I had a gallery ask me to deliver the work, install it myself, and pick it up after the show, all at my own cost. No mention of covering transport, no help with hanging. Just "you bring it, you hang it, you take it back." I said no and walked.
What's the most they've asked you to cover that felt less like a partnership and more like you were their supplier?
It's strange how often they frame it as opportunity. Like you should be grateful for the exposure of doing their job for them.
I had a space once ask me to not only deliver and install but to be there during opening hours for the whole run, unpaid, obviously, in case anyone wanted to "hear about the process." As if my time and the work itself weren't already the whole offer.
Walking away from those feels harder in the moment than it ever is afterward. Good for you for saying no.
That's worse. Being there the whole run, that's not a showing, that's a job. And they'd never ask a painter to stand guard over a painting for three weeks.
You're right about walking. The relief comes later but it does come.
Good for you for walking. I had a similar thing early on and I almost agreed because I was so flattered they'd asked. Then I actually added up the gas and my time and realized I'd be paying them to hang my work. Hard pass.
The thing that gets me is when they act like it's standard practice. It's not. A real partnership covers the basics. Glad you stood your ground.
the math part is so real. you get the invite and your brain just goes "someone wants my work!!" and then you sit down with a coffee and a calculator and it's like... wait. i'd lose money on this. that's not a show, that's a charity donation with extra steps.
glad you passed too. the more we say no the less they'll try it.
The coffee and calculator moment. I know it well. It's almost funny how fast the excitement evaporates when you start being honest about the numbers.
Glad you walked too. It does help, each time someone says no. Slowly shifts what they think they can ask for.
Exactly. The flattery is the thing they're counting on. That little voice that says "but they chose me." And then you do the math and it's just... no. You're paying to be there.
The "standard practice" line makes me see red. It's not. They just hope you don't know that.