When do you apply for a show.

Sheila Evans January 22, 2011 at 3:43pm

Generally I wouldn't think the order of application is a bad way to order the jury images. Not as fair as random, maybe, but not bad. I don't think it's really unfair, or a "cheat" to know this since we are discussing the information on a free public forum, and it is available to anyone who bothers to do a little research. The worst that could happen is that everybody discovers this and applies on the first day, so the order becomes basically random again. Or, the people who take a little extra time to do their research gain a slight advantage (if jury fatigue issues are not somehow addressed) which is a pretty typical scenario in any business. But then again, ZAPP also has a built in DISincentive to apply early---the inability to change a jury image once it is submitted. Of course, if you call the show director you may be able to switch something out, but it is a pain for everyone involved. I normally continue producing work right up to the deadlines, and knowing I might do something I like better than what I already have available, I usually hold off on submitting my apps until close to the end, even knowing there might be a slight advantage to submit earlier.

Larry Berman January 21, 2011 at 4:51pm

I don't agree with choosing the image order randomly. I think the only artists who think that it's a fair way to do it are the ones that apply late. If polled, I would think that most artists would want the order to be by application submission time and date so they have some control over when their images get seen.

I also think an additional consequence of random order might be shows extending deadlines because if there's no incentive for artists to apply early anymore, shows will think they need to extend deadline to get more applications. Another consequence might be the server crashing on the last day. The Amdur shows crashed JAS a few years ago and the combination of Cherry Creek and the New Orleans Jazz Fest and a few other shows closing on the same date caused the ZAPP servers to crash two years ago.

Larry Berman
Art Show Jury Services
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100

Bruce Meyer > Larry Berman January 22, 2011 at 12:00am

I am somewhat perplexed. I agree, and I think a nearly unanimous majority would agree that the order of the images should not be determined randomly - of course not- you should compose your presentation. I think few would agree that the order of the submission should be the determining factor in the order your presentation comes up.
Connie Mettler > Larry Berman January 21, 2011 at 5:05pm

There you go! Sounds like good sense to me, Larry.

When all the applications arrive in the last two days it is really a scramble for the shows. Many shows even have offered incentives, reduced application fees, to get applications in early, so they can plan for their shows. Do not be thinking that there are very many shows that get over 1000 applications, very, very few do. Shows get worried when there are few applications within a week of the deadline and sometimes make the decision to extend their deadlines. I get phone calls regularly from shows who watch over their applications and it doesn't seem that anyone is applying.
- Linnea Lahlum > Connie Mettler February 25, 2011 at 1:25pm
  
  A reduced application fee to apply early is a good idea. That would make me act faster and not second-guess my image choices so much. I often stall until the last few days. I am hoping for, I guess, some divine inspiration about which set of images will be the magic combination.
  
  Yet I know of (and applied early to) only one show that offers an early app discount.
  
  Jury fees seemed to have jumped this year. Since I have to send 2-3 times the number of apps as shows I will get accepted to, this really hurts.
- Bruce Meyer > Connie Mettler January 22, 2011 at 12:04am
  
  The only phrase that seems to be unsettling would be the part about when you plan for the shows. I do not see how you can plan anything for the show that would relate to an artist's jury presentation in advance of the jury results.
  
  Can you plan for the "look of the show" in advance?

Bruce Meyer January 20, 2011 at 8:33am

The only manner in which the "field will be level" is to order the jury images randomly. Then you do not have to play silly little games trying to determine when to apply. After deadline, all entries should be randomly sorted. Seems pretty simple.

CM Fox > Bruce Meyer January 20, 2011 at 4:30pm

Bruce:

Unfortunately ZAPP is not set up to allow this. At this point the most fair system seems to be by application received date.

Those who find this so objectionable could use their considerable energy into working with ZAPP to make changes...and then educate shows as to why this is the best answer, it would be a help to artists and shows.

My understanding is that ZAPP is working on a huge redo of their software (or this could be rumor...who knows.) So perhaps some of these annoying issues will be resolved. In the meantime, in real time....we have the current system.
- Bruce Meyer > CM Fox January 20, 2011 at 6:34pm
  
  They have had ample time to do this. I do not understand how it could be so difficult. Maybe someone who has a better handle on this could explain it; maybe someone from ZAPP could actually talk to artists other than through the NAIA; and talk to the huge majority of artists who are doing art fairs.
  I agree that artists should contact them but that they do not see the folly of this would only mean that they are mostly interested in appeasing the shows, not the artists who make the shows work.
  
  It is like talking with show directors about the many other inequities inherent in this venue. Particularly the reluctance of shows to return a show fee if they resell the space. More killing of the Golden Goose.
  - Munks > Bruce Meyer January 20, 2011 at 11:42pm
    
    Good post. I especially agree with your first paragraph. Nice touch.

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When do you apply for a show.

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