COMMISSIONING OR SUPPORTING THE PRODUCTION OF ARTWORKS - Ethics of Collecting

Ethics of Collecting

Collectors commission or support the production of artworks responsibly and fairly, never abusing their position of power to interfere with the artistic content or to obtain any undue advantage.

1

NOT INFLUENCING ARTISTIC CONTENT IN PRODUCED OR COMMISSIONED ARTWORKS

Collector Sinead has provided significant support for the production of a new video work by artist Kanika. The support amounts to 70% of the full production costs. Sinead is very excited to support this new work as she really respects Kanika’s work. During a meeting to discuss the project over a coffee, Sinead starts advising Kanika on the duration of the video, on several potential filming locations around the region, and, having seen a first draft of the plan, on the sequence of the various scenes as well. Kanika gracefully declines Sinead’s various suggestions, one by one. Sinead feels irritated by Kanika’s attitude. “After all the funding I am providing, the least she could do is take some of my ideas onboard,” Sinead whispers to herself as she takes a final sip of her coffee. Is Sinead’s behavior acceptable?

A Yes. Collectors like Sinead are creative agents and an essential part of the art ecosystem. They have the right to advise artists, regardless of whether they financially support the production of their works or not. Collectors have had this coaching role for many centuries.

According to the code, the correct answer is this. If you have any questions or feedback on the code, we are very happy to listen to it so please contact us .

Well done, this is the correct answer according to the code.

B Yes. Sinead financed the project, and she did so quite significantly. Financing an artwork naturally gives access to the privilege of discussing content. It’s a fair give-and-take dynamic. It’s the price artists have to pay to receive the support. In this case, it is Kanika’s behavior which is out of order.

According to the code, the correct answer is this. If you have any questions or feedback on the code, we are very happy to listen to it so please contact us .

Well done, this is the correct answer according to the code.

C No. While it is laudable of Sinead to provide this level of support, it cannot be given at the expense of the freedom of Kanika’s creative process. This would almost amount to Sinead buying her way into Kanika’s creative endeavor. If Sinead wants to support the production of the work, she needs to be doing so in a purely altruistic way. It would be different if Kanika directly requested advice, but this is certainly not the case in this scenario.

According to the code, the correct answer is this. If you have any questions or feedback on the code, we are very happy to listen to it so please contact us .

Well done, this is the correct answer according to the code.

2

PAYING FAIR MARKET PRICES FOR PRODUCED OR COMMISSIONED ARTWORKS

Collector Fadi has supported the production of an installation from artist Rosario. The installation is an edition of three. At the time of funding, he preferred not to have any written document about the support as he wanted to keep the project friendly and informal. Once the installation is finally produced, Fadi asks Rosario’s gallery for one of the three editions for free, reasoning that he helped with the production, and the amount he provided is half the market price of one of the editions. When the gallerist suggests that a solid discount, taking into account the contribution Fadi has already made, would be the preferred choice for them and Rosario, Fadi becomes visibly upset and feels like he has been tricked. Is Fadi’s reaction justified?

A No. While it is laudable of Fadi to support the production of the work, this is not the same as purchasing a work in advance. Financing production is an act of support in the interest of Rosario and her artistic endeavor, it cannot be considered as a commercial transaction. Rosario’s gallerist is right: a solid discount that recognizes Fadi’s commitment to the process would be the best course of action. In addition, he should have laid out the details of his expectations in a contract before providing support.

According to the code, the correct answer is this. If you have any questions or feedback on the code, we are very happy to listen to it so please contact us .

Well done, this is the correct answer according to the code.

B Yes. Without Fadi’s funding the installations would not even exist, so the least Rosario and her gallerist can do to recognize that is offer him one of the editions for free.

According to the code, the correct answer is this. If you have any questions or feedback on the code, we are very happy to listen to it so please contact us .

Well done, this is the correct answer according to the code.

C Yes. His funding amounted to half of the market price of one of the editions, so with an additional substantial discount, that would make for the whole price of one edition. Rosario and her gallerist may just as well provide the work for free to keep the good relations and the potential for further collaboration.

According to the code, the correct answer is this. If you have any questions or feedback on the code, we are very happy to listen to it so please contact us .

Well done, this is the correct answer according to the code.

ENDORSE THE CODE

Add your name publicly as a supporter.

CONTACT

Send feedback & suggestions. Code will be reviewed regularly. Enter email for updates.