When Your Big Idea Becomes Your Big Job

I was looking at an artist’s proposal recently for a really significant exhibition, and it was one of those proposals where you can immediately see that the artist has really thought about the opportunity.

They haven’t just taken some existing work and thought, right, where can I put this? They’ve responded to the place, they’re thinking about how people might move through it, there are new works, things happening outside, possible collaborations and performances, ideas around public engagement. You can feel their excitement about what the project might become.

And I was excited by it too. But because I’ve spent so many years on the other side of these proposals, working in galleries and institutions and actually having to get exhibitions and programmes made, I found myself reading it in two slightly different ways.

One part of me was thinking, this could be fantastic.

And the other part of me was thinking, bloody hell, this is a lot of work.

This episode addresses how ambitious creative ideas can quickly spiral into overwhelming production work. It offers practical guidance on how to navigate institutional proposals in a way that makes sure you don´t inadvertently agree to do all of the tasks needed to deliver the project.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Many ambitious artists let the excitement of a big idea quietly lead them to taking on responsibility for too many aspects of the project. Do not use your own labour to quietly fill the gap between a project's ambition and the available resources.

The language in your proposal matters. Innocently writing "I will organize" or "I will connect" can quickly turn speculative ideas into lines on someone else's production schedule that you are expected to deliver.

Find the beating heart of your project. Identify the essential core elements you care about most so you can navigate changes and compromises.

An institution's commitment to your work goes beyond money. Look for their investment in time, expertise, relationships, advocacy, access to audiences, and quality documentation.

BEST MOMENTS