Comments on: Letter for responding to donation requests

By: amber renee

amber renee — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 06:54:28 +0000

oops! this is my artist site, my blog is here: miseducated.net

see you! you’re bookmarked!

By: Karen Lynn

Karen Lynn — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 06:58:43 +0000

While I do not donate my artwork (I work too hard to see it go for too little), for a couple of organizations I have donated private one-day art workshops for up to however many people (usually four or five). I list several possibilities as to the subject of the workshop, and the winner or workshop attendees provide their own supplies. It’s a fun occasion for them, I don’t mind donating my time and expertise and meeting new people, and the organization generally makes more than they would for a painting (sad commentary).

By: Alyson B. Stanfield

Alyson B. Stanfield — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:14:07 +0000

Tracey: I’m thrilled that you are able to be so generous with your art, but many artists are not in that position. They can’t possibly accommodate all of the requests that come their way. It’s not that they don’t want to give. It’s that they simply can’t. They don’t have the resources (money, time, etc.).

I love your attitude and I’m grateful that there are people like you in the world! I do hope you read the rest of my articles about giving. For instance, this is an important one:
http://www.artbizblog.com/2009/07/contributetalents.html

Tammy: Artists are a cause unto themselves, huh? And good for you for educating others about this.

Jennifer: Woo hoo! Yes, art is always the last thing considered–even by interior designers. It’s nuts. Good for you for educating them and helping other artists in the community. I’m so glad they’re paying you for your efforts.

By: Jennifer Bellinger

Jennifer Bellinger — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:06:17 +0000

A few years ago I received a letter asking for an art donation for our brand new, state of the art hospital. The chairman of the acquisition committee was a friend. I responded with a letter and 40 signatures of other artists receiving the same letter (they had chucked theirs in the garbage). I decided to use the opportunity to inform the committee how their request for donations was received. My letter addressed the facts that the beautiful new hospital had raised millions of dollars from the community, paid for design, building, landscaping, etc. but neglected to build in a budget for art. Artists need to be paid for their work. They do not donate their best work. What does that say about the art profession? “Oh, we don’t need to pay for art, artists will give us their art for free because it is for such a great cause” The result was a very apologetic response and I was asked to be on a committee to formulate a “loan of art” program. Artists & galleries loan their work for 6 months receiving exposure and chance to sell. It is a program that is still working well today. Of course, instead of budgeting for art and owning the art, they now have to pay a person to manage the loan program!

By: Tammy Vitale

Tammy Vitale — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:08:37 +0000

Most requests I receive are face to face. And I use this strategy all the time now. I get 50% and they get 50% and I’m willing to donate small to my highest price pieces. We both benefit. Not everyone wants to do this, but it can be win-win and shows your support for the organization by your willingness to engage with them. I have started a campaign among artists I know to make this a rule of thumb.

By: Tracey Keller

Tracey Keller — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:13:25 +0000

Hey Alyson! Firstly, congratulations on being such a positive role model in the field of arts and arts promotion. I love your book and look forward to your emails and posts on facebook/twitter etc. I have just read with interest your letter and the subsequent commentaries regarding artists donating their works to charities. I must admit, I am a wee bit disappointed…… I feel one thing has been greatly missed here, and that is the essence of charity…. it is not about the artist, it is not about whether or not the government gives a tax write off, it is about giving. I am so proud to say my humble paintings and prints raise over $50000 per year. I do agree, it is totally OK to say “no”… (I support a select number of charities only) I do not look for a taxation deduction, I simply give the paintings away – because I can, and, I gotta tell you, what goes around, definitely does come around. The promotion I get for this, over the years, has more than paid for my efforts and costs, but, for me, that is a bonus….. I hope my viewpoint stimulates discussion and thought… it is really, really important to simply “make people smile” and “pay it forward”…. just how I am sure someone has done for all of us early in our career. Kindest regards Tracey Keller

By: Alyson Stanfield

Alyson Stanfield — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:26:31 +0000

PS Maria: Just read your article on the Principles of donating your (Drew’s) art. It’s wonderful. Everyone should read it and come up with their own principles!

http://drewbrophy.com/brophy-principal-giving-art-to-worthy-causes-while-protecting-the-value/

By: Alyson Stanfield

Alyson Stanfield — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:22:09 +0000

Maria: I’m so glad you found the letter helpful. Alicia was generous to share it with everyone. I’m going to head over and see your post right now.

JD: I thought you Canadians were more progressive than us. Wonder why we can’t get this changed! It comes up in every single session of Congress.

By: JD

JD — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:29:28 +0000

Alyson,

Great post. Great letter Alicia. While I may be based in Canada, the tax laws here for donations are similar. We can write off our supplies, but nothing more.

I am always thankful for all of you that deal with business side of art, and give me as an artist a better perspective.

http://www.painincdesigns.com

By: Maria Brophy

Maria Brophy — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:19:11 +0000

I was so excited to read this post this morning, Alyson. This has been a big problem for us because we have so many people that we are connected with that are involved in charities – it’s hard to say no to friends and family.

I wrote a post on our principles on how to handle donation requests:
http://drewbrophy.com/brophy-principal-giving-art-to-worthy-causes-while-protecting-the-value/

There are many concerns here, but a biggie is this: IT’S IMPORTANT TO NOT ALLOW YOUR ARTWORK TO DECREASE IN VALUE – and with some charity auctions, your art can go for less than your collectors pay. And this is just bad business.

I love this letter. I’m going to use this. And I think I’m even going to add it to our website. You just solved a big problem for many people!

Thank you!