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In order to flourish, arts and crafts need an adequate support system. In the fine art sphere there are public and private galleries showing and collecting works, private dealers and collectors, knowledgeable critics and publications providing a forum for their views, and an education system largely supported by public funds for both artists and professionals servicing the arts. This infrastructure gives visibility and status to the arts and artists it supports as well as providing a framework within which they can operate. The general category of fine craft is less well served, whilst textiles, especially quilts have minimal public and private support. One of the major aims of Ozquilt Network Inc is to attempt, even in a small way to help quilters to find ways to make up for the gaps in our support system. We can't do everything at once, but we can make a start. Of course some good things are happening already; we just need more of them! Prestigious exhibitions are certainly not the whole answer to raising our profile and status, but they are very necessary as a first step. Since 1990 we have seen a small but heartening growth in the number of public galleries and museums willing to exhibit contemporary art quilts. And it's wonderful to see more people entering these exhibitions than ever before. But for first time entrants the whole process may be puzzling and a little difficult because it is quite different from entering a guild exhibition. In writing this article and those following, I hope to dispel some of the mystery so that you will feel encouraged to enter these exhibitions rather than always putting them in the 'too hard' basket.
It is mandatory to read all conditions carefully. The conditions mean what they say and are not negotiable; to waive them for one person is not fair to other entrants. The entry form is carefully drafted to give entrants necessary information and to protect both entrants and exhibition organisers by outlining their rights and responsibilities. Here are some areas that prospective entrants often have questions about.
What is meant by the term 'art quilt'?
An art quilt is not a traditional or reproduction-style quilt though it may be inspired by tradition. It must demonstrate originality and have visual impact. It must not be a copy of someone else's art quilt or made in another's style. A quilt produced in a workshop setting is not acceptable. A contemporary art quilt is obviously of the present, but it does not follow commercial fads and fashions; forget 'the latest from America', cuteness, cosiness, nostalgia. Your contemporary art quilt should look as if it could only have been made by you!
Can the specified quilt dimensions be varied?
No. The maximum acceptable quilt dimensions are set by the height of venue walls or other equipment.
Slides or photos?
It is common practice in the art/craft world to request slides rather than photos. A large projected image is more satisfactory than a photo for assessing the work. Also, with a team of selectors it is much easier to view and discuss works shown on a screen. More about photography in the next article in this series, 'Why Was My Quilt Rejected?' But a word of caution here. If you live in the country, slide processing may take a week or more so you need to plan accordingly.
How do I calculate the insurance value of my quilt?
If asked for this information don't ignore it, or let it become such a major stumbling block that you don't enter! Contact the exhibition organiser for help. Major guilds in most states offer a valuation service, though some do not value art quilts. Alternatively if you have sold a similar quilt you can use this as a guide. It is most important to put a realistic value on your quilt that is in line with its market value. Sentimental value just doesn't count, and a quilt that took a year to make isn't necessarily more valuable than one that was made in a fortnight. Your past track record could also be important; evidence of awards, sales, quilts in public collections all add value. Bear in mind that if you need to make a claim, your must be able to support it with this kind of documentary evidence.
Your artist's statement
Do observe the word limit if you don't want parts of your statement edited out. The statement should be about why you made your quilt, not how, so information about materials and techniques is not appropriate here. The purpose is to communicate to others the story behind your quilt. You might like to elaborate (concisely) on such topics as your reason for making it, what it means to you, how it reflects your feelings, experiences or observations. Keep it simple and sincere; a statement that is contrived or insincere is only too obvious. Sometimes no statement is the best option and that's fine with some organisers.
If you find writing statements difficult, give yourself plenty of time. It's an important part of your entry, not to be treated as a mere afterthought. Jotting down something (anything) early in the piece will give your subconscious a chance to work on it gradually while you're doing something else. (Like making your quilt!) It can be very difficult to try to do it all at once in a panic five minutes before you post your entry.
Your details
Please make sure you give all information requested on the entry form. If you omit something, (eg insurance value, quilt dimensions) it causes delays and means much more work for the person processing the entries. The next step is waiting for the results. Good luck!
Goods and Services Tax (GST) For art quilts purchased in Australia, a Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applicable to those items labelled "includes 10% GST".
For international purchases, the GST is only applicable to those items labelled "includes 10% GST" and where a quilt is purchased and not delivered within 60 days of the date of purchase.
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