Guidelines for the Selection of Works at Exhibitions
The provision for a Selection Panel is set down in the Rules of the Society, but it only relates to the election and tenure of members. However, over the years, an informal custom and practice has evolved. As the size of the society has grown with an influx of new members, we need to formulate some guidelines for those elected to the Selection Panel.
General Considerations
The Selection Panel will operate in a professional, neutral, transparent and inclusive manner.
Its main function is to achieve an overall standard of work that maintains and enhances the reputation of the Society. It also needs to reduce the submissions for an exhibition to a manageable number for the space available, operating in line with the guidelines.
Currently there are 4 members on the Selection Panel who serve for a period of 3 years. In addition, there is a Chair of Selectors who serves for a period of 5 years after which he/she is eligible for re-election for a further 5 years. All Panel members are elected at the Society’s AGM. It is expected that the Selectors are experienced artists and are members of the Society.
In some circumstances, the General Committee reserves the option to engage artists who are not members of the Society to be part of the selection process.
The Chair has the authority to co-opt a member for a specific selection meeting if it is likely that insufficient numbers can be present.
As far as possible, the major disciplines should be represented on the panel of selectors relating to painting, 3D work, ceramics and printmaking.
The selectors should be aware of current movements in the art world.
Functions of Selection Panel
The group will select all work in a consistent, objective and professional manner. The group should try to achieve a high overall standard in terms of quality, liveliness, challenge and variety.
The role of the Chairperson is one of co-ordinator; to determine the number of works to be selected relating to the size of the space available, to make sure that the selectors work as a cohesive unit, to direct the selectors and determine the quality of the overall exhibition in line with guidelines.
Members of the Selection Panel will be permitted to vote for their own work.
In recent exhibitions there have been increased numbers of members and non-members submitting work so it may in some circumstances be necessary to limit the number of works selected per artist.
Guidelines for Selectors
The selectors should be totally professional in their approach, avoiding any personal comments and limiting discussion to the formal qualities of the work.
The selectors will select for a varied and lively show choosing the best from the total submission irrespective of their personal likes or dislikes.
The Selectors will use their knowledge and experience to make informed judgements according to the following criteria:
the level of skill, originality, use of materials, strength of the image and realisation of intentions.
whether the work meets appropriate safety standards.
avoid accepting apparent sentimentality and pornography, poor use of materials and unsympathetic framing.
The work will be selected by a majority show of hands, ie. at least three out of five votes (60%). The Chair has a casting vote in the event of there being no majority.
On a vote, the work will be accepted, rejected or reviewed. The Society has a limited number of Honorary Members that are allowed one nominated work to be accepted without selection.
Porters, helpers and observers should maintain appropriate distance from the Panel group and refrain from comment.
January 2020