While we're on the subject of industry rants, next up on our delectably tempting menu are galleries that don't respond to applications and proposals from artists.
We all know that the bigger the gallery, the less likely you are to get a response to a proposal - particularly if it was unsolicited. We know not to expect otherwise, although in our experience, many do actually take the trouble to send a written letter. It's the reality of the industry.
If a gallery has actually put out a call for applications though, is it too much to expect a response advising whether you were successful or (more likely) unsuccessful? Particularly if it's a one-off local show that does not present the same challenges as planning an annual curatorial program?
We think it falls under the realm of general professionalism and courtesy. It should be a given. that all applicants are notified. Yes, we know we're being idealistic, but in this day and age, it literally takes five seconds to send a group email.
Currently, the biggest offender in this regard seems to be the IMA, who, as far as we are aware, still have not contacted any artists about their advertised call for submissions for The New Fresh Cut exhibition. Their application deadline was 20 July. We think that an ever expanding seven weeks is more than reasonable as a time frame in which to assess applications and respond.
Perhaps the successful applicants have already been notified and we likely simply swim with other unsuccessful little fish, but does that make it any better?
Not in our books. It's poor form. Pure and simple.
Is it yet another symptom of the rampant elitism and favouritism in the Brisbane art scene? Are local artists expected merely to rejoice in the opportunity to even submit work to the larger galleries?
We're not sure, but then we tend to be cynical, bitter and twisted.
What do you think?
We all know that the bigger the gallery, the less likely you are to get a response to a proposal - particularly if it was unsolicited. We know not to expect otherwise, although in our experience, many do actually take the trouble to send a written letter. It's the reality of the industry.
If a gallery has actually put out a call for applications though, is it too much to expect a response advising whether you were successful or (more likely) unsuccessful? Particularly if it's a one-off local show that does not present the same challenges as planning an annual curatorial program?
We think it falls under the realm of general professionalism and courtesy. It should be a given. that all applicants are notified. Yes, we know we're being idealistic, but in this day and age, it literally takes five seconds to send a group email.
Currently, the biggest offender in this regard seems to be the IMA, who, as far as we are aware, still have not contacted any artists about their advertised call for submissions for The New Fresh Cut exhibition. Their application deadline was 20 July. We think that an ever expanding seven weeks is more than reasonable as a time frame in which to assess applications and respond.
Perhaps the successful applicants have already been notified and we likely simply swim with other unsuccessful little fish, but does that make it any better?
Not in our books. It's poor form. Pure and simple.
Is it yet another symptom of the rampant elitism and favouritism in the Brisbane art scene? Are local artists expected merely to rejoice in the opportunity to even submit work to the larger galleries?
We're not sure, but then we tend to be cynical, bitter and twisted.
What do you think?
No comments:
Post a Comment