Judging an application

Over the years I have developed a list of things to consider when applying to a show. I'd love to hear others "rules".

Look carefully at – There are notable, sometimes big name exceptions to these but do more research before you apply.

Shows that accept photographs for jurying instead of slides, or digital files.

Shows that have big name musical acts. You are the side-show, not the main show.

Shows that have food in the name. Again, you are the side show, not the main show.

Shows that are at a new location.

Shows in Florida, May – Sept. It’s going to be hot. Hot for us is bad enough but hot for the patrons usually means zombies walking past your booth.

Shows with rolling deadlines.

Shows without websites.

Shows with booth fees less than $150.00.

Avoid

Shows that do not have a requirement that the artist be present.

Shows that do not have some language in the application that prohibits buy-sell.

Shows that send multiple emails begging for applications (especially if the due date is past and they still have spots open). There is a reason people are not applying and you don’t need to find out personally what that is.

Avoid shows that do not specify an individual as contact person, complete with phone number and email. And if you do have questions and do not receive an answer within a reasonable amount of time, it may be an indicator of the director's level of commitment to the artists.

You could be missing some wonderful shows by eliminating those who still accept photographs or whose booth fees are under $150. Considering the difficulty of even finding a working slide projector, many shows no longer accept slides, but will accept photographs, acknowledging that not all artists are computer literate. Booth fees will vary by region. Some of the very best indie shows don't have high booth fees or websites, but they often do have facebook sites that are open to the public.

Before applying, research all potential new venues. Sometimes, you get a surprise.

Replies

Alison Thomas July 1, 2010 at 1:45pm

I like your suggestion for the contact information.

I'm not necessarily counting out shows in the first section. I actually applied this year to a show that wanted photographs. It is more of a research this one more carefully list because every really bad show I've done had at least one of those elements.

I think a lot depends on where you are located as well. I am in Florida where, if I wanted to, I could pretty much do a show every weekend except June, July, August and I haven't even ventured into the panhandle yet. So, for me, it is not so much finding good shows as eliminating bad ones. People in other areas may not be able to be as picky.
Diane Wright July 1, 2010 at 1:34pm

My best show so far this year was a show where the booth rent was under $150. I have also done $400 - $500 shows that were disasters. I read the contract carefully about the buy/sell - all products created by the artist and about the artist being present. I also look at the exhibitors from the previous years to see if my work would fit in. I like it when there are websites of previous exhibitors. I am more apt to apply if "art" is in the name rather than music or food or community days.
Art on the Lawn: Barbara Berney July 1, 2010 at 11:59am

Avoid shows that do not specify an individual as contact person, complete with phone number and email. And if you do have questions and do not receive an answer within a reasonable amount of time, it may be an indicator of the director's level of commitment to the artists.

You could be missing some wonderful shows by eliminating those who still accept photographs or whose booth fees are under $150. Considering the difficulty of even finding a working slide projector, many shows no longer accept slides, but will accept photographs, acknowledging that not all artists are computer literate. Booth fees will vary by region. Some of the very best indie shows don't have high booth fees or websites, but they often do have facebook sites that are open to the public.

Before applying, research all potential new venues. Sometimes, you get a surprise.

This reply was deleted.