THE OPEN STUDIOS ORGANISATION

Open Studios is a non profit making venture run by artists and Art lovers for the benefit of artists and the general public. To reach a team member, click on 'Contact us' and place the member's name in the subject box.

TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION

1. Parties involved

2. Criteria for Acceptance of Applicants

1. Applicants must be seriously committed to producing original work.
2. Applicants understand that the Open Studios Event is a cultural event to promote art and artists in Cyprus and to demonstrate the creative process. It is not an exhibition or gallery experience and is not primarily about selling. New original work must be displayed as well as older work. As a general guide, new and work-in-progress should be approximately 30% of work displayed.
3. Applicants should preferably have their own studio or usual, everyday working space. If you work from home, your usual workspace must be 'studio-like' and able to accommodate visitors comfortably.
4. Applicants must have had some previous experience of exhibiting in solo or group exhibitions.
5. Applicants understand that Participants must be present during the hours of their selected weekends. Applicants understand that 1. a back-up plan to receive visitors must be in place in case of an emergency, 2. the area coordinator must be contacted and 3. a notice must be placed on your studio or work space door stating the time you will return.
6. Applicants understand that Participants are expected to promote the goals and aspirations of Open Studios, Cyprus; to support their area coordinator, attend meetings when requested, share the workload and help with distribution of Guides, posters etc.
7. Visitors should find visiting studios enjoyable and something they would want to repeat. To this end Applicants understand that Participants should create a welcoming and informative environment.
8. Members of groups or institutions must apply as individuals.
9. The Individual Applicant fee is € 95. Fee for language translations must be included if applicable. Cheques should be made payable to 'Open Studios' and posted to the following address, to arrive by or before 15 May: Open Studios, c/o Lazarou Accountants, PO Box 64064, Paphos 8071. Note: Applicants who are not represented on the main page of the website after 25 May will receive a prompt full refund via standard post. Translation fees are not refundable. Refunds will be sent to the mailing address given on the application.
10. In order to ensure continued quality standards, Applicants understand that all Open Studios artists are reviewed by an independent panel. Applicants understand that Step 4, 'History description for review' and Step 5, 'Images', are forwarded to the panel. Accepted 2010 Participants will be represented on the website by an icon that links to their personal page. It is important to stress that the experienced amateur is equally valued as a participant.
11. Applicants should return to this website on 25 May to view the panel's decision which is final.

By submitting an application to participate in this Event, you accept these terms and conditions.

3. Exceptions to Criteria for Acceptance of Applicants

Spaces at some venues may be available for Participants not able to use their own studios and can be applied for now. Participants at these spaces are expected to comply with the criteria above.

Two or more artists may apply as a single member only if they genuinely collaborate in all respects of their work, producing work together on a day-to-day basis.

If you are not sure if you qualify through these criteria, evidence of work can be made available to the Organiser (see "Organisation") for approval, by arrangement. Please contact the website before 15 April for further advice about these requirements, if you would like someone to visit or if you have any other questions in respect of your application.

4. Member rights and obligations

Applicants who have (1) completed all sections of the online application process, (2) have confirmation that their fee has been received by 15 May and (3) passed the screening become Participants on 25 May. Participants are Members of the Organisation.

As a Member of Open Studios you will have both rights and obligations. Open Studios undertakes to provide you with support and to promote your work to help you reach a wider public. Members also make up the voluntary staff that keeps the Event on schedule and facilitates each stage of preparation for the October openings and any assistance given is greatly appreciated.

Membership includes an entry in the Guide to Artists, a page on the web-site, promotional materials (e.g. posters, flyers, pro-forma invitations), launch party/ preview exhibition, media coverage etc.

The website will host each Member's page of details, accessible to edit only by the private Artist Login, allowing for up to five images of work and space to publicise yourself, your work, your experience and your inspirations. If you teach, accept commissions or welcome visitors beyond the mandatory October Event schedule, you can edit your page accordingly. From approximately 1 June until the following 15 January, Members may edit their page at will.

The Launch Party/Preview Exhibition allows Members to exhibit one or two examples of their work. The exact number of pieces which may be exhibited will be advised and will depend on the space available and size of the artwork. The decisions of the Curator are final.

You will appreciate that the Organiser takes no commission for sales or commissions from Members. Rather, Members are requested to assist the Organiser as and when they are able and are required to complete Feedback forms sharing their experience and visitor data in detailed format. In this way, the Organisation can grow and expand and thus continue to serve the Art community.

15 MAY 2010 is the absolute deadline for submitting your application and cheque. Applications must be complete in all six steps. Notify the Organiser via email when the application is complete to allow sufficient time for any problems to be addressed and to be processed to avoid missing the deadline. An administrator will be available from 1 February to assist you with all sections: simply contact the Organiser through the website. There will be no exceptions to the deadline.

Members are under obligation to abide by the terms and conditions stated above. By submitting an application to participate in this Event, you accept these terms and conditions.

The Organiser has no affiliation with any group or organisation in Cyprus or abroad.

The Organiser consists of volunteers organising a 'not for profit' event.

5. Disclaimer

Open Studios is held on an entirely voluntary basis. All artists and their visitors participate at their own risk. The Organiser will not be held responsible for any loss, damage or injury arising from Open Studios activities. You may wish to seek advice for personal or public liability insurance. For your own security you might consider inviting friends to assist you on open days, especially if concerned about access to your home.