How-to Alternative Space Handbook
Surplus Space is currently conducting qualitative research asking curators/directors via questionnaire who have either formerly run an alternative space or who currently run a space how they developed and sustained their projects. We are compiling these informed responses to create a handbook in an effort to demystify the creation, expense, and labor of alternative exhibition projects.
A huge thank you to the directors/curators who filled out the extensive survey! Your first-hand reflective accounts are truly beneficial not only to those who would like to enter the field, but also for those who have been doing it for awhile. THANK YOU!!!
Questions in the survey:
Background
What is the name of your project?
What was your background before opening a space?
How long have you operated some form of gallery or project space?
Why did you begin running a space?
Has your project ever relocated? Can you describe some challenges of the experience?
Curation
Describe your curatorial approach.
How far in advance do you generally curate your space?
Do you seek out guest curators? Do you take proposals from them? Why/not?
Do you accept proposals from artists? Is this stated anywhere in print or online?
Press Release and Public Relations
How did you construct your press contact list?
What social media do you use to promote your space?
Do you use printed mailers/posters? How many do you print? Where do they get distributed?
Labor
If there is more than one primary director, what special skills do each of you possess?
How is labor distributed?
How much time do you devote to running your space each week?
How do people volunteer? Get paid work with you? Become interns?
Hours/Reception
Do you have regular hours? If so, when are you open?
How long do shows run?
How do you decide the time/day for opening receptions?
Renovation
Did the space require build out or renovation? If so, what had to be done?
Did you do it yourself or hire contractors?
If DIY, did you teach yourself, and how? Did you have knowledgeable friend help?
What type of paint do you use (color, finish, brand? How often do you paint?
Funding
Do you rent or own your space?
How are operating costs covered?
Do you fundraise? Why/not?
Does your project receive fund from grants? If so, where?
Do you use your space for purposes besides exhibitions?
What in-kind donations have you received?
What % commission do you take on work sold?
Artist Benefits
What other services do you provide exhibiting artists?
Do you assist artists in locating funding for their projects?
Do you offer an honorarium or materials budget?
Conclusion
How long do you plan on having your current project?
What do you wish you knew going in?
If the project is no longer operating, what caused the shift? What do you miss? What don't you miss?
The handbook will be free to download this March 2017.
A huge thank you to the directors/curators who filled out the extensive survey! Your first-hand reflective accounts are truly beneficial not only to those who would like to enter the field, but also for those who have been doing it for awhile. THANK YOU!!!
Questions in the survey:
Background
What is the name of your project?
What was your background before opening a space?
How long have you operated some form of gallery or project space?
Why did you begin running a space?
Has your project ever relocated? Can you describe some challenges of the experience?
Curation
Describe your curatorial approach.
How far in advance do you generally curate your space?
Do you seek out guest curators? Do you take proposals from them? Why/not?
Do you accept proposals from artists? Is this stated anywhere in print or online?
Press Release and Public Relations
How did you construct your press contact list?
What social media do you use to promote your space?
Do you use printed mailers/posters? How many do you print? Where do they get distributed?
Labor
If there is more than one primary director, what special skills do each of you possess?
How is labor distributed?
How much time do you devote to running your space each week?
How do people volunteer? Get paid work with you? Become interns?
Hours/Reception
Do you have regular hours? If so, when are you open?
How long do shows run?
How do you decide the time/day for opening receptions?
Renovation
Did the space require build out or renovation? If so, what had to be done?
Did you do it yourself or hire contractors?
If DIY, did you teach yourself, and how? Did you have knowledgeable friend help?
What type of paint do you use (color, finish, brand? How often do you paint?
Funding
Do you rent or own your space?
How are operating costs covered?
Do you fundraise? Why/not?
Does your project receive fund from grants? If so, where?
Do you use your space for purposes besides exhibitions?
What in-kind donations have you received?
What % commission do you take on work sold?
Artist Benefits
What other services do you provide exhibiting artists?
Do you assist artists in locating funding for their projects?
Do you offer an honorarium or materials budget?
Conclusion
How long do you plan on having your current project?
What do you wish you knew going in?
If the project is no longer operating, what caused the shift? What do you miss? What don't you miss?
The handbook will be free to download this March 2017.
