Have you heard of the "Palm Art Awards"? Is it worth entering this contest?

Question

I received an email inviting me to enter the Palm Art Awards based on my art website. It seems for real since they have pictures of an actual exhibition and award ceremony on their web site. However they want 28 euros, about 44 dollars just to make an application. I think they would invite as many artists as possible to make a profit. Do you think there's any benifit to entering anyway, just in case?

Answer 1

It's not true that serious art exhibitions do not charge a fee. Juried ones usually do. For food and drink for the opening reception and also for the gallery (even non-profit galleries do this just to be able to stay afloat).

What is strange is getting invited, I haven't heard of that unless you are personally acquainted with some of the people who organize it. But it might be different in Europe.

I had a short look at the website, at least of the one in Leipzig. What I didn't like is that the jury seemed to be with one exception members of that organization. You could e-mail the professor they have on their jury and ask him for more info, at least then you know somebody exists. I would try to figure out the local art scene to see if they are active in local exhibitions. You could also ask the person in charge of the art beat at the local newspaper.

Generally I wouldn't expect anything from this apart from increased exposure. I don't think many art works are being sold this way, even if it's real it's mainly a good way to get your stuff out and get to know more people.

Also keep in mind that in addition with the application fee you will be responsible for shipping of your art works to the gallery and getting it back as well. Those are additional costs which can quite add up. That's why so far I only apply to shows within easy driving distance...

Answer 2

I have never heard of the Palm Art Awards but NO, I do not think  that there is any benefit to be gained from entering these awards.

They are mostly scams.

Serious art exhibition do NOT ask you to pay registration.

I know that it is very tempting to give it a try, and 28 euros is not even that much, compared to other requests that I have seen, but my suggestion is to keep well away from these things.

If you do take the bite, please be careful to read all the conditions: often, beyond having to pay for registration, you also have to pay for shipping the work there and back, and insurance, and so on and so forth...  

These kinds of contests are traps for people who are starting out and have no experience.

Hope this helps.