage.
I just did a show that let us know that instead of raising the booth fee, they would eliminate the awards. I was happy with the $150 booth fee.
Although if I won a best of show award and got a ton of money, I would gladly accept. It would be nice to be in a position to redistribute that money to my fellow artists but I need the money now more then ever.
This site is a good one just for that. If everyone who has bad vibes about a particular show would present that info on this site the impact could be great. Others could steer away.
Second - I just noticed the comment left by Zaki about Mayslake. GREAT FOR YOU! I'm switching out a show to send my application to you. I hope more artists do the same to show support. I may not get juried in, but still want to mention my support for promoter understanding! Hope you have a great turnout!
On the side of those putting on the show: Things are different today. Most big shows probably need professional policing. Most of the help is probably paid help now, compared to people in my day who were in it to support the arts. I'll bet insurance is a big thing, too, but never a concerning factor in my day.
One last thing: If the artists could get together and agree, a boycott can do great wonders. The artist does have a voice. The show promoters DO need you. Without you they are out of business!
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