Subject: thanks peter, I have now registered!
This exchange seems to sum up both sides of the debate/argument to me:
prima - 12:15 PM ET June 19, 2006 (#9769 of 9774)
Question and Answer Column
Donar:
Since you have recently served in the position of the "Answer Man" for the Florence Biennial Artist Social Service center for artists: -as you recently stated:
(I"'ve participated in three of the Florence Biennales, most recently as a guest of the organizers and serving as an artist liaison (basically, answering artists' questions) since 2001.)"
Can you please answer my question as to why the entry fee to exhibiting at the Florence Biennial (a for-profit organization) is over $3000 dollars per person for exhibiting 4 small paintings in a group show of over 600 artists?
Besides meeting a lotta great people;making friends and lovers in the classic streets of Florence; and sharing dinners in the great piazzas of Florence,Italy.... just
What are the rewards I can hope to achieve in my career? I know you can talk from your personal experiences since you've have been there.
donar05 - 12:21 PM ET June 19, 2006 (#9770 of 9774)
to play: pay
arth ---
When talking to contemporary art journalists in Florence, I was told that certain Art News magazines are pretty strictly restricted to covering those who best fill their coffers. I was left with the impression that this is the new standard. Ink costs money, right?
I've also received two invitations recently to participate with thousands of my own dollars in having a few photos of my work included in high production standard 'books'. The Florence catalog weighs eight pounds and is included in the cost of the exhibition. It does a wonderful job of pressing wildflowers.
Makes the rate for the saatchi-gallery posting very reasonable, even if each artists is one among now over 3000 contributors. It is fun to think one might be 'discovered' there; just try to look at a dozen different ones if possible.
donar05 - 12:36 PM ET June 19, 2006 (#9771 of 9774)
over $3000 dollars per person for exhibiting 4 small paintings
prima ---
Thanks for your interest and your question. Congratulations on the recognition of your talent and devotion that the invitation represents.
Why so much? is a question that goes to the accountant, who mentions the rental of the prime exhibition hall, taxes assessed by Europe and Italy, costs of maintaining a full time staff for two years in between the events, etc. Artestudio is a business, not a monastery, and it would be logical that there is a factor for profit to the organizers as well.
That being said, when a Ferrari seems overpriced, maybe a Fiat is more suitable. Incidentally, my budget for attending from Alaska with my single giant heavy painting was closer to $8,000. It is further proof of my own questionable logic that I found it worthy to impoverish my already low budget life to take part in something larger.
If money is a factor which will obviate other considerations, decline the invitation. If an artist is able to go with an open mind and heart, there are rich intangible rewards available. Your message mentioned several of them.
From: http://forums.nytimes.com/top/opinion/readersopinions/forums/arts/artistsandexhibitions/index.html?page=recent
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