Despite our playful double entendre, the business of securing commissions requires taking proposals and contracts seriously. Large-scale artist Molly Dilworth explains the challenges of both producing such works and operating the professional side of the business for scale. Molly’s geometrically inspired site-specific installations across the United States highlight invisible structures and hidden motivations. Her insights on a range of topics from proposals to contracts are crucial:
Creating Large-Scale Works
- Making big paintings to be seen by Google Earth
- Special challenges of large-scale work
- Dealing with outdoor work and site control (e.g. timing, weather, and location)
- Technology and remote art creation [see also a previous broadcast]
- Using under-appreciated spaces, everyday spaces, accessible spaces
Operating the Business for Scale
- RFPs, proposals, and the business of finding commissions
- Contracts and when you get paid
- Ensuring clients pay vs. getting burned
- Contingencies and budgeting for materials, mishaps, and take-home pay
- Getting a lawyer
- Responsibility for maintenance and limits of liability
- Contracts as a conversation
- Dealing with damage and insuring the work
Lastly
- Molly Dilworth is currently a fellow in the first year of the Tulsa Artist Fellowship and. on April 23rd, will unveil her sculptural commission for a new Denver Light Rail station at 40th and Airport.
- For more information on Molly, visit mollydilworth.com
