[printman]

Back here in the US there is a huge percentage of university teachers who teach one, two or three classes without enjoying the benefits (or pitfalls) of a tenure track position. I was wondering if this is the case in NZ? I currently teach four different classes in the visual arts at three different universities here in Portland. I'm not expecting such a full schedule in NZ but was interested in the lay of the land as far as this aspect of the academic life goes. Also, if there are some arts folks out there who can give me some perspective on other teaching ops, gallery policies or anything along these lines that would be most appreciated. Thanks all!

Mike

[Oregonkiwi]

Also, if there are some arts folks out there who can give me some perspective on other teaching ops, gallery policies or anything along these lines that would be most appreciated.

Sorry, don't know about the university tenure thing. A family member teaches part time at Unitec (he's either teaching ceramics or hot glass, I can't remember which :o) - so the tech schools are another option.http://www.unitec.ac.nz/?955E7D8E-D07C-459F-A675-547AB533278F

What do you want to know about gallery policies etc?

[mgbridges]

Not strictly art but in the Arts area...

Another Mum from my son's school teaches music in 4 different schools in the local area as well as providing private lessons. Seems to work for her but I've no idea how it works in terms of her getting paid. If you want me to find out more I can.

HTH
Anneliese

[JandM]

Not strictly art but in the Arts area...

Another Mum from my son's school teaches music in 4 different schools in the local area as well as providing private lessons. Seems to work for her but I've no idea how it works in terms of her getting paid. If you want me to find out more I can.

HTH
Anneliese

I'd be interested to know about this, please.

[mgbridges]

I'd be interested to know about this, please.

Okey dokey! She is away on holiday in Poland at the moment but as soon as she gets back I'll ask.

Anneliese

[printman]

Thanks folks! Gallery policies that I'd be interested in are what percentage do they take, how many artists do they generally take on, how often do folks get a show. I'm sure this varies widely from place to place, but generally speaking how do things look.

[Oregonkiwi]

I believe galleries usually take 40%, though it varies, and artists may also be expected to pay exhibition costs (wine at the opening, printing of catalogue, etc). I'll try to get some more detailed information for you later. In the meantime, these might be useful:
http://www.artistsalliance.org.nz/index.php
http://www.thebigidea.co.nz/

[Oregonkiwi]

I was talking to another (professional artist) family member this evening so threw in a couple of your questions. :)

She confirmed the 40% plus costs, said you need to negotiate this first and be very clear on what costs you're expected to cover.
The number of artists that a gallery represents varies greatly. It's not uncommon to wait a year for a solo show (unless there happens to be a gap in their schedule) - a gallery might only have 8 or 9 solo exhibitions in a year, plus some group shows.
She suggested 2 galleries (in Auckland) for prints and works on paper:
Lane Gallery http://www.lanegallery.co.nz/
Muka Gallery http://www.muka.co.nz/

Also - you're probably aware of this already - the NZ art market is so small that most (practically all) artists in NZ have another source of income (breadwinner spouse, teaching job, other paid employment).

[printman]

Thanks Oregonkiwi! All good stuff. We're in Portland, OR incidentally. Getting our paperwork together for a September 2009 move.