FAQs #1

OK, here's a few FAQs we've been asked so far:

What is maximum size for works? can I make more than one?

Of course you can! make whatever you like, and push the boundaries!The maximum size for works is variable. Just be mindful of the fact that there will be a large range of other works that take many shapes and forms in the exhibition as well.The doorway to the gallery is 1.9m x .99m. Your work needs to be able to fit through this, so if working sculpturally your maximum width is 90cm, and height 180cm so we have some wriggle room. Multiple-pieced works are acceptable, but use 1.8m x 1.8m as a basic guide for the maximum size of an entire work.

I would like to collaborate with my partner/friend/flatmate/cat. May I?

Of course! Go for it!! But not for Metonymy.... remember the whole idea is to work with someone you don't know, and see what unusual creative sparks fly. If it sparks off your creativity so you want to collaborate with everyone you see, your long lost husband, the policeman, the gardener, John Banks (well OK, maybe not John Banks).... well fantastic! One of our aims is to generate as much artistic energy as possible. But remember, reserve some of your energy for working with your Metonymy partner. They are giving up their time to work with you, and expected standards for the exhibition will be high.

I've been paired with someone I'm a bit unsure of. May I swap?

Umm.... this is a hard one. We've done our best, using the information you've given us, to pair you with someone who matches you in terms of geographical location, transport needs, and artistic themes.. but not all matches are perfect. We ask that you at least meet with your partner once or twice and keep an open mind. If you find that it really is impossible for you to work together, then let us know and we will put you back in the "pool" and see if we can match you with someone else. Remember, if this happens we can't guarantee another match and you will also lose working time.

Who owns the work we make?

You both do. Equally. And remember, all works are for sale so if it gets sold, you split the money equally. Therefore it's important to ensure you are both happy with the amount of input you each have in the project. It's OK to create two intersecting parts as well (eg object+performance or object+text) so that you can each take a piece of the work with you at the end of the collaboration.

Who owns the copyright to the work if it gets sold?

We've consulted lawyers on this and the standard rule in NZ is that artists (ie, both of you equally) own the intellectual copyright to a work, ie you can reproduce it as image/text in, say, a book even after it is sold. Remember that since the assumption is that you have dual copyright that you should consult and acknowledge the other artist's input if you do reproduce the work later. Make sure you are comfortable with this before throwing your "best idea ever" into the communal cooking pot. That being said, don't be scared to chuck everything in....great ideas have a tendency to breed even better ideas.