Artists from across the country gathered together in Hyderabad recently for something that’s beyond art itself. At the 3rd consecutive KARA Art Festival, as many as 17 artists put up their paintings to support a palliative care society. How do charity art exhibitions work? A social cause is at the heart of any charity event. Like how galleries take a cut for any sale made, the same way a charity takes a commission for each sale.
Laxman’s piece of art
“These charity exhibitions honour artists by collecting their works. Also, the price of a work is decided by the artist and the fixed percentage goes to the charity. I have given four of my paintings for between Rs 40,000 and Rs 50,000. In case the paintings aren’t sold, the organisers sell it next year,” says artist Laxman Aelay.
Bengaluru-based artist Bakula Nayak gave five of her paintings for Rs 35,000 each.
Another artist from Bengaluru, Bakula Nayak, who gave five paintings for Rs 35,000 each, says, “There are 93 paintings at this charity exhibition. Three of my paintings have been sold. The response to such exhibitions are great. Dr Reddy’s Foundation takes care of all the hospitality and travel expenses and the artists get paid an honorarium.”
Bakula’s artwork
Priyanka Aelay, who is regular at these art exhibitions, feels there is hardly any downside to a charity event as long as the piece is sold for a good price. “The artist has to be paid at least for the effort he/she has put into the work,” says Priyanka and adds, “Usually the response is quite good as most charity show prices are lower than the original gallery prices. So, the clients would want to pick them up as the show would just be for one or two days, which is different from how a regular art gallery works.”
