Comments for Carolina Arts Unleashed

Comment on Pros and Cons of Donating Art for Art Auctions to Benefit Non-Profits – Any Non-Profit by Joanne Licsko

Joanne Licsko — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:25:00 +0000

Thanks for the link to my post on “Donating Art to Fundraisers”. You brought several points that I had missed such as the “publicity” angle. Most fundraisers make the mistake of going after as many artist donations as possible which means not only will the overall prices attained will be lower, but as you say, they can not give proper promotional attention to each. Setting a fair minimum bid, and making sure that the art is returned to the artist if it doesn’t reach it is the most we as artists can control.

Comment on Pros and Cons of Donating Art for Art Auctions to Benefit Non-Profits – Any Non-Profit by Rico

Rico — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:50:51 +0000

I think there are a few, very basic conditions which, -if met, donating to an art auction is ok. First, the artist should get commission. Period. Most will take a reduced commission, but it is an important recognition of the importance of the work. If you can’t assemble a group of buyers for an auction to be profitable and still pay the contributing artists, you need to seriously reconsider your industry, as well as your guest list.

Secondly, the artists should have the right to set either a minimum price or reserve. If the bids don’t start at this price, then the work shouldn’t be sold until it reaches it. This is only fair to all the other people who have purchased that artist’s work in the past and it protects the value of the artist’s work. How would you feel if you bought a work for 3 or 4 times what you saw someone else pay for a similar work at auction? I”ll go out on a limb and say outraged, and rightfully so. Additionally, the artists need to know who purchased their work. That should be the organizers’ responsibility. No anonymous buying.

It goes without saying (or perhaps not) that the artists should deliver the work on time and ready for presentation. If everyone involved is a professional, things should go smoothly. The auctioning party or organization should also carry insurance, so that should be factored into the overall budget of the event beforehand.

Finally, those who attend fund-raiser auctions should accept the fact that they are being asked to spend money, not get art on the cheap. If you love art, pay for it. It will pay you back for a lifetime, and if you’re lucky possibly become an asset to your legacy. Studio visits are more appropriate places to try to get deals, auctions are about coughing up the dough for a larger cause, one that presumably you love or wouldn’t be attending.

Glad you’re finally doing this little experiment! Good luck.

Comment on Pros and Cons of Donating Art for Art Auctions to Benefit Non-Profits – Any Non-Profit by Bailey

Bailey — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:36:20 +0000

As an newbie to the arts scene I greatly appreciate hearing the pros and cons of this issue and the timing was great, with a couple of calls for fundraisers coming up. As in all things, we need to consider the long-term, unintended consequences rather than just the heart-felt good intentions of the moment. I especially appreciate the advice about how to be supportive of good causes without directly donating work. After all, what’s a better cause than keeping yourself and your arts community in business?

Comment on Pros and Cons of Donating Art for Art Auctions to Benefit Non-Profits – Any Non-Profit by Doug McAbee

Doug McAbee — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:27:57 +0000

A while back The Upstairs Artspace in Tryon, NC suffered some difficult financial times and decided to put on a “fundraiser” exhibit. This was not an auction, merely a call for artists who had shown work at the gallery at any point in the past to submit work to be for sale while on display. Artists set their prices and split the commission of sales with the gallery as usual. The event was huge and the response was so overwhelming that the gallery was able to get their footing again and resume normal operations. All this was done while showing respect and value to the artists. In contrast to some “fundraisers” and art auctions, this proved to be a win-win situation.
I am continually thankful for the information and resources provided by Carolina Arts. Articles like this stir conversation and an open discussion always helps to move things in a better direction.

Comment on Pros and Cons of Donating Art for Art Auctions to Benefit Non-Profits – Any Non-Profit by Meredith

Meredith — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:53:52 +0000

Great subject Tom and lots to think about.
We are asked all the time for donations.
There are weeks we receive more people asking for a donation then customers coming to buy our work.
We do limited the amount of donations we give and any more it gets harder and harder to give when we are having a difficult time our selves.
Thanks for the food for thought I am off to check out some of the links.
M