Can You Connect Me with a Good, Simple Exhibition Contract?
February 08, 2016
Yes! The Professional Guidelines includes a sample Exhibition Contract.
This Exhibition Contract is specifically tailored for an exhibition where the gallery or exhibition space will be showing work for a limited period of time (with no expectation of an on-going representation).
If an exhibition space doesn't have a contract, then suggest using this Exhibition Contract so that both the sponsor and your artwork are protected. I prefer to think of a contract as a checklist to facilitate a discussion of issues in advance that can help to avoid potential problems or friction. As in any contract, it must be mutually agreeable. And of course, everything is negotiable. The contract can be modified or edited so that everyone is comfortable with the arrangement.
Established exhibition spaces are likely to have their own Exhibition Contract. It that case you can compare their contract to this Exhibition Contract from the Professional Guidelines to look for issues that may have been overlooked or that you might think are important in protecting your art or craft.
What if your local arts organization wants to organize an exhibition? Use this Exhibition Contract to establish a great working relationship between the artists and the exhibition sponsor.
Looking for more guidance about whether an exhibition is "right" for your professional goals?
Check out the Professional Guidelines document Exhibitions: Artist Checklist.
Sending your work to an exhibition? Use the Condition Report from the Professional Guidelines.
Learn how to use a condition Report on ASK Harriete (in a future post.)
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P.S. The Professional Guidelines were written with the help and guidance of many professionals in the field from artists, makers, gallery owners, and collectors.
Do you see a need for a particular topic? Let me know.
Are you interested in helping write a document offering your words of experience? Write to me anytime.
How about editing? I could definitely use a proof reader.
This post was updated on December 11th, 2021.