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Are they interested in your kind of
work?
Do your homework and always
ask for and read the additional
information. Check out
websites to get an idea of past
projects or exhibitions and an
understanding of the kind of
work they are interested in.
Catherine Bertola, artist
What’s the risk?
The value and risk involved
can be judged on the amount
of information an organiser
provides. An opportunity that
starts by telling you exactly
when, how, who, why, what,
where, how long and how
much… is probably low risk and
well organised. The opportunity
that starts with maybe, could
be, possibly, might have, you
will pay… is probably high
risk and disorganised. Each
experience has something to
offer and it all depends on what
you stand to gain or lose as an
artist, balanced against this
information that decides your
willingness to participate.
Michael Cousin, artist
What exactly is the deal?
What’s on offer? Are they paying
you? Will there be support?
Who’s paying for transport,
insurance, publicity? Find these
things out first before you part
with any work, money and time.
Emilia Telese, artist
Is it right for you?
Spend time researching the
origin of the opportunity –
whether that’s a gallery,
organisation, festival, public
art body or other. You can
then decide if your work is
appropriate and if you are at
the right stage in your career
to make an application. If you
feel unsure about aspects of an
opportunity, research examples
of other projects that are similar
and make a comparison. This
is particularly useful as regards
assessing fees and payments.
Caroline Wright, artist
Does it fit with your vision?
You should be fairly clear about
who you are and what you can
and would like to achieve in
the long and short term. Then
ask yourself: Is accepting this
opportunity going to help me
to get what I eventually want?
Make a check list of pros and
cons such as: Will it improve my
track record? offer me a financial
reward? Give me a promotional
opportunity? Be enjoyable or
fulfilling? Teach me new skills?
Strengthen my network? Give
me time/money to develop new
work? If the opportunity you are
offered is all give and no gain,
you are probably wasting your
time.
Mir Jansen, Yorkshire Artspace
Don’t forget to ask yourself what
it is that you want to get out of
it... and remind yourself of this
if you get the opportunity.
Emilia Telese, artist
Read more about assessing
opportunities