The Hidden Costs of Art Contests: Are They Worth It?

The hidden costs of art contests: Are they worth it? How much money have you spent entering art contests? How many submissions are needed to get into the next art exhibition? Do you get frustrated and overwhelmed by all the, “no” responses? Have you ever added up the entry fees you have paid out with no recognition or wins? Have you ever looked into the number of those entering? Basic math in one event charged a $75.00 entree fee with a 2000 entry limit.  The winning prize was $10,000.00. I finally decided to spring for $75.00 and this art event had closed. It got me thinking. $75.00 x 2000 submissions = $150,000.00 dollars. Wow!!!! This art contest had a $5,000.00 grand prize.  Not a bad profit without selling one piece of art. Am I in the right business? You need to pay for those influential judges and advertising. Even after those costs, the money is made. This company puts on four big art events a year.

I decided to try entering three black and white photos I took while on vacation to a photo contest.  One of my three photos was accepted. I received the acceptance email with glee and delight. I was told that a dashboard was set up on the contest website and would go live with a link. I then share the link and promote my photograph for votes. After that email was an email giving me the price break down to BUY votes for my photo submission. I was shocked. I was insulted. Buying votes. Another money-making “art” company using the heartstrings of an artist to ask for business. It’s not a bad business model.  But, I wanted my photo to advance on my good merit not a purchased vote.

I am writing this today because I have been in, “Art Selling Purgatory.” I am no longer enjoying painting because of the struggle to sell my art. Doing some purging and cleansing of the impurities of the art business. One we all experience at one time or another. Trying to get in front of the right audience is challenging. The pay to play game is making more money for those putting on those events than for the actual artists.  I know I am not alone because I have talked with countless artists.  Now what?

Today I have no, “now what” except I let it all simmer. Every good soup tastes delicious after a good simmer. This works well with organic ingredients. I am developing my own art exhibits. I aim to reduce costs to give all artists a chance without breaking the bank.  This is not a new idea about promoting artists.

About 15 years ago I had a company called, “Music Passion Hope”. It began as a response to several musical artists. These artists can never find their place on stage or make money. I had some musical children and they had gifted musical friends. “Music Passion Hop” worked with non-profits to put on concerts and raise money for their organization. My company was for profit. Artists were not only paid. They were also taught how to have a stage presence. Additionally, they learned how to build their own music business. I am working on applying some of those same principles in a much smaller way. This will give artists an opportunity to show their best work. It helps them get a foot into the art world without having to pay fee after fee. Building a resume are their good merit and artistic expression.

Stay Tuned.