Some people have told me they find the WTA 7th Biennial “so expensive” ($80).
I have to say, we can’t view a large biennial [such as this one,] only in terms of its monetary fee. Biennial competitions are not for selling artwork! Selling may or may not come later, but these shows are usually held in museums and places where selling isn’t possible. On the plus side, participants usually receive the opportunity to show their work in a prestigious setting, and use it for résumé purposes. WTA offers much more than other exhibits as far as the following facts:
Being the largest in Central/South America, it keeps an enormous number of textile artists going, showing and creating, in addition to encouraging comradery and communication among them.
WTA pays a lot of attention to sensory and textile development in children and persons with visual impairment. Its social work is constant, and important.
Its biennials are enthusiastic festivals full of participation, fun, workshops, conferences, and field trips. The same enthusiasm escapes into the city where these activities are being held, making the public notice and attend the shows in a much more attentive way.
Artists who participate in this type of exhibits usually have to conform to format and date specifications, pay their entry fee, subject themselves to being judged, and if accepted they pay for transportation of their work. Therefore, WTA is serious about the importance to promote the event, show lots of pictures, and make sure that participants have a wonderful experience. It is a give-and-take where the selected artist gains needed recognition and support.
Those of us who have been in WTA biennials in the past, are really excited about the upcoming 7th in Uruguay 2017. If you’re into textiles, you should consider it, too!
http://www.wta-online.org/