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 Peer
Session Groups
Guilds/Membership
Organizations and
Exhibition Galleries
This session began with
a rather lengthy introduction period which allowed each participant to
express who they were and briefly describe their institution. All
individuals were interested in hearing how different or similar their
galleries and organizations were to others in the group. Individual
participants discussed the organizational growth process and how their
growth compared to various locations around the country. Many concerns
focused on the location of the organization’s facility and, in many
cases, the deterioration of older buildings. Many organizations do not
own the space they are using and this complicates their opportunities to
grow and expand programming.
Developing a
connection to the artists based and partners:
There is a great need
to keep communication open between the organization, the artist, and
potential partners. In fact, organizations may need to provide the
means for their artists to communicate with each other. The problem
most organizations face is having enough space and adequate facilities.
The need for space and opportunities for growth can be found
through “partnership”. Organizations must develop partnerships if they
want to grow in the future. There was discussion of a List Serve for
specific disciplines and/or types of organizations. This communication
tool can provide an active exchange of information and assistance to
artists and organizations. Linda Van Trump noted the List Serves that
will be provided as part of the new CODA website. Public spaces can
provide a good means for organizations to meet and/or exhibit and these
spaces provide an opportunity for the public to be engaged.
Organizations find themselves constantly searching for funding because
of the limited nature of current funding. Again, partnerships are
encouraged. Organizations should get the word out in their communities
regarding needs for space, funding, property, etc.
Traveling
Exhibitions:
CODA will be providing
an information site regarding exhibitions as a part of their web site.
A major concern affecting all traveling exhibitions is liability.
Organizations need some kind of contract with the receiving entity
indicating the space that will be provided and specific details for
exhibition.
National Shows:
Questions plaguing
organizations with regard to assembling National Shows focused on how
often they should be hosted, how much time and trouble the organization
undertakes, and the relative costs in relationship to profit. In short,
National Exhibitions that must be mounted with the organization handling
shipping concerns, costs for catalogs and advertising, as well as
additional staffing costs, often outweigh the benefits.
Using your community
for displays:
Organizations will
benefit from the identification of alternate gallery spaces – those not
on the organizations premises – such as governmental offices (mayors,
county officials, state office buildings, etc.). Organizations must
take great care to establish adequate security measures and be sure to
assess potential liability issues. Organizations will continue to
struggle with the safety of artwork during traveling exhibitions.
Organizations often struggle with the concept of juried and non-juried
exhibitions. Organizations in smaller communities can have a rougher
time in this decision process, running a risk of insulting or alienating
local artists. A system should be established that provides adequate
and detailed information to each potential exhibitor.
How to find all the
Guilds in your area:
Organizations should
attempt to locate even the smallest potential partners in their areas.
Utilize statewide organizations or national organizations, such as CODA,
to assist in identifying these groups. The failure of organizations or
success of organizations often depends on their willingness to partner
on projects. Funding agencies will often look more favorably on any
proposal that includes a variety of partners as these proposals reach a
greater number of potential viewers, thus allowing the agencies money to
affect the lives of more people. |
