Here are some common questions and topics that come up every year. If at any time you feel unsure about any aspect of the Art in Public Places program or your exhibition you should call us!
Ilona Rayson or Tania Blackwell can be contacted on 9932 2001.
In the first instance, when putting in an Expression of Interest form, the photos should just be a representative of the type of work that you are wishing to exhibit. This is just to give us the best idea on matching you with the venue.
When you need to submit your photo for marketing purposes, you must make sure that the image is between 500kb – 1MB so that it is print quality. Be aware, that the designer may crop images for the catalogue and any other marketing material. You need to be sure that you are happy with the image you submit, and it represents your exhibition style.
The number of artworks you produce is up to you. Each year we have artists who produce anywhere from three artworks up to 15 or 20. When you put in your expression of interest, you should indicate the approximate size and how many works you wish to exhibit, so an appropriate sized venue can be allocated to you. When you have accepted your venue you are able to change your original proposal of amount of works, keeping in mind that we are after best outcomes always.
In some instances, bigger venues, may be able to accommodate more than one artist. If this is to happen we will pass on your contact details to the other artists. If you are sharing a venue it is ideal that you all liaise and approach the business together so that you are all on the same page and work together.
Council cannot advise you how much you should price your artworks at, however we are happy to discuss with you if wish. This is the sort of topic that could be discussed with other exhibiting artists at the various networking events on offer.
Remember, Art in Public Places offers a 20% commission to the business operator for each artwork sold. Also don’t be disheartened if you don’t sell anything, some artists never sell work and some do. This year may be your year, if not it might be the next or even the year after. Remember .. “ its for the love of it!”
You must remember that the exhibition spaces are not galleries, they are local business; cafes, bookshops etc. Before accepting your venue, you should talk through hanging options with the business owner. Some businesses will be happy for small hooks to be placed into the wall, some may not. There are some good temporary options available.
Costs associated with curating and installing the exhibition are the responsibility of the artist. Council does have some very limited equipment, such as plinths, available for use. If you are having trouble deciding on how to display your work, you should chat to us so we can provide advice or lead you in the right direction.
Unfortunately, this does happen from time to time, and although there are good intentions from the business when accepting to be part of the program, circumstances may change. If you become aware of the changes, you should contact council ASAP so we can help troubleshoot. We will either help to liaise with the new business owners/ managers or attempt to find you another suitable venue to exhibit your work.
In some cases, alternatives are not possible. Please be patient with us while we work out a suitable solution.
Firstly, make sure you are ringing the business at a convenient time. For most businesses, customers are their first priority, NOT exhibiting artists. If it is a busy lunch time café, avoid ringing during lunch time rush. Does the business operator have an email address? Perhaps this is an easier way to communicate as they can answer at a more convenient time. If you are still having trouble getting hold of them, give us a call ASAP. We want to sort out any communication problems early. Good communication is the key to a good relationship, and the better the relationship the better your Art in Public Places experience will be.
Council does not fund launch events for Art in Public Places. If you feel that you would like to have a launch for your exhibition, you should discuss with your business owner. Some businesses are very happy to help out with a launch and welcome the opportunity to have new people experience what their business has to offer and some businesses are not so keen.
As an alternative to a launch, artists in the past have chosen to have friends for dinner at the restaurant or café that they are exhibiting at, which brings a benefit to the business owner as well. You should discuss your launch plans with council. We can help promote the event in the arts community.
Great!! This is a good outcome for you and the program. It is encouraged to jump at the opportunity. You must stipulate to the media when being interviewed that your exhibition is part of Art in Public Places program and for more information visit www.artinpublicplaces.com.au or they can call Council for more information.
Make sure you use the opportunity to also promote your business. Remember, a happy business is a cooperative business.
Absolutely! Make sure you specify any special requirements for your exhibition in your expression of interest form. Council will discuss these needs with you and attempt to find you a suitable venue. If you have already been offered a venue, make sure these requirements have been met before accepting the offer.
Give is a call anytime! We are here to lend advice or point you in the right direction. Lots of artists are or have been in the same boat as you and we can guarantee your questions are not unique. Again, the happier you are, the better your Art in Public Places experience will be. And usually for the business owner too!
We are here to support the program as a whole – so what are you waiting for, pick up the phone and give us a call.
Artists are responsible for the insurance of their artworks. The businesses and Hobsons Bay City Council are not liable for theft or damage to artworks, during the Art in Public Places timeframe. In regard to public liability, the business/gallery/venue will umbrella the artist through their own Public Liability Insurance.
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Art in Public Places is managed by Hobsons Bay City Council.
