In these times of economic struggle and rising show expenses, we all applaud a show that reduces their jury fees -- we love this gesture and consider the show who can choose to support us in this way - progressive, innovative and compassionate.What if the show that offers cash prizes, kept the flashy ribbons and judging aspect, and the priceless automatic reinvites, then subtracted that cash amount from the show space fees across the board for every artist thought worthy enough to be invited to the show? My very rough calculations range in the ball park of $25 to $125 per exhibitor reduced space fee. This simple shift in cash allocation would benefit everyone at a cost to no one. The show is not asked to give up necessary fees to operate, nor the artist, who more and more often cannot afford to apply to a show for fear of actually getting into it and then coming up with the fees to participate in it.If it is possible to lower either the booth or jury fees by no longer needing funds for monetary awards, why not? Obviously, fewer artists are applying for shows now and I think this is a large factor in the extended deadlines. If it is possible for a show to embrace this idea, it would probably be rewarded with an increase in applications which could result in more jury fees from very appreciative artists.Artists who who are consistent award winners and enter those shows with large cash awards for the money, may not embrace this idea. However, artists would still apply to the shows that are profitable for sales -- the ultimate attraction. The reinvite to a great show is the real prize anyway.I personally think a number of equal merit awards, regardless of category would be the way to recast the award program, but I understand the love of competition and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd place thing. Who would really care if it weren't for the award money?Of course, corporate prize money would still be welcomed support for the artists at those shows who have done the much appreciated work of drumming up their community's interest and commitment. But at least for a year or two more, until this economy stabilizes, I think this shift in monetary distribution would be a wonderful idea to pitch to the show directors who are genuinely interested in supporting us and really understand the hard reality of the economics that artists are currently facing. Even a $25 reduction would be a supportive effort to make on their part. Artists have applauded the initiative of several shows who voluntarily reduced their jury fees already. If changing the award system meant they would not be out financially, I ask, why not?Hopefully, this topic can be brought up at the upcoming NAIA Board meeting in Ft. Worth next week.Cynthia Cunningham
Good luck on lobbying for a reduction in either booth fees or jury fees. The promoters will not lower rates until they notice a drop-off in applications - and judging by my experience in this years apps, the number of artists trying to get into a show is increasing, rather than decreasing. As the economy declines, more long-ago artists, now laid off or in diminished circumstances, will see the art fair circuit as a way to supplement their meager income. To move one level down, craft shows 15 years ago were mostly legitimate basket weavers, quilters, pine cone santas, etc, but are now staffed by units 10 to 20 years older than us, trying to make payments on the RV by selling bags of trail mix 5 years past the sell by date (I have seen this!). I think this phenomena will creep upwards into the juried art show realm.
The large monetary prizes offered by shows (most often underwritten by private entities - that terminally bored trophy wife of the biggest car dealership in town, etc.) - are not funded by our booth fees.They are targeted to appeal to those who would not otherwise exhibit, knowing their chance of winning a best-of-show prize is greater than the likelihood of selling one or two pieces at 2 - 3K each.
Cheers, DALE
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The large monetary prizes offered by shows (most often underwritten by private entities - that terminally bored trophy wife of the biggest car dealership in town, etc.) - are not funded by our booth fees.They are targeted to appeal to those who would not otherwise exhibit, knowing their chance of winning a best-of-show prize is greater than the likelihood of selling one or two pieces at 2 - 3K each.
Cheers, DALE