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4/3/08

What About the Big Art Shows

Are the big, expensive art shows a realistic opportunity for artists? Or are they really just money making ventures that exploit artists? Perhaps there is a better way for artists to present their work to the buying public. ArtistsToronto wants your opinion.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

The first question to ask oneself (as a potential participating artist) is how much is being spent on promotion and where is it being spent?? (I know, that's two questions). It is my understanding that TAE, owned by Rime Canada is a not-for-profit organization and therefore a large portion of funds collected from artists fees are put back into promotion.
The third question is how long am I going to commit to any show? Repition, repition, repition!!!!!!!!
The fourth question, actually it's a statement of fact-if you're not going to spend money you will never make it! Throw money at art, not art at money(I forget where I heard that but it makes sense to me).
If you are looking for that perfect art venue, forget it! No such thing!
Make a commitment, stick with it and for God's sake (actually it's for my sake) quit whining!

Anonymous said...

The art expo is certainly a career killer. By that I mean its not going to generate any interest in the promotion or advancement of artists or art, at least in current contemporary art. No serious gallery or dealer will go there, it's been stereotyped as a 'club' for weekend warriors, hobbyists, etc. Too many naively-executed works surrounded by ghastly gold frames. Personally I think it's a joke.
The artists project although in its first year has impressed a number of important players in the canadian art scene, and although there was a healthy dose of vanilla art better suited for the expo, time will tell how good it really gets. Team Macho didn't do very well, and they were one of the best ones there. That's a good way to track the success of it-which way its heading.
The annual city hall show outdoes both of these, both in cost ($300) and traffic (100,000+). It's juried better than either of these spring events, and some artists sell enough to survive on for the year. And it's outside, which is appealing.

Anonymous said...

Managed to go to both art shows. My intention was to search out talented artists living in Toronto for The Artists Toronto web site. In that capacity, I spoke with many artists, and realize we have a wealth of very talented artists in Toronto.

I have attended the Art Expo before, and to be honest would not have gone again if it were not for a free pass and to support my friend Marina.
Won’t go again, as the fellow artist I went to the show with and myself walked past most of the booths and wondered about some peoples nerve!

I thoroughly enjoyed the Artists Project. The variety, quality and feel of the venue was far superior to the Art Expo. Unfortunately I went to that show with a non-artist relative. He very much enjoyed the show, and was tolerant of my smoozing, but his patience limit meant we missed the emerging artists area.
Most booths I went into offered really interesting art and unique.
The Artists Project was a little tight when people blocked the hallway, but overall a much more enjoyable experience.

My friend who did the Art Expo said she came out of it financially o.k.
The person across from her sold many of her horrible paintings, wile a man nearby who created quality work sold nothing.

Who knows what will sell?

Most of the artists at The Artists Project were very actively engaged in conversations with the guests. Many of the Art Expo artists were on the verge of sleeping. (Artificial air, garbage food!)

At $8.50 a glass of wine at the Art Expo, and gouging prices for food or water, we felt both the artists and patrons were being taken advantage of.

Anonymous said...

Certainly these shows are produced to make money, which is not necessarily a bad thing. as long as both parties interests are being served, it's all good with me. i would be more willing, and able, to apply as a participant if the fees weren't so high ($1500 all inclusive for a 5x10 booth at the project-$100 for electricity!). that being said, i would rather spend my money and know exactly what i was getting, than pay the fees so many organizers are requesting simply to LOOK at my work. as well, a few friends and i are looking at just renting a space and sharing the costs for a smaller, more focused presentation....

Anonymous said...

Our group will be looking into organizing art shows soon and are looking for artists who want to get involved. There are plenty of us who have experience putting on shows right now but we are always open to new ideas and suggestions. Personally I feel that the big shows are exploitive and I believe there is a real need for a better way to present our work to the public.

Anonymous said...

I showed at the Artist Project, and will be back next year with a larger booth. I enjoyed the show and found it worth the investment - considering the amount of experience, mailing lists and promotional muscle Merchandise Mart bring to an event like this.

The feedback (and sales) were gratifying as well. I've been through the Art Expo - too big and noisy.

The only comment I'd make on the jurying process for any of these shows is that from my experience it's unpredictable. Two of us with fairly similar work submitted to both the Artist Project and TOAE, I got into the AP, and he got into the TOAE. Different juries, different criteria.

Anonymous said...

Art Expo / Artists Project

Down to brass tacks...I thought it might be helpful to break down the pricing and other details of these two shows as they draw nearer:

The Artists Project seems to be more reasonably priced and well organized. The cost of their booth includes the hardwall system that the Expo offers as an option to rent.

Pricing for both:

ARTIST PROJECT (includes hardwall)
(2009 Pricing)
5x10 $980.00
5x15 $1365.00
10x10 $1310.00
5x20 $1745.00

ART EXPO
(2009 Pricing)
5' x 15' = $ 1695.00
5' x 20' = $ 2260.00
5' x 25' = $ 2825.00

Prices subject to G.S.T.

HARDWALL RENTAL (optional at ART EXPO)
Size PRICE (After Deadline Price)
5x10 472.00 (703.00)
5x15 640.00 (995.00)
10x10 808 (1207.00)

I heard that the Expo has been reducing their rates recently - so i am not sure how accurate these are at this time. Anyone know?

You will need to rent or bring your own lighting at both shows, and as always buy electricity.

Anyone else have good/bad experiences with either show last year?

Anonymous said...

I've just been accepted for the Art Expo and the price for a 5x10 booth is still $1695.

Previous shows I've done are TOAE, RAW, Style at Home Show and Muskoka.

The best one so far has been the TOAE. The cost is terrific, the publicity even better and there are definitely art buyers who attend.

I applied to the Artist Project last year but wasn't accepted. I didn't bother applying again this year. But after hearing everyone's comments, I wish I did.

Only just starting out in the art show industry I feel it's important to appear at most of the shows for exposure. As well as going through the experience and learning which shows are worthy of your time.

Sure it's expensive and I can't quit my day job yet, however, it's all a learning process.

Anonymous said...

All trade show venues require you to understand the public relations part of it. If you are not comfortable being "on show" yourself they are not the correct venue for you, doesn't matter what the price is. A good trade show plan includes a personal hard wall or hanging system. A five year commitment, one to introduce, the rest as follow with the allowance for at least one "bust" due to circumstances beyond the show's control.
The wholesale cost of the venue to the organizer is about the same for similar venues. Why is the cost so much less? Is it a loss leader? I just came through a ten day show catered by the same group as the Project in a different building at Exhibition Place. There was NO free wine or sushi nor hard walls at cost either.

Anonymous said...

Well.. firstly the Art Expo is not an American run event.

Secondly, I showed my work the last two years with the Art Expo and have had a huge succcess. (And my work is in the higher price point for the event.) On top of individual collector sales, the exposure to designers and corporate clients was very good.

I do agree the jury process should be harder...too many people DO NOT deserve to be there...however, it is pretty clear that people come to buy. They skim through the lesser works and invest in the quality that is there.

My beef is that the Artists Project has some rediculous clause that doesnt enable an artist to do another show for something like 30-60 days in the city or some mile radius before or after. HOW DARE SOME AMERICAN ART SHOW COME TO CANADA --THAT I PAY TO BE IN -- AND TELL ME HOW I CAN OR CANNOT SELL MY ART BEFORE OR AFTER ITS EVENT.

For that reason alone I will NEVER do that show.

In an ideal world....I would do both and get access to both the crowds that attend the events.

But as we all agree...the shows are never so much about the artists but more about making money for those running it. Considering artists is way down their lists.

Anonymous said...

I tried the Toronto Art Expo last March and I will never do it again!

The lack of communication and more than anything the sheer amount of artists accepted there was the major negatives for this show. How many of my friends and colleagues told me they would never come and see me again in that venue (too much art, the saturation comes fast.)! Mind you, it was a necessary experience in order to move on to hopefully better things...

I have been accepted at the Artist Project Show for March 2009 and will report to Artists Toronto after that. At the very least, nowadays, artists have more choice then try to appeal to a gallery which will tell you "don't call us, we'll call you".

I look forward to Artists Toronto to organize an (Canadian)art show. I will be first in line!

Anonymous said...

Not completely convinced as to whether or not the majority of artists, who are generally starved for opportunities to expose their work to the general public in high profile, high attendance venues are too concerned as to whether or not the show is American run, or Canadian run.

I also think that the 50km radius (30 days before and 30 after) clause that the Artist Project has is pretty valid. This clause is for shows of 30 or more participants - so the Expo is the only other show one (so far) can not attend. If you disagree with the clause, you don't apply to that show. I guess it depends on the individual artists philosophy.

I think that the Artist Project and the Art Expo are simply different shows. Both have positives and negatives. American or Canadian, if they are organized and treat artists respectfully I think its fine.

The Artist Project and the Expo are geared towards two different types of artists, and two different types of attendees.

If I was going to suggest one over the other - I would say that if you feel your work would suit the Artist Project - apply to that show. If you do not get in, apply to the Art Expo (They accept very late application).

I think one of the biggest problems is that the Artists do not feel like they can voice their opinion directly to the organizers for fear of being excluded or blacklisted. Which of course, is why a forum like this is a good idea - for artists to express their opinions and share their experiences. If a show suffers as a result - perhaps they need to listen to the concerns.

Its nice to see that there is a choice now. Anyone who thinks having the choice is not a good thing is missing the point. Having a choice to attend a more focused show benefits everybody at both shows while providing the general public with more art related experiences.

Lets face it, the Expo has several years of experience that has contributed to their (insert good or bad here) reputation, while the AP has only just begun. I guess time will tell if the AP is really as solid as they appear to be.

Anyway, I think we all agree that the best show - is the outdoor show. It is low cost, highly attended, highly respected. Unfortunately it is very difficult to get into for many reasons.

Anonymous said...

I took part in the Expo the first year and made back my expenses in sales, which was great. Then a couple of months later a gallery owner who had seen my work at the Expo asked me to join the gallery. Something good always comes out of every show I've done.

I help run an artist co-op and often hear artists complain about spending money to promote their work. Unless you are one of those fortunate people to whom fame and fortune seem to come seemingly out of the blue, you have to spend some money on marketing, good quality materials, professional cards and portfolios, and show fees.

One artist I heard about decided to spend several thousand dollars on a big show in Chicago, and landed a gallery in the US that has provided her a good steady income for many years.

Anonymous said...

I'm exhibiting at the Toronto Art Expo this March for the first time. So far I have absolutely no complaints about the communication, information etc. coming from the organizers. And I didn't realize that they purchase a double page gatefold in Toronto Life magazine featuring thumbnails of artists wishing to contribute to the spread. Yes, it cost $275 but I work in Advertising and know how expensive it is to purchase space in a widely distributed magazine.

It's great exposure and will be in the next issue probably on the stands in the next 2 weeks.

I'll post my experience from the TAE. I've done the TOAE, RAW, Style at Home and several small shows in the last couple of years and am definitely learning the difference between a well run show and a scam.

Considering that exhibiting at these shows is a huge gamble, you learn which shows attract the buyers and which shows attract lookers. Once you have experienced them, only invest in the ones "you" feel work for you.

Leesa McLellan said...

I know I'm a bit late but just wanted to provide feedback from the Toronto Art Expo.

First, it was an amazingly run show. Everything ran smooth as silk.

The first day which actually was the evening opening event was packed to the brim. Mainly because the promoters gave each exhibitor 100 complimentary tickets which were good for 2 people each.

Great incentive to invite lots of friends, family, coworkers and suppliers.

Would love to say the rest of the weekend had the same attendance but unfortunately, that was not the case.

I was in a back corner and when I could galavant about, I did. There were a few artists who did well at the show however it was not a majority. Yes, there were people but probably not enough as in the past.

I'm afraid I cannot judge this show too much due to the economic climate. Art is not at the top of people's priority list so I wasn't expecting much. I wanted to experience it and the venue and don't have any complaints about the organization, advertising etc.

I do think it's just a tad pricey however, it is at the Metro Convention Centre located in prime downtown Toronto!!!

I didn't sign up for the Fall show because I just don't think this year will be a good one for selling my work at Art Shows. It's a huge gamble.

I'll wait until the economy is somewhat back to normal.

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