HCJ Project exhibition discussion

[bert]

This is a dedicated thread to discuss the formation, of an exhibition.
The "child discussion" formed after the mention of a future real world annual touring exhibition: but seems to have fragmented a little.

Let's try to build slowly, and confirm development: what may be useful is that once we have a "fleshed out" proposal, I'll publish the details as a presentation, (which can still be fine tuned), but which we can then start to publicise, to bring artists and galleries (venues) on board.

[qwallis]

I've "lifted" the major parts from the previous thread, so people joining can see something of it's history.

It sounds like we are talking about an exhibit under the imprimatur of HCJ. Yes? No?
Following are a few other considerations to be addressed:
- We'll probably want an exhibit theme to catch the imagination and interest of galleries and the public.

- There will need to be a central point to assemble the exhibit pieces and package them into a traveling exhibit.

- We will need a solid inventory management and accounting system with audit trails for collection and distribution of money. This will entail some level of administration because we all know how efficient and prompt most galleries are in their financial dealings.

- We will need an agreement (contract) with participating artists stipulating the terms of the exhibit, sales etc.

- Liability for theft and damage is always a consideration. How should we handle this?

That should be enough to get the fleshy talk started.

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Surely some things need some serious consideration, there are the points you mentioned and most certainly a great deal more.
Does anyone have some experience in this?
Maybe the first thing to know is who and how many of the HCJ project are interested in participating.
Maybe someone among those knows how to do this.

I suppose that the first step to take is to enquire among the members.
Robert?
I'm sure that "getting things started" does not mean it all has to happen tomorrow.

So lets ring the bell and see what happens next.

Marcus

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Thank you for your kind words, Marcus. We actually do have experience in doing these kinds of things.

What typically happens is that a small core group puts together a rough proposal outlining what the project/exhibit is and how it will work. The initial proposal does not need to have a lot of detail. It will be used primarily as a recruiting tool to bring other artists into the project. Later it will also serve to identify questions and concerns that need to be addressed.

Our first step in getting fellow artisans to join us is to present them with a clear description of what we propose to do. Lets each start by summing up the basic concept into 3 or 4 sentences. We'll compare notes in this forum.

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Some thoughts:

- Do we use existing work, or do we (as a group) make one or more pieces around a given theme?
If we use existing work, it might be easier for more artists to take part, but new work around a given theme might be more interesting (for both artist and public). If using existing work, it should never the less fit under a common principal theme (I think).

- Do we start this as an online-exhibition to go on tour afterwards?
Starting this online (maybe as a growing exhibition) has the advantage that we can attract attention from other artists in the process of developing. We can promote via other interest groups (Flickr, Crafthous, Klimt02 ...), and maybe that would attract more artists to the HCJ project as well (to become a member I mean).

- Exclusively for HCJ members? or HCJ friends too? Or open to all?

- Who will be the curator? Who decides if work fits in or not?
If we make it a "HCJ members" exclusive, I think the artist her/himself should decide the "what" and "how". If we open up to a broader field, someone must make choices between possible entries, witch probably means more complications (voting etc...) ...

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I am interested in participating, but I don't know anything about organizing an exhibition.

I think it should just be HCJ members, but there are so few members, and only a few so far are showing interest in this exhibition.

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An exhibition can serve a number of purposes.
1. provide a venue to show/sell work
2. provide a public relations platform for HCJ
3. provide the basis for a recruitment program for the site.

What do we care if non-members participate? How does this harm us? It only serves to reinforce the idea that there is value in belonging to this group. Of course a few will take advantage of our good will, but many more will join us.

As for organizing - Marcus, Robert, Jon, Corliss & John (2R) - we is the organizing committee. Our first task is to develop a proposal for the exhibit. To get the ball rolling we suggest that each of us post three themes for a show by next Friday. This will give us 12 themes to start the discussion.

BTW, Jon we are delighted to have you on board.

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So I'll start thinking about the themes, Friday as a deadline seems fine.
I don't know if there is a way to send an e-mail to the other members about this, many may not browse the forum for a longer time but might still be interested.
Maybe Robert?
By the way, Robert did not confirm that he would participate in organising this...

Kind greetings 2 all,
Marcus

[qwallis]

Let's first (early on for people joining later) be clear about what we are working towards regarding an exhibition

I originally mention the thoughts I'd had of a touring "real world" exhibition organised on by us (the HCJ Project).

Is that what we are setting our sights on now, or do people want to aim lower initially?

[emikw]

This is a fantastic idea, and I would love to lend a hand in whatever way I can!

[marcusmarguillier]

Hi Robert,
Thank you for putting this in its own topic. Do you think it is possible to communicate this with all HCJ members?

Glad you would join us Emily!

I think the aim should still be a real world touring exhibition, but I also think that it might be a good idea to start this as an online exhibition first and then hit the road afterwards.

Kind greetings,
Marcus

[Lois]

I have followed this topic from the beginning with considerable interest. I do not know how to organize an exhibition and am pleased that there are HCJ members that could tutor us ignorant people. I am definitely going to keep following the topic and will try to participate and be helpful.

As it looks like a big mountain of work to me I would tend to do it in stages - first the virtual exhibition and then the organization of the touring exhibition.

[2Roses]

Right on the money Lois. We all came together on the original thought that this would be a touring show to sell our work. We remain true to that goal.

That said, there are several steps that have to be taken to get to that point.
1. Draft a clear description of what we are doing and how it will work. There is money involved here. If we expect people to join us we have to be very organized and methodical about how we handle the work and the money.

2. The best way to get galleries on board is to present them with a packaged exhibit. When we say "packaged" we mean that a prospect gallery can look at a virtual exhibit to see if the pieces are compatible with their market, and read a clear set of terms, conditions and policies governing the traveling exhibit. These terms, conditions and policies will comprise the basis of a contract (yes a signed contract) between the artists and the gallery.

And...WooHoo! Emily Watson joins the conspiracy. If you haven't seen her work yet go check it out at http://www.metalemily.com/

[qwallis]

... The best way to get galleries on board is to present them with a packaged exhibit.

This is true, but what I hope is that galleries come "on board" before they are approached.

They are more likely to accept any "terms" if they have helped to shape them (or watched them being shaped) in the first place.
We have a few gallery members, and some other galleries have started answering email from the project.

The forums are very good at "open discussions" but long threads are not easy to digest for late comers, so I am setting up a draft on-line document, which I (and others who wish to) can edit / polish in response to this discussion.
That way we can start to promote the "idea" (at a URL which offers the current version in a digestible form) before it is finalised.

[2Roses]

Well, no point sitting around waiting for the phone to ring. Let's contact a few member galleries and see if anyone wants to play. We see lots of galleries listed in the gallery section, but we assume that not all of them are members.
Robert if could you shoot us a "hit list" of say 5-7 galleries, we'll draft an invitation to join us in the forum to be part of the development.

[qwallis]

Robert if could you shoot us a "hit list" of say 5-7 galleries, we'll draft an invitation to join us in the forum to be part of the development.

Gallery members:

Pliartz: I have visited Pilartz a number of times and they are quite interested in the project. They are members and already site members and "site members within the forum" : but are pressed for time (a common problem). They have an easy route to join the discussion.

Sienna Gallery : I have had one reasonably detailed conversation with Sienna Gallery. They are site and forum members, so again would have a low barrier for joining the discussion.

Mobilia Gallery : although Mobila gallery have author rights (can edit their entry and submit new content) on the site, I am not sure whether the person who has access runs the gallery or is someone who is involved only with updating the web site. It is on my "to do" list to try to make sure that information about the project has clearly reached the gallery owner. They are not yet represented in the forums.

Galleries with whom I have had some correspondence:

Alternatives : They have not applied to become a site member and have probably never visited the forums.

Gallery Rob Koudijs : They have not applied for membership. I have been "courting" the gallery and am at the stage where they are sending information about their exhibitions.

Galerie Ra : I have had some correspondence.

Velvet da Vinci : I have had some correspondence.

Kath Libbert : I know the space vaugly as I have visited "Salts Mill" a number of times I have had some correspondence, lastly a short ill timed telephone conversation, where they were getting ready for a show.

All other galleries listed:

I have made at least one attempt to contact (email) all other galleries with a listing on the site, with no reply.
Like I have said in a thread where non-emai-response was mentioned. I think that most mail doesn't get through, what gets through is "skimmed" (which is not likely to convey an understanding of the project etc).
It is just a matter of not getting bitter, not giving up, and always being welcoming to the right people.
I will always do my utmost to stop the project becoming "us" and "them": that people (practically everyone) does not yet understand what the project is, is more my fault that theirs.

I do think it is important to work the proposal further and to orchestrate contacting the venues we would like to consider this exhibition proposal