Frequently Asked Questions from Artists:
+ So, I would just be giving out my artwork to complete strangers?
Yes, strangers with an interest in both contemporary art and grassroots community building.
+ Am I donating my work, or lending it to you?
Either! The majority of our collection is on loan to us by the artists, and you can request its return at any time (see below). We do also accept donations, using the same submission procedure.
+ What happens if my artwork gets damaged or stolen?
We keep thorough records of all borrowers, and will seek to gain financial compensation on your behalf if damage to your artwork does occur. Our collection is also covered by insurance. In the case of theft or damage, we will work with you on an individual basis to compensate you for your loss.
+ Why should I trust this?
One of the cornerstones of our organization is community building. Community is built on trust, and it is our desire to work toward to creation of a trust-based society. Our art lending library is modeled after similar trust-based projects in Seattle, Chicago, Berlin, France, and elsewhere. This is a time-tested model that we have found throughout our research to have been met with the utmost respect from participants in these locations.
+ How do I get my work back from the collection?
Just email us. If your work is not currently checked out by a library patron, we will set up a time for you to pick-up your work or arrange for return shipping. If your work is currently checked out, you will have to wait until the end of the specified lending period to collect your work.
+ What do I get out of this?
While we have no monetary compensation for participating, artists may sell their artwork to patrons. The MALL takes a 25% commission from resulting sales, a rate well below typical commercial galleries. A non-monetary benefit is that this project grants exposure to artists, especially emerging artists who may not yet have an exhibition history. More broadly, we are aiming to create an attitude change in the Twin Cities in terms of art ownership. The hope is that once patrons experience living with art in their homes, they will be more likely to purchase art in the future.
+ So, I would just be giving out my artwork to complete strangers?
Yes, strangers with an interest in both contemporary art and grassroots community building.
+ Am I donating my work, or lending it to you?
Either! The majority of our collection is on loan to us by the artists, and you can request its return at any time (see below). We do also accept donations, using the same submission procedure.
+ What happens if my artwork gets damaged or stolen?
We keep thorough records of all borrowers, and will seek to gain financial compensation on your behalf if damage to your artwork does occur. Our collection is also covered by insurance. In the case of theft or damage, we will work with you on an individual basis to compensate you for your loss.
+ Why should I trust this?
One of the cornerstones of our organization is community building. Community is built on trust, and it is our desire to work toward to creation of a trust-based society. Our art lending library is modeled after similar trust-based projects in Seattle, Chicago, Berlin, France, and elsewhere. This is a time-tested model that we have found throughout our research to have been met with the utmost respect from participants in these locations.
+ How do I get my work back from the collection?
Just email us. If your work is not currently checked out by a library patron, we will set up a time for you to pick-up your work or arrange for return shipping. If your work is currently checked out, you will have to wait until the end of the specified lending period to collect your work.
+ What do I get out of this?
While we have no monetary compensation for participating, artists may sell their artwork to patrons. The MALL takes a 25% commission from resulting sales, a rate well below typical commercial galleries. A non-monetary benefit is that this project grants exposure to artists, especially emerging artists who may not yet have an exhibition history. More broadly, we are aiming to create an attitude change in the Twin Cities in terms of art ownership. The hope is that once patrons experience living with art in their homes, they will be more likely to purchase art in the future.
