Hosting a Conference
In 2007 TransCultural Exchange launched a biennale International Conference on Opportunities in the Arts. These Conferences are the only forum of their kind, bringing artists directly into contact with renowned international critics, curators and artist-in-residency directors. They are, as the artist and London Biennale director David Medalla says, “One of the best things in the art world today.” Outside evaluations confirm Medalla’s statement. As our post-Conference surveys prove, TransCultural Exchange’s efforts have consistently met the organization’s goal to produce tangible benefits to the artist attendees, their communities and the participating universities, residencies, museums and cultural organizations.
To apply to be a Conference Host, please submit a proposal, including information on the following:
Available Venues
- What venues are available for the Conference’s activities, e.g. panel sessions, portfolio reviews, receptions, tours (such as gallery or museum tours), exhibition spaces and a dinner, including costs, size and capacity.
- What accommodations are available for the speakers and attendees, including their room rates.
Logistical Support
Please provide the name and qualifications of the organization(s) or team(s) who will act as the on-site Conference committee for logistical and staffing help.
Funding
To be affordable to artists, Conference registration fees are among the lowest of any comparable conference. All the speakers’ registrations are waived and travel stipends are offered to those requiring them. Typically, then, registration fees cover no more than a quarter of the Conference’s total budget. Hosting organizations or cities, therefore, are required to pay a minimum fee of $50,000, and must also cover the costs of the opening night reception (or dinner).
Benefits
Post-Conference surveys and the IMPLAN’s economic indicator tool show that TransCultural Exchange’s Conferences provide a great economic benefit to their host cities and organizations. For instance, according to the IMPLAN’s economic impact analysis, the 2013 Conference supported 11.5 jobs and created a total economic impact of $963,715 for the State of Massachusetts. (For more details, please see TransCultural Exchange’s publication Why Support International Exchange among Artists? A Decade of Tracking the Economic, Cultural and Social Benefits of Doing So).
Economic benefits are only one side of the story, however. Other benefits include:
- Global recognition as the lead host of TransCultural Exchange’s Conference.
- Access to TransCultural Exchange’s network of support, residency programs, cultural institutions and affiliated government organizations.
- High, one-stop visibility to international critics, curators, artists, residency directors and other key art world leaders.
- Inclusion in all pre- & post-Conference marketing and social media campaigns and at social events, including activities that showcase the host’s programs.
- Credit/Co-branding, including the sponsor’s linked logo on TransCultural Exchange’s website, promotional materials and publications.
- Continuous, on-site marketing presence.
- Increased revenue streams through indirect income (meals, bookstore sales, etc.) associated with the Conference.
For university sponsors, sponsorship includes: Free Conference admission for all students, faculty and staff. Students receive an unprecedented academic enhancement. Through the Conference, they are able to tap into the unique international art network that is TransCultural Exchange, attend workshops, take part in informative panels, share their artwork and meet people who can open doors for them around the globe. As many student attendees note, These Conferences “are the bridge between academia and a real world practice.” Similarily junior faculty gain professional development opportunities and contacts; and senior faculty receive heightened visibility among their peers.
Other Tangible Outcomes
Although the Conference’s activities cover just three days, its impact extends far into the future. As program evaluations consistently reveal, nearly half the attendees can cite tangible outcomes, such as offers to exhibit, attend residency programs and teach. These impacts are also generative and sustaining: participation in one program often leads to others. Attendees feel that the Conferences are invaluable to their careers. The atmosphere is open and extremely supportive, making it an ideal resource for artists and arts organizations to network, find out about opportunities and present their work.
The hosting organization also benefits. As our surveys show, international visibility is increased, collaborations are established and economic impacts – through new direct and indirect revenue streams– result.1
For more information and statistical evidence of the Conference benefits please contact Mary Sherman by email or phone (617.670.0307) to discuss your proposal.