Despite our playful double entendre, the business of securing commissions requires taking proposals and contracts seriously. Large-scale artist Molly Dilworth explains the challenges of both producing such works and operating the professional side of the business for scale. Molly’s geometrically inspired site-specific installations across the United States highlight invisible structures and hidden motivations. Her insights on a range of topics from proposals to contracts are crucial:

Creating Large-Scale Works

• Making big paintings to be seen by Google Earth
• Special challenges of large-scale work
• Dealing with outdoor work and site control (e.g. timing, weather, and location)
• Technology and remote art creation [see also a previous broadcast]
• Using under-appreciated spaces, everyday spaces, accessible spaces

Operating the Business for Scale

• RFPs, proposals, and the business of finding commissions
• Contracts and when you get paid
• Ensuring clients pay vs. getting burned
• Contingencies and budgeting for materials, mishaps, and take-home pay
• Getting a lawyer
• Responsibility for maintenance and limits of liability
• Contracts as a conversation
• Dealing with damage and insuring the work

Lastly

• Molly Dilworth is currently a fellow in the first year of the Tulsa Artist Fellowship and. on April 23rd, will unveil her sculptural commission for a new Denver Light Rail station at 40th and Airport.
• For more information on Molly, visit mollydilworth.com