Here is my proposal, for consideration by all of you, on how to change the behavior of promoters with respect to collecting and releasing data that would actually be useful to artists and crafters. This thread is a continuation and evolution of the thread I started called “How can this be?”.
I propose that we as a group write an open letter to all art fair promoters, and post that letter on this site, with Connie’s permission, of course. While many promoters will probably come to this site to see it, any of us would be allowed to print the letter and send it to whichever promoter we choose. The letter would be from the full AFI community (all 11,000 of us). The letter would ask the promoter to collect and release data in the three areas we discussed in the previous thread, i.e. (1) revenues per art and craft category, (2) attendance, and (3) ad buys. The promoter would be asked to collect and release the data in a way that artists and crafters applying for his or her show could readily see (e.g. in the ZAPP write-up, etc.).
Promoters who meet any of the criteria in the letter would receive publicity on this site. Any one of us could nominate a promoter who is in compliance, and they would go on a “best practices” list to be maintained here. Promoters who meet one of the criteria would be awarded 1 star, those who meet two 2 stars, the those who meet all of them 3 stars. Promoters would be allowed to mention these “AFI community best practices” stars ratings in their promotional literature and write-ups.
We also might want to do some things, at least initially, to give some recognition to those promoters who have the most stars.
I think this is a low-cost, low effort approach that could be a hugely beneficial to all involved, including the artists, crafters, promoters and patrons.
Whada ya’ll think?
Comments
Not at all, Thomas. I think that it is very meaningful, quite fascinating really, supporting the summary and conclusions that Albert summarized so well.
A very well-written summary, Albert. I agree completely.
From a numbers standpoint, my predecessor blog entry “How can this be?” had 2113 views, while this blog received 1329. But only 6 voted in favor of the proposal using the “Like” button!
This discussion goes to the heart of the art and craft show Indusrty which makes it difficult to look at from a distance of dispassion.
All the various views voiced are valid and should not be discounted nor discouraged as they all have their various merit;This should not be a deterrent to but rather an incentive for change as the general consensus of opinion is there is a need for improvement.
Nothing will replace hard work,experience and artist to artist sharing of information about shows they have done; these are time tested and true. A larger sample size will add to and not detract from this.
Is it not worth the effort to attempt to make it better for artist to be able to make more informed decisions
The answer lies within and is known; Time will look favorably upon this noble attempt to improve upon what now exists.
I participate in shows that work for my style of art. Although I will consider other artists recommendations about a show, I find that my own experience is best in deciding to participate in a show or not. Also, I would be concerned about a "down year" that a show may experience. This happened to a show I did a couple of years ago. They tried different advertising, it didn't work; attendance was way down. That doesn't mean its a bad show, but on paper, it looks bad. I have no interest in sharing my sales with anyone else. Its none of their business. I agree with Larry, hard work, experience and networking is the way to go.
Please vote for “A modest proposal” by clicking the “Like” button just below the proposal if you like the concept and think we should proceed with it. If we get enough votes, I will proceed and draft a letter along the lines in the proposal. If not, I will chalk it up as a very interesting and enlightening discussion and take no further action.
Part of the concept is that this should come from the AFI community as a whole, so a significant vote is required to proceed.
Tom: Please read my predecessor blog “How can this be?” Misleading data (which is worse than inaccurate) is what we have now, and as I said on that blog, it is worse than useless. This is an attempt to remedy that situation. It’s impossible to go down from here.
Thanks, Kara. I couldn't have said it better.
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