Section 1:
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If you currently respond to calls for art
or plan to, take two 3x5 cards. Write RTP on one and CYW on the other
and post the cards where you can see them. The initials stand for "Read
the Prospectus" and "Check Your Work." Failure to heed these words of
advice costs artists millions of dollars each year. If the only things
you learn from this book are to read the prospectus and check and
correct your application and materials before you send them in, you
will be way ahead of the game.
But this book will teach you much much more. We'll start by giving you the three keys to success in this complex, frustrating but often rewarding quest: Investigation, Preparation and Perseverance. While you are in the business of making notes to put on your wall, you might make one with these three words on it, too.
Of course having keys is not much help if you don't know where or how to use them.o o o
At any given time there are hundreds of art competitions and other calls for artists. Some offer substantial financial rewards, some offer only satisfaction or career enhancement and some offer all these at once. But others are a waste of your time, money and talent.
To find out the differences and help you learn some tricks of the trade, we queried dozens of artists, art administrators and jurors. Their expertise and insights will help you decide whether entering competitions is right for you--it may not be--and if it is, how to choose your spots and increase your chances of getting accepted and then building on your successes.Basically there are two main types of opportunities: those that are competitive (they select participants based on perceived quality) and those that are open (they accept all who meet certain criteria, such as membership in sponsoring organization or paying a fee). For the purposes of this book, there are ten categories of competitions:
1. Juried group shows
2. Festivals, fairs, special events
3. University or art center solo or small-group shows
4. Residencies
5. Grants and fellowships
6. Public art commissions
7. Slide registries
8. Special contests
9. Membership organizations
10. Odds and ends
Each of these requires that an artist apply and have his or her work judged acceptable by a panel of one or more jurors. In addition, there are "nonjuried" calls, which include mail art, most local open studios, certain web galleries, or shows on political or societal themes. top