Tips on Negotiating with Those Presenting/Selling Your Work

It is best to get things in writing when dealing with people presenting/selling your work. Usually the standard with most commercial galleries and art spaces is a contract spelling out who is responsible for what. Sometimes letters serve as this document. If you do get a contract read it over before you sign it or even have a lawyer look it over (see our section on Legal assistance for artists and see MA Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts). If someone is pressuring you to sign it without looking at it you should be highly suspicious of the person!!! Be very careful of signing your copyright away!!! And always get a copy of what you signed for your records!!

Always ask the following questions: if the site has insurance, who is responsible for what (do you have to hang your own work, etc.), what the commission break down is, what deadlines you should be aware of, the show dates, dates for the drop off and pick up of the work, who is responsible for the invitations, press and reception, etc.

Many alternative spaces, however, are so understaffed that even writing a letter spelling out who is responsible for what is overwhelming- so you should diplomatically say in these situations: "I will be more than happy to write a letter with the deadlines that I am responsible for and what you are responsible for. That way there is no miscommunication between us".

Remember if you have any special requirements for your work to tell the curator /space showing your work well in advance (it can't be near a window due to the materials, it has special safety concerns). This is very important especially if you are in a group show!!! We recommend that you send them a letter in advance alerting them them of the special circumstances (always keep a copy of the letter).

If something goes wrong with the show (ie your work gets damaged) be as professional as possible. Making a scene will not make it any better (even though it may be hard). And if you need legal representation please see our section on legal assistance for artists!!!