Open calls and pay-to-exhibit offers: telling an opportunity from a scheme

Most open calls are genuine, but artists are a steady target for schemes that make their money from the artists rather than from sales. Signs of a genuine opportunity - A named jury or curator you can look up, a clear selection process, and published results from previous years. - An entry fee, if any, that is modest and clearly explained, and real benefits: an exhibition with visitors, a prize, a catalogue, press. - Past exhibitors who will tell you it was worthwhile. Ask them. Warning signs - An unsolicited, flattering email saying you have "been selected" for something you never applied to. - Large fees for wall space, "curation" or a catalogue, with little evidence of visitors or sales. Galleries that live on artists' fees have little reason to sell your work. - Pressure to decide quickly, or to pay before you have seen a contract. A related trick aimed at artists who sell online: a buyer agrees to your price, then sends more than the agreed amount, often by cheque or an unfamiliar payment service, and asks you to refund the difference or to pay "their shipper". The original payment later bounces. Never refund an overpayment before your bank confirms the funds have truly cleared, and never pay a shipper on a buyer's behalf. Art & Artists World never asks for payment through a profile's contact form. If a message forwarded to you looks suspicious, tell us through the contact page. Seen a scheme we should warn others about? Share it below, without naming individuals.