I try to know it all but today need some help. One of the big art festivals is run by an all volunteer committee and a long time committee member can use our help. Her question:
"Do you have any idea how many of the mainstream art festivals are still run by all
volunteer boards?"
Can you help?
Replies
Take a look at science-fiction convention art shows-- many are all volunteer staffed. Not exactly "main stream", but Comic Con International, and its Art Show, have been in existence for 49 years. The executive board is now paid, and security is hired, but most "staff" at the conventions are volunteers. Both amateur and professional artists enter the show-- and many current "industry" pros got their start in the CCI Art Show.
As an added bonus-- most of these conventions are non-profits, and art show fees are relatively low to exhibit (vendor areas can be pretty high, though-- depends on the venue; to get a vendor spot at CCI, fees start at over $3K, most of which goes to the cost of using the Convention Center... and doesn't include the cost of parking, electricity or Teamsters.)
Is the Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts run by volunteers?
Pretty sure that Penrod in Indianapolis is run by volunteers.
Not sure, but I think BAM is. Also Art in the High Desert, but that isn't a huge show, though I.m sure its a huge amount of work.
Allentown Art Festival is a long running show in Buffalo. I believe that it is all volunteer.
I think some sections s of St James AF are volunteer run.
I think Gasparilla is an all volunteer run show. Except for that show, I try and stay away from all volunteer committees. They generally do not have the experience to handle all the things that can come up. They, also, are poorly organized. The best shows are run by a full time crew. A couple of the best run shows are Des Moines and St Louis. They are also the most successful for artists and the easiest to do.
The person inquiring is a board member of a festival that I believe you would be very glad to take part in, Barry. She is asking about other large events that do not have paid staff.
I know of one show run by volunteers but it's not a big name show. It is a show local to where I live that's been going on 30+ years. They say they have 300 booths and it's 2x/year show.
Yet, it has to be a big job! 300 exhibitors twice a year. What is the name of it, Cindy?
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