PREPARING ARTWORK FOR EXHIBITION

Purpose

Golden Plains Arts Inc. is committed to presenting exhibitions of a professional standard while ensuring the safety of visitors, volunteers and exhibited artworks. All artwork submitted for exhibition must be suitably prepared and ready for display.

Artists are responsible for ensuring that all artwork is clean, dry, structurally sound and professionally presented. Frames, canvases and presentation materials must be in good condition and free from damage.

Scope

This policy applies to all members and non-members who display or exhibit artwork at any GP Arts-associated event.

1. Hanging Requirements

All two-dimensional artworks must be fitted with:

• Two secure D-rings attached to the sides of the frame at approximately one-third down the length of the frame.
• Hanging wire securely fastened to the D-rings. The wire should be taut enough to prevent excessive movement but not so tight that it extends above the top of the frame.
• Hanging hardware appropriate for the size and weight of the artwork and capable of supporting it safely.

Sawtooth hangers, string or other unsuitable hanging methods will not be accepted.

2. Artwork Labelling

Each artwork must have a clearly legible label securely attached to the back containing the following information:

• Artist’s name
• Artwork title
• Medium (optional but recommended)
• Artwork dimensions (width × height)
• Sale price or “Not for Sale” (NFS)
• Year or date the artwork was completed

3. Exhibition Curator’s Discretion

The Exhibition Curator will inspect all artwork upon delivery. Any artwork that, in the Exhibition Curator’s opinion, is inadequately prepared, incorrectly labelled, unsafe to display, damaged, or does not meet the presentation standards of Golden Plains Arts Inc. may be declined for exhibition or withheld from hanging until the issue has been rectified.

The Exhibition Curator has final discretion regarding whether an artwork is suitable and safe to display at a particular exhibition.

These requirements help maintain a high-quality exhibition, ensure the safety of participants and visitors, and protect the integrity of exhibited artworks.

4. Photographing and Submitting Artwork Images

Photographing Artwork

Artists must provide a clear digital photograph of each artwork when requested. Images may be used for exhibition planning, catalogues, exhibition records, promotional material, the GP Arts Inc website and social media.

Photographs must be:

• Taken in even natural or indoor light, without harsh shadows or direct sunlight.
• Photographed square-on, showing the full artwork with minimal background.
• High resolution and in sharp focus.

For artworks behind glass:

• Turn off the flash and use indirect lighting.
• Adjust the lighting or camera position slightly to minimise reflections while keeping the artwork as square-on as possible.
• Avoid reflections from windows, bright lights or clothing.

Naming your image: Save each image using the format Surname_Title.jpg (for example, Smith_SummerEvening.jpg).

Submit images to the nominated Exhibition Coordinator by the closing date and include your name, artwork titles and any other required entry information.

By submitting images, artists consent to their use for exhibition planning, catalogues, exhibition records, promotional material, the GP Arts Inc website and social media. Artists may request that their images no longer be used in future promotional material. Images already used or required for exhibition administration and record-keeping may continue to be retained where necessary.

5. Artwork Insurance

• Artists are responsible for arranging their own insurance for artworks submitted for exhibition.
• Insurance should cover loss, theft or damage while artwork is in transit, on display or stored at a GP Arts Inc-supported venue.
• GP Arts Inc does not insure individual artworks and accepts no liability for damage or loss unless required by law.
• Artists are encouraged to obtain insurance if their artwork is of significant value or they have concerns about potential risk.

GP Arts Inc does not provide transport or secure storage for artworks unless explicitly stated in exhibition documentation. Where GP Arts Inc provides supervised storage or handles artwork directly, reasonable care will be taken, but artists remain responsible for arranging their own insurance.