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In our continuing efforts to assemble and communicate information
about artists and the shows in which they participate we have completed
the tabulation on the 1998 Artists’ Survey. This was the first year
we sent the survey to only NAIA members. Even though the number
of surveys sent out was smaller than in previous years, we received
the largest number of returned surveys. It is hoped that the reason
for this is that NAIA efforts are beginning to have an impact and
that artists see their input as necessary for these efforts. The
results show that although our members participate in art festivals
and craft shows, the majority also show their work in galleries
and museum and/or university shows, the more conventional routes
for fine work. In addition, the respondents voiced concerns about
the art festival industry. As in a previous survey, a large number
mentioned the greatest threat to the industry as “too many mediocre
and low quality shows” diluting the business. Beyond this, deceptive
practices and the inability of shows to deal effectively with them
were of paramount concern. The major suggestions to remedy the situation
were (1) Photo ID at check-in and (2) for shows to have a trained
committee to check artists’ booths against their slides on a daily
basis. A large majority of respondents was willing to report to
the show staff or committee, but some mentioned that since there
was no standardized way of addressing these problems reporting was
frequently futile.The category of rule enforcement was the ranking
most frequently left blank. It is hard to tell unless the problem
and the show’s enforcement mechanism (or lack thereof) are close
enough to be observed. However, we have included the tabulation
of the scores in this category because it is such an important issue
at this time As to the improvements that artists have seen in the
past five years, the most frequently mentioned was that shows are
beginning to pay attention to the needs and advice of artists, largely
because of NAIA efforts. Artists also frequently mention that show
organizers are increasingly treating artists as professionals and
that competition to get into good shows has resulted in higher quality
exhibitors. This year, as in previous years, the most frequently
mentioned issue that artists would like the NAIA to address is that
of booth fees due upon acceptance rather than to have them sent
with the application. Other issues noted as important for our organization
to address were: the problems of production studios or manufactured
work vs. that made by an individual artist; originals vs. reproductions;
and artists reps. As in last year’s survey, the shows that scored
highest in both quality of exhibition and sales are American Craft
Expo, Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, Cherry Creek, Smithsonian Craft,
Philadelphia Craft Show, and St. Louis Art Fair. These shows have
all the ingredients necessary to produce an outstanding event; good
location, strong community base of support, good jury procedures
and outstanding promotional efforts.
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