Setting Up an Art Business for Scale

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 WorksMaking big paintings to be seen by Google EarthSpecial challenges of large-scale workDealing 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 spacesOperating the Business for ScaleRFPs, proposals, and the business of finding commissionsContracts and when you get paidEnsuring clients pay vs. getting burnedContingencies and budgeting for materials, mishaps, and take-home payGetting a lawyerResponsibility for maintenance and limits of liabilityContracts as a conversationDealing with damage and insuring the workLastlyMolly 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