Review: "Show Me The Money"

Amidst candle-lit tables, copious amounts of juice and chocolate cake, and intimate seating arrangements within the snug environment of the Wee Red Bar, a forum was held on the 9th March to discuss the topic of financing exhibition. the dichotomy of a potentially dry subject such as finance coupled with an informal atmosphere invited quite a few guests who were all keen to learn about and provide input on ways in which both private and commercial galleries finance exhibitions shows.

A brief introduction was given by the head of finance on the MA curatorial team regarding the proposed financial strategies put forth for their upcoming exhibition at the Talbot Rice Gallery. The aforementioned chocolate cake actually served not just a gastronomic purpose, but more importantly was used to represent the ways in which the finances are to be divided up among the different areas of the curatorial planning process.

As this culinary educational tool was passed around the room, Angela Beck from the Embassy Gallery offered her input on hierarchical structures when dividing an exhibitions budget. A dialogue evolved amongst the guests and rested on the issue of paying artists, and whether this was ethical, practical or mandatory.

Direction then shifted to the direction of the Scottish Arts Council. There appeared to be a tension and apprehension within the audience over where the SAC is heading. Many were concerned how this new direction will affect individual artists and organisations.

The evening concluded with informative input from Richard DeMarco, as he gave his opinions on curating from the ground up. As an artist, collector and curator, DeMarco had some insights to pass onto the MA students, and hopefully the audience of gallery managers, tutors and eca students took away helpful knowledge as well.

A big thanks to all who came along to this talk and making it such a success.