ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************

Well put, Jeff. I too came to the field of museum design from an art 
background(sculpture). We are not all flakes. As Jeff said, as within 
every field there are experts,and within the experts there are those who 
can, and will work with guidelines, and those who feel that their 
personal vision is paramount to you needs. Choose wisely. We here at 
Providence Children's Museum have chosen to make art a large part of our 
aesthetic mission. We also happen to be positioned in a community full 
of incredible talent. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is here in 
Providence, and I frequently subcontract artists from this area. The 
key, as with any arrangement is to spell it all out clearly, and 
maintain a good line of communication with your artists from start to 
finish. Everyones expectations can be met in a timely and successfully 
way. As Jeff said is that not the key to any contractual arrangement?Thanks

Jeff Courtman wrote:
> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related 
> institutions.
> ***************************************************************************** 
>
>
> I came to the science center field after an art degree, have worked 
> with artists on several occasions.
>
>
> Mike, I do take exception to this statement.
>
>> #4......Scientists generally have real jobs and
>> don't rely on selling art for income.....
>
> There are many experts, be they scienctists, science center people, 
> artists, craftspeople, etc.   Some have good business skills, some 
> don't.  But to make a blanket statement like this seems a little 
> flip....I can tell you from experience, I've worked with several in 
> the science community who were more arrogant, more demanding, and more 
> inflexible than just about anyone I can name.  I can also name several 
> artists who's art  is suspect, but whose business acumen allows them 
> to be highly successful financially....
>
> A corollary to Mike's statements is that we, as professionals, don't 
> understand very well the cultural differences (and by cultural, I mean 
> the culture of experts in a certain field) owing to a different realm 
> of expertise.  I would say the main difference we fail to appreciate 
> fully is that many, many artists work alone; we, on the other hand, 
> are used to and comfortable with collaboration.
>
> Mike's list is excellent but it makes it sound as if artists are 
> aliens.  The top ten list provided is a great guide to working with 
> just about anyone - not just artists.....And I dare say most of us 
> respond best to positive feedback....The bottom line for working with 
> artists, as it is with anyone, is to be clear in your expectations and 
> your communications.
>
> If you really want a kick in the pants, create a team that includes 
> both an artist and a person trained in science.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>     
>
>
>
>
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>
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-- 
Chris Sancomb
Exhibit Designer
Providence Children's Museum
100 South St, Providence, RI 02903
[log in to unmask]
http://www.childrenmuseum.org
Come Play, Come Learn!


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For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.

Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org.

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