Comments on: Donating Art to Auctions

By: Ann Rea

Ann Rea — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 21:00:39 +0000

Absolutely. My motto is “Asking is Free!”

This post is referring to straight up 100% donations versus “good will marketing” which is what you are referring to and which is a great strategy.

By: Maria Brophy

Maria Brophy — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 17:03:30 +0000

One thing artists always miss when it comes to charity auctions:

YOU CAN ASK them to give you a % of the sale. 40-50% is reasonable. Or ask for a flat fee, payable within one week after the auction, to cover your costs and earn you just a little income from the donation.

I started doing this a few years ago, after I realized that we were, at times, donating 2 weeks of INCOME to charities. Do you know many people (average, middle class Americans) that can afford to donate half their months income to a random charity? I don’t.

Anyway, I started telling charities that the only way we could donate is if we are paid a portion of the sale price.

TO MY SURPRISE, most of the charities said “okay.” And they pay up.

I wrote an article about why you shouldn’t give blindly to charities, and I hope it’s okay to share the link here:
https://mariabrophy.com/business-of-art/the-problem-with-donating-art-and-the-solution.html

Most charities are awesome, I just don’t have the funds that Bill Gates does to be able to give blindly. But a cost-sharing arrangement I’m happy to do!

By: Ann Rea

Ann Rea — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 14:38:23 +0000

Thank you for sharing this experience. Artists can offer these terms and create a win win. I can happen. Start by proposing what is fair for everyone.

By: colleen attara

colleen attara — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 04:00:55 +0000

I just wanted to share that I was involved with an auction that was a positive experience for all involved. Artists named their price, the non-profit (Run Free Ranch) kept 30% and anything over the artist’s asking price. The event was filled with wealthy, supportive people (225+ attended). The director of this non-profit wanted it to be a win-win for all involved. The auction was filled with really high end art; not something leftover that hadn’t sold. It was a great atmosphere filled with energy and respect. I loved it and was happy to be a part of it. It was nice to not be asked to give away my art.

Artist’s also attended this event at cost instead of the full ticket price as a thank you for their involvement.