Art Show

Applications for space in the Aussiecon 4 Art Show are now open!

The Aussiecon 4 Art Show will be conducted in the award-winning new Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, and will showcase original art works of a science fiction, fantasy, or fannish nature.  Both flat and 3-D art work will be accepted for display and sale.  We invite all artists – including those in the USA, Canada, Europe, and Japan - to participate in this year’s Worldcon Art Show.  Reserve your space now!

Important Note – The Aussiecon 4 Art Show will not be run along the same lines as other Worldcon Art Shows. Due to Australian taxation regulations, the Aussiecon 4 Art Show will be run like a Dealers Room, with artists selling their own works rather than the convention acting as their agent. For more information, see the “Selling Your Work” section.

All images this page courtesy of our Guest of Honour Shaun Tan .

Information for Artists

© Shaun Tan, from 'The Arrival', Lothian Books/Hachette Australia

How To Enter the Show
Key Dates and Times
Awards and Art Show Reception
Rules of the Art Show
Space Allocation and Fees
Selling Your Work
Getting Your Artwork to Melbourne
Australian Customs and Quarantine
Copyright in Australia
Instructions for Check In and Check Out
Other Considerations
Weapons Policy

All the information on this page is available as a downloadable PDF document.

If you have any additional questions, please contact artshow@aussiecon4.org.au.

How To Enter the Show

To enter the Aussiecon 4 Art Show, complete and return the downloadable entry form. (.doc or .pdf)

Advance reservations are required - no space will be available at the door unless there are last-second cancellations.

The deadline for reservations is 30 June 2010, but we expect the show to sell out before then. If your entry form arrives after the show is full, you will be put on the wait list in case of cancellations.

Entry fees are detailed in “Space Allocation and Fees.”  Fees may be paid by PayPal, cheques in A$ and US$, or Visa or MasterCard credit cards. All credit card charges will be processed in Australian dollars.

Entry forms received without full payment will be returned unless prior agreement to pay in installments has been reached between the artist and Aussiecon 4. Agreement to pay in installments will only be granted in exceptional circumstances and can be requested by sending email to artshow@aussiecon4.org.au.

Cancellations
Entry fees will be refunded in full if the artist notifies us of cancellation by 19 August 2010.

Refunds will not be issued for cancellations received after 19 August 2010, or for failure to submit works.

Processing Entries
Aussiecon 4 will send an acknowledgment of entry forms received that will include how much space has been reserved and whether part or all of the requested space has been waitlisted.

We will notify you if a space request that was on the wait list has been granted.

In July 2010, confirmed Art Show entrants will receive master inventory sheets, control sheets, confirmation of status, and detailed instructions for the check-in and check-out process and timetable for exhibits at the Art Show. Preliminary instructions for check-in and check-out can be found below.

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Key Dates and Times

Wednesday, 1 September	10 a.m. - 7 p.m.	Setup
Thursday, 2 September	10 a.m. - 3 p.m.   3 p.m.   7 p.m.	Artist check-in Open to convention members Art Show Reception
Friday, 3 September Saturday, 4 September Sunday, 5 September	10 a.m. - 6 p.m.	Open to convention members
Monday, 6 September	10 a.m. - 2 p.m.  4 p.m. - 6 p.m.	Buyer pickup; Artist checkout Tear-down of hangings

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Awards and Art Show Reception

© Shaun Tan, from 'The Red Tree', Lothian Books/Hachette Australia

Awards
Ribbons will be awarded for exemplary artwork.

A panel of judges will award most of the ribbons. However, the Best Artist (Professional and Amateur) ribbons will be awarded by popular vote. There will be a special judges’ award for under-16 entries in the fannish section.

Judging will close at 8 p.m. on Saturday 4 September 2010.

Art Show Reception
Aussiecon 4 will hold a reception for all artists, their agents and guests, the convention staff, and guests at 7 p.m. on Thursday, 2 September.

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Rules of the Art Show

1. All entries must be the artist’s own original work on a science fiction, fantasy, fannish, or related theme
2. Collaborative works may be submitted by any of the collaborators.
3. All items to be entered must be completed before being brought into the Art Show. No finishing touches can be added in the hanging area.
4. All two-dimensional (flat) entries must be matted, mounted, or framed, and ready to be hung. Prints must be mounted or matted.
5. Copies of fine art prints and other limited-edition works are allowed in the Art Show. Each reproduction must be clearly identified as such on its description sheet. The description sheet must state the method of reproduction used (for example, "Cibachrome print, serigraph, hand–pulled silk-screen, lithograph, computer”) and the copy number (for example, “#8 of 100”).
6. Once a piece of artwork has been signed into the Art Show, it may not be withdrawn, nor may any conditions of its sale be changed, for the duration of the show.
7. Not-For-Sale work is allowed in the show and is eligible for awards; however, artists are encouraged to have at least half of their entries available for sale.
8. Items that violate copyrights or are judged to have libelous content in regard to known persons or well-known characters will not be permitted.
9. Items which are deemed to be unsuitable for exhibition to a general audience (including those under 18) cannot be accepted. For more information, see “Other Considerations.” If in doubt, contact the Art Show curator at artshow@aussiecon4.org.au.
10. Please ask first if you want to display items that make noise, flash lights, or are otherwise intrusive. The Art Show crew may have to move, shut off, or disallow such work.
11. We reserve the right to exclude any entry.

Aussiecon 4 reserves the right to amend or interpret these rules. Any interpretations will be guided by the spirit, rather than the letter, of these rules.

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Space Allocation and Fees

The basic unit of space for displaying flat works is the "panel." For 3-D art, the basic unit is the "table."

When determining the amount of space to reserve, remember to include any clearance between pieces, including space for the attached descriptions. Pieces may not extend beyond the edges of the panel or table.

If you wish to show pieces that do not fit into these categories, such as free-standing sculptures or display cases, please email us the details at artshow@aussiecon4.org.au and request a rate quote.

 

Space Offered
Flat pieces	Height	Width
One panel	1.2 metres (4 feet)	2 metres (6.5 feet)
Half panel	1.2 metres (4 feet)	1 metre (3.2 feet)
3D pieces	Width	Depth
One table	1.5 metres (60 inches)	0.7 metres (30 inches)
One half table	0.7 metres (30 inches)	0.7 metres (30 inches)

 

Policy for Allocating Spaces
We will try to keep all work by a single artist together whenever possible.

We will normally fill requests for space in the order requested, although we may have to provide an area of a different shape. If you will be entering large or unusually shaped items and can only use certain arrangements, please tell us so on your entry form.

Artist Tables

© Shaun Tan, from 'Tales from Outer Suburbia', Allen & Unwin

These tables will be located just inside the main entrance to the Art Show, and will cost $20 to reserve for a day (available only on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday).
We will have a limited number of tables available for artists who would like to do sketches, take commissions, or just talk to their fans during the convention.

All Aussiecon 4 members will pass this area when entering or leaving the Art Show. We also plan to host a series of artist demonstrations in this area.

Print Shop
The Art Show will not include a separate area for selling prints of artists’ work. However, artists may sell prints as described in the “Selling Your Work” section below.

Fees
The basic fee is $55.00 per panel and $35.00 per table. See “How to Enter the Show” for payment methods

Please note that the Hugo Award nominees for Best Professional Artist and Best Fan Artist will be provided with additional space at no extra cost.

All those wishing to gain access to the Art Show, including exhibiting artists, must be members of Aussiecon 4. To secure your membership, visit the Aussiecon 4 Membership web page.

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Selling Your Work

The Aussiecon 4 Art Show will not be run along the same lines as other Worldcon Art Shows.

Due to Australian taxation regulations, the Aussiecon 4 Art Show will use a selling format similar to that in a Dealers Room, with artists selling their own works rather than the convention acting as their agent.

As usual, artists and artisans will purchase hanging or mounting space to display their work.  However, artists or their agents will deal directly with any buyers.

Aussiecon 4 will not collect any commission on artists’ sales and Aussiecon 4 will not hold an auction for artworks.

Artists or their agents may sell their works using their preferred method, such as sale by fixed fee or a bid process similar to a traditional Worldcon Art Show.

Fixed Fee Sales
If you choose to sell your art for a fixed fee, you may post the desired amount on a sale price sheet supplied by Aussiecon 4. The buyer can contact you through the liaison desk mentioned below, and you may process the sale immediately.

Bid Process

1. As with traditional Worldcon Art Shows, artists or their agents will put bid sheets on work that is for sale, showing the minimum bid amount.
   
   
2. Potential buyers will place bids on the bid sheets.
   
   
3. The default posted arrangement will indicate that at the close of the Art Show, the artists or their representatives and the buyers (the winning bidders) will meet at the Art Show on Monday 6 September 2010 between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m to arrange payment and delivery of the artwork. However, artists or their representatives, and buyers may make individual arrangements for other times and dates before the close of the Art Show.

© Shaun Tan, from 'Tales from Outer Suburbia', Allen & Unwin

Staffed Liaison Desk
While Aussiecon 4 cannot act as the artist's agent, we will provide a staffed liaison desk for messages between artists and potential buyers in addition to the bid sheets.

Australia’s Goods and Services Tax
The sale of work at the Art Show may be subject to Australia’s Goods and Services Tax (GST). You are advised to check with your own tax agent or import/export agent to determine whether your sales will be subject to GST. Aussiecon 4 is not able to provide advice on this matter.

Take Down and Delivery of Art
Artists or their representatives will need to make their own arrangements to take down their art after the Art Show, and to either deliver or hand it over to the buyers.

Buyers will not be allowed to take art without the artist or their representative being present.

Rights Being Sold
Notices will be posted stating that the purchase of art at the Art Show does not include any reproduction rights. Buyers who wish to reproduce the art they have purchased must make arrangements directly with the artist or artist’s representative.

Photography at the Art Show
Only the official Aussiecon 4 photographers and supervised press (including television) will be allowed to photograph or film the Art Show.

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Getting Your Artwork to Melbourne

Aussiecon 4 encourages participation in the Art Show by local and international artists.

Insurance and Security

The Aussiecon 4 Art Show will not insure artists works. Artists should make appropriate arrangements with their own insurance provider to cover their artwork in transit, in storage, and while on site at Aussiecon 4.

While Aussiecon 4 and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre will exercise all due care and responsibility to ensure the safety of participants and their property, no liability will be accepted for lost, stolen or damaged items or personal effects brought onto the convention site, or while in transit or storage.

Visitors to the Art Show will be required to check any large bags into a bag check area before entering. The Art Show is also in a secure, lockable area.

Customs Broker

Aussiecon 4 has engaged the services of a customs broker to assist Aussiecon 4 artists and dealers to move their goods in and out of Australia.

Australian Tax Regulations

Most goods, including books, sold in the Dealers Room will include the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The GST is currently set at 10% of the sale price. Please review the Australian Taxation Office GST web site for more information. Sales tax is not applicable to the sale of goods and services. If you are not an Australian resident, you are advised to check with the agent to verify your status, complete any forms required by the Australian Taxation Office, and check with your tax advisor.

Mailing Art Within Australia

Australian-based artists - Due to the substantial effort required for us to unpack, hang, unhang, and re-pack mailed-in art, we would prefer that you do not post or courier your art to the Art Show.

Please do not request permission to mail your artwork unless you really are unable to find any other way to get it to and from the Art Show.  

If you request and then are granted permission to mail your art, you will be limited to at most 20 pieces, occupying no more than one panel or one-half table of space. There will also be an additional fee of $25, plus the actual amount of return postage for your artwork.

If you mail art to us without our prior written agreement, we will return it to you at your expense.

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Australian Customs and Quarantine

Items from overseas, such as food, seeds, nuts or anything made from wood, plant or animal material may be prohibited from being imported into Australia.

For more information, see the Quarantine Service's “What Can’t I Take Into Australia” web site .

Artists are encouraged to contact the Australian Customs & Border Protection Service directly if they have any questions.

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Copyright in Australia

Copyright protects the original expression of ideas, not the ideas themselves. It is free and automatically safeguards your original works of art and literature, music, films, sound recording, broadcasts and computer programs from copying and certain other uses.

© Shaun Tan, from 'The Rabbits', Lothian Books/Hachette Australia

Copyright does not need to be registered in Australia. Material is protected from the time it is first written down, painted or drawn, filmed or taped. Copyright material will also enjoy protection under the laws of other countries who are signatories to the international treaties, of which Australia is a member.

Copyright automatically protects most artistic works that meet the following criteria:

• Resulted from some skill and effort
• Are not a copy of some other work
• Are “fixed” in some way (for example, as a painting or photograph, or saved as a digital file)

Artistic works covered by copyright include:

• Drawings
• Paintings
• Sculptures
• Photographs
• Craft works

Artistic works based on or incorporating other people’s work can also be protected by copyright if something new has been added. However, the artist might need to get permission from the owners of copyright whose works have been included.

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Instructions for Art Show Check-In and Check-Out

Setup and Check-In
Aussiecon 4 will set up the hangings and tables on Wednesday 1 September 2010.

Artist check-in will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday 2 September 2010. Please try to arrive early; if you cannot arrive personally before 3 p.m. Thursday, please send your art with a representative before 3 p.m.

All late check-ins must be by prior arrangement and will only be approved in exceptional circumstances. If you have not made special arrangements with Aussiecon 4 for a late check-in, and your art has not been delivered by 3 p.m, we may resell your space to an artist on our waiting list. No refund will be given.

Artist Check-Out
Unsold art must be removed between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Monday 6 September 2010.

Special arrangements can be made to enable artists to collect unsold art between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday 5 September 2010 if the artist will not be at the convention on Monday 6 September 2010. Unless this arrangement is made in advance, unsold art may not be collected before 10 a.m. on Monday 6 September 2010.

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Potentially Offensive Materials

If you are concerned that there may be limitations on the exhibition or display of your work due to obscene or indecent content, we suggest that you seek more information at

http://www.artslaw.com.au/legalinformation/ClassificationCensorship/default.asp


For any further information, contact Art Show Curator Jannie Shea at artshow@aussiecon4.org.au.

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Aussiecon 4 Weapons Policy

In line with the standard practice at most Worldcons, Aussiecon 4 will not permit its members to carry or display weapons. Aussiecon 4 members should also understand that the State of Victoria has joined with all other Australian jurisdictions, including the Federal Government, to ban the carriage or use of any type of firearm or edged weapon. (Victorian legislation: CONTROL OF WEAPONS ACT 1990 Victoria incorporating amendments as at 8 November 2007) Firearms Firearms are defined as all projectile weapons. This includes crossbows and blowguns as well as ballistic weapons of any type. There are only three exceptions to this ban. Those exceptions are: sworn members of Australian Police Forces members of the Australian Defence Force on "official duty" or "authorized parade" with issued firearms members of Registered Australian Gun Clubs participating in "authorized" club competitions or range practice days. Additionally, the importation by any individual of any type of firearm is prohibited by Customs Regulations. This includes anything that the Australian Customs Service believes could be used as, or viewed to be, a firearm. Edged Weapons Tough anti–knife laws have also been introduced by most jurisdictions in Australia. These laws give police the power to stop, search and detain any person suspected of carrying a knife. A knife is any type of blade, sword, throwing weapon or martial arts weapon. Carrying or displaying such weapons constitutes an offence in most states of Australia, including the State of Victoria. Swiss Army knives, "scout" knives and pocketknives, as well as knives used in the course of work duties, are not prohibited. The only exception allowed to the general prohibition of edged weapons is for a weapon used at ceremonial or cultural events. That exception applies only during the course of the ceremonial or cultural event. That is, while display of an edged weapon during the Masquerade may be allowed, this does not mean that the weapon may be displayed at any other time during Aussiecon 4. Masquerade Weapons The Aussiecon 4 committee cannot give permission for any type of weapon to be imported to Australia for use in the Masquerade. It is suggested that persons wishing to display a weapon in the Masquerade obtain that weapon in Australia – through purchase or loan or the construction of a "fake" or "replica" weapon. As discussed above, any weapon that is to be displayed during the course of the Masquerade may not be displayed at any other time during Aussiecon 4. The weapon must be conveyed to the Masquerade in such a way that it is not visible to the general public or other members of Aussiecon 4. The weapon may then only be displayed at the Masquerade (which includes the Masquerade photo session). Immediately following their display during the Masquerade, weapons must be removed to secure areas not accessible to the public or other convention members (for example, a hotel room that will not be used for room parties). If you are considering the display of any type of weapon at the Masquerade, you must discuss this with the Masquerade Director at least 48 hours before the beginning of the Masquerade. Purchased Weapons Should you purchase a weapon from the Dealers Room at Aussiecon 4, it must be wrapped and immediately removed to a secure area that is not accessible to the public or other members of the convention. Decisions about Weapons Aussiecon 4 reserves the right to decide what constitutes a weapon. It also reserves the right, at its own discretion, to secure, impound or confiscate any thing that it decides is a weapon for the duration of the convention. Conclusion We appreciate that many people would like to carry a display weapon as part of a hall costume. We also concede that most people are sensible and careful individuals. However, the risk of weapons causing accidents or distress to other convention members is too great. Apart from this general concern for the well being of our members, Australian laws now forbid the carry of weapons of any type in almost all circumstances. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Greg Turkich, Manager Convention Section, Aussiecon 3 (1999) updated on behalf of Exhibits Division, Aussiecon 4 (May 2009)

 
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