In this blog post, I want to break down the funding sources and expenses for the exhibition “Fugitive Frames”, ensuring full transparency and providing a clear rationale for how the exhibition is structured financially. This overview will demonstrate the meticulous planning and financial management behind the exhibition, showing how it is designed to be self-sustaining, with a well-balanced income and expense structure.
Income Breakdown
1. Grant Funding: Securing funding through grants is essential for the exhibition’s success. The following grants have been identified:
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Creative Scotland – Open Fund for Individuals: £1,500
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This fund supports emerging artists and cultural projects, particularly those that promote innovation and inclusivity. As a public arts funder, Creative Scotland supports projects in Scotland with a focus on digital art and cultural diversity.
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Source: Creative Scotland
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National Lottery Awards for All Scotland: £2,000
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This grant provides funding for projects that engage communities and contribute to local cultural development. It is a key funding source for exhibitions that aim to reach broad audiences.
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Source: National Lottery Awards for All
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Potential Local Municipal Grants: £1,000(not calculate)
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Local councils and agencies in Edinburgh and Scotland often provide small grants for community outreach and cultural events. This is included as a potential source, depending on the outcome of grant applications to local bodies such as Edinburgh City Council.
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Source: Edinburgh City Council’s Culture and Events Funding
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Total Grant Funding: £3,500(£4,500)
2. Cocktail Sales (Specialty Cocktails): One of the innovative income sources for the exhibition comes from the cocktail sales designed around the theme of the exhibition. The exhibition is designed to not only immerse visitors in art but also in the culture of the exhibition through interactive cocktails. The income from this will be:
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Cocktail Sales (6/4 profit split):
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50 cocktails sold daily, each priced at £10.
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The exhibition earns 40% of the total revenue, which amounts to £200 per day (total £1,400 for 7 days).
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This income plays a significant role in offsetting the exhibition costs.
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Source: Calculated based on the daily sales and profit share.
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3. Merchandise Sales (Postcards and Posters): The sale of art-related merchandise is an additional source of income:
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Postcards: 50 sold daily at £3 each for 7 days, totaling £1,050.
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Posters: 20 sold daily at £10 each for 7 days, totaling £1,400.
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Total Merchandise Income: £2,450
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These items will act as both a revenue generator and a promotional tool for the exhibition, with visitors taking home a piece of the art experience.
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4. Public Programs (Seminars & Workshops): The public programs will be an essential part of the exhibition, providing an interactive platform for audiences. Revenue from ticketed seminars and workshops will be:
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Nighttime Seminars: 30 attendees per night at £10 per ticket, totaling £2,100 over 7 nights.
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Noise Archaeology Workshops: Revenue included in the seminar ticket price.
5. Sponsorship: While specific sponsors are yet to be confirmed, we expect to receive sponsorship support from local businesses and alcohol suppliers, especially those involved in the exhibition’s unique cocktail concept. Estimated sponsorship revenue:
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Sponsorship: £2,000
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This sponsorship will help further reduce costs and add financial stability to the exhibition.
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6. Crowdfunding & Donations: An additional source of income will come from crowdfunding and on-site donations:
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Crowdfunding Platform: £1,000
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On-site Donations: £500
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Total Crowdfunding & Donations: £1,500
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Total Estimated Income: £12,950
Expenses Breakdown
1. Artist Fees: Fair compensation for artists is central to this exhibition. Each artist has been allocated a fee based on their involvement and artistic contributions:
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Jamie Crewe: £1,500
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Margaret Salmon: £1,500
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Rachel Maclean: £1,500
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STWST48x5 STAY UNFINISHED (licensing): £1,500
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Total Artist Fees: £6,000
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2. Venue Costs: The venue rental fees are essential, as The Tap Music Lounge is hosting the exhibition and the accompanying public programs:
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Venue Rental (The Tap Music Lounge): £2,000
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Common Room Rental: £0 (assuming in-kind support is provided)
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3. Materials and Equipment: The exhibition requires specialized equipment for installations, projections, and sound systems:
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Exhibition Setup: £1,100
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This includes rental for lighting, sound systems, and installation materials.
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4. Catalogue Production & Printing: Producing a catalogue that captures the artwork images and curatorial content:
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Catalogue (100 copies): £950
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This is a necessary publication to document the exhibition and provide a tangible resource for visitors and art collectors.
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5. Documentation: To ensure the exhibition is preserved for future use, photography and video recording will be crucial:
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Photography and Video: £750
6. Opening Night Costs: The opening night requires catering and decorations to create a welcoming environment for guests:
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Catering & Decorations: £900
7. Travel Costs: As the artists are based in the UK, travel costs are minimal, but they will be covered:
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Travel for Visiting Artists: £250
8. Installation Assistance: Support staff for installation and setup of the exhibition:
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Installation Assistance: £500
9. Miscellaneous Costs: Additional unforeseen costs such as promotional materials:
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Miscellaneous: £500
Total Estimated Expenses: £12,950
The budget for this exhibition is balanced. The cocktail sales and public programsprovide a sustainable income model, while grant funding and merchandise sales cover most of the exhibition’s upfront costs. With strong community and sponsorship support, the exhibition is financially viable and ethically grounded. All artist compensation and venue support are in line with industry standards, ensuring fair treatment and a positive impact on the local cultural landscape.
