It is helpful to think of a few things when making performance work:
- When will the performance take place? Often performances are best NOT presented on an opening night. Private Views always have more of a party atmosphere and the work may feel closer to entertainment. Obviously this is fine if you want that for the work, or it is part of the work, but make sure it’s for the right reasons. Don’t let anyone pressure you into staging it when it doesn’t
feel right. - Will the performance exist in any form after the live event? Will it be documented?
Will this be a future life of the performance or a work in its own right? Film/stills?
How many editions will there be? - Can the performance itself be editioned?
- Can the performance be repeated without you? By instruction?
- Does it have or include: live or recorded music, a score, other AV components?
If someone has the right to stage it, they should have access to these. - Can the performance be sold? Many artists don’t like to think in this way, but selling work makes you more independent of commissioning bodies and often more in control of your work. It makes you less reliant on fees for your performance – something the art world is only gradually getting around to understanding.
- Often with performance you have to pay performers – speak to the institution/curator in advance about this – if they understand, they should be able to help.
- As performance is a relatively new medium, try to be patient with those who don’t fully get it yet, but always insist on what a work needs – only you can know
this about your work.