Comments on: Artist Contracts: She Broke the Rules

By: liza myers

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 01:43:05 +0000

This is an eye opener. Thanks for sharing!

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By: mary anne enriquez

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 22:28:20 +0000

Absolutely inspiring to read Harriete. I would have been way too scared. I would have been confused by all the legalese, and the 9 pages. The situation would most likely not turned out as positively as yours did.
Congratulations on a great victory.

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By: Kelly Borsheim

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:42:12 +0000

All businesses (and individuals) should note that just because one person complains when others have not does not devalue the complaint. Most people are lazy and do not follow-through. Anyone who CARES enough to give us feedback of any sort is a VALUABLE asset!
I suspect in this case, there was a stronger obligation than normal because dates were already agreed upon and so much had already been invested. Yes, you have something to lose in that case, but you already have a RELATIONSHIP established and value yourself enough to know that when commitments have been made, it is ALSO in the other party’s best interest to alter a “small” thing in order to keep the big picture flowing smoothly. And in this case (as in most, I suspect), future cases. By letting the other party know that the relationship/event would not be let down (other than by willing to hurt yourself by accepting no pay), the other party did not need to waste energy on being defensive and actually became a party on your side. Brava!

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:00:08 +0000

Jacqueline: Yes, their response was typical, but then they did something atypical: They changed it! Shows that government can be responsive.
Tina: Proof that it doesn’t hurt to ask.
Annette & Karen: Those contracts sound unbelievable. So glad you were alert.

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By: becky nielsen

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:51:15 +0000

I think the successful outcome of this challenge is so heartening; and I especially love how Harriette was willing to honor her “contract” with the museum regardless of the what came of the “official” contract. Went to look at the videos; LOVED them! What neat stuff and great underlying messages!

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By: Jennifer Ressmann

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 05:03:50 +0000

It sounds like everyone is a good negotiator. Personally, I think this is our duty – question things we think are inappropriate. Try to change them if we can.

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By: Karen Lynn

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:33:03 +0000

I was given a contract for the space at a show that said I would be taking out $1 million in insurance – and that the company owning the space would be the beneficiaries, should anything happen!
When I asked about it, I was told I didn’t really have to have insurance. So why should I sign a legal document saying I would? I crossed out everything I didn’t agree to, and initialed it, and made other alterations, and then signed it.

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By: K. Henderson

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:37:58 +0000

Hurray for you! I read everything before I sign and I complain about contracts a lot! And it always sickens me when I hear “We’ve been using this contract for years and no one else has complained”. So? Does that somehow make the contract good?
I’m glad you stood up and that someone listened!

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By: Kaitlyn

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:51:48 +0000

I wonder how many people said nothing because they didn’t, in fact, read the contract. Another add on to being an indepenent artist, but also good advice for life: Read everything, every contract and all the fine print, before you sign!

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By: Burnell Yow!

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:44:37 +0000

Inspiring and informative post. Thank you. Took a quick look at your website and blog. I’ll definitely revisit.

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