I’ve discussed donating art a few years ago on this blog, but since this is such a debated topic, I thought it would be useful to revisit it.\u00a0 It’s great to have someone think so highly of your art that they believe it would help their organization to auction it off.\u00a0 On the other hand, as your career progresses, you’ll find that you are being asked to donate your work to auctions A LOT.\u00a0 Sometimes one a week.\u00a0 At that rate, you won’t have any art left to sell.\u00a0 So what’s an up and coming artist with a heart of gold to do?\u00a0 Well it won’t be easy, but you’ll have to pick the ones you want to help (and feasibly can) and politely let the others know that you can’t.<\/p>\n
Sounds simple enough, right?\u00a0 There are a few considerations to keep in mind first.\u00a0 Obviously if the auction\/charity\/event is to benefit something close to your heart, then those are the causes you’ll want to start with.\u00a0 Some causes may not be in line with your beliefs- for example, I am a vegan, therefore I will only donate to charities that do not test on animals.\u00a0 While you are narrowing down your favorites, also take a look at the event details:<\/p>\n
Where is the event venue?\u00a0 Is it a venue that you are proud to be associated with<\/strong>?<\/p>\n What is to become of your donated art- is it going to be hung on a museum wall or is it being used in an auction?<\/p>\n If it is an auction, what happens if the work is not sold<\/strong>– do you get it back?<\/p>\n Do you like the other artists’ work<\/strong> that will be seen with yours?<\/p>\n If it is an auction, is the starting bid price at a reasonable rate so as not to devalue your work<\/strong>?\u00a0 Can you set the starting bid price yourself?\u00a0 Can you set a reserve amount?<\/p>\n Do you get a percentage of the sale<\/strong>?<\/p>\n Will you receive free tickets<\/strong> to the event (presumably for you and a guest)?<\/p>\n If you cannot answer these questions, then don’t be shy- find out from the event organizer or coordinator.\u00a0 Many organizations, while they mean well, do not realize that artists get these requests quite often and that they are essentially asking you for a donation worth hundreds or thousands of dollars<\/strong>, so don’t feel bad about looking out for yourself.\u00a0 Also, be aware many organizations will try to sell you on the idea of donating as a tax write-off.\u00a0 This is only partly true.\u00a0 You can only deduct the supplies\/materials used to create the piece.\u00a0 You<\/strong> cannot<\/strong> write-off the actual art donated<\/strong>.\u00a0 (This only applies to collectors of art that has appreciated so they donate to museums and get out of paying income tax on the appreciation.)\u00a0 It’s unfair, I know, but that’s how it works, at least in the United States.\u00a0 If you’re looking to get some sort of deduction, you should just write a check to the organization.\u00a0 If you are happy with the event parameters and have available work to donate, go ahead with it, attend the event, and do some networking. Perhaps the auction winner will become your next collector…<\/p>\n ————<\/p>\n www.AmyGuidry.com<\/a><\/p>\n Sign up for my monthly newsletter at: www.amyguidry.com\/contact.html<\/a><\/p>\n Follow me on Facebook: www.facebook.com\/pages\/Amy-Guidry\/51953219932<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I’ve discussed donating art a few years ago on this blog, but since this is such a debated topic, I thought it would be useful to revisit it.\u00a0 It’s great to have someone think so highly of your art that they believe it would help their organization to auction it off.\u00a0 On the other hand, … Continue reading Donations, Charities, Auctions and Art<\/span>