I think Laurana Wong, The Sideshow Originator, describes the show the best: "The Sideshow is a community driven event. We are a diverse group of individuals who wish to express ourselves to the Dayton Metro area. There will be no monetary gain from this endeavor. The gains will be found in personal growth and human connection. The show will be supported solely by members of our community."
In short, if you participate in this show your experience will depend entirely on how much you contribute. You see, this is a show where not only do you hang your work, but you help create the entire environment surrounding your art. We hope that as you participate, you will make new friends and connections and even tackle projects you weren't certain you could handle - you will be surprised how much you can do. And most of all, we hope it will be fun - The Sideshow is a celebration of Art in Dayton!
In short, if you participate in this show your experience will depend entirely on how much you contribute. You see, this is a show where not only do you hang your work, but you help create the entire environment surrounding your art. We hope that as you participate, you will make new friends and connections and even tackle projects you weren't certain you could handle - you will be surprised how much you can do. And most of all, we hope it will be fun - The Sideshow is a celebration of Art in Dayton!
Artists
We have very few rules for artists and art. The first being if you are showing art, you must do some volunteer time towards the show (before, during, or after) there are plenty of opportunities and needs. Second, no price tags on your art work - this is not an art show for selling work, just showing and celebrating art. That said, we encourage you to have business cards and contact information with your artwork, and we encourage you to be present and talk with people about your work at the show. If somebody is interested in buying your work, by all means make arrangements for that to happen after the show. Artwork must be in place for both nights of the Sideshow (and should be in place by the pre-announced deadlines leading up to the show). Kids of all ages come to this show, so if you are doing something controversial, please check with us... most likely you will be allowed to display it, but we want to make sure it is properly labeled or shielded from the younger set. Those are the most basic guidelines, get your work in on time, come help create the show, and most of all have fun! Please watch email communications and attend regularly held meetings for more information.
Musicians
Like the visual artists, there are few rules for the musicians. We are limited in the number of musical acts we can take, primarily due to the limited stage time. This year we hope to have two main stages, operating about 6 hours for each of the two days. This means we have about 18 forty-five minute slots to fill on the stage. Once those slots are filled, we will try and work in other acts as we are able but make no promises. So rule number one, submit your application early! Once the schedule is set after (probably in mid-April) make note of your time and let us know if there are any conflicts, we should be able to juggle some. Other than that, we'd prefer no half-stacks on stage, just to help keep the stage volume at a reasonable level - we always have a good pa and you will have no trouble being heard. Once it gets closer to the show, you will receive more specific instructions.
Most all The Sideshow is about having a good time and putting on a great show. Always wanted to do a set in costume but were afraid to try it in a bar? Do it at the Sideshow. Ever wanted to show films with your music, or do a concept set? The Sideshow is a place to experiment. While a straight ahead set is always acceptable, we encourage everyone to push their boundries and try new things. Let us know what you are thinking and we will try and find a way to help you with it.
Most all The Sideshow is about having a good time and putting on a great show. Always wanted to do a set in costume but were afraid to try it in a bar? Do it at the Sideshow. Ever wanted to show films with your music, or do a concept set? The Sideshow is a place to experiment. While a straight ahead set is always acceptable, we encourage everyone to push their boundries and try new things. Let us know what you are thinking and we will try and find a way to help you with it.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sideshow
Do I have to volunteer to show my artwork? Can't I just hang it up?
Yes, and No, respectively. The Sideshow is a collaborative effort, and unless everyone pulls their weight, too much work ends up on the shoulders of too few people. Unlike a show at a nightclub or gallery, there is no one making any money by participating - our organizers each put in hundreds (collectively, thousands) of hours of work and raise thousands of dollars to make this possible, and they do it out of the love they have for our community and the passion they experience in helping you create. All they ask in return is that you help out by working the bar, cleaning up after the show, prepping the space for other artists, or helping out in some other way.
Doesn't my installation count as volunteering?
When you participate and get involved by volunteering, you're ultimately the one who benefits - by being a productive member of the community, making new friends, and making our world a better place to live and create in. Your installation wouldn't even be possible if it weren't for other artists volunteering to make The Sideshow possible - take a look around you and you'll see people sweeping the floors, making signs, installing electricity, helping each other out in a million other little ways. These are all artists brimming with passion about their work and their community, and just think - you could be one of them! We want you to have the opportunity to experience this, and that's why volunteering beyond your personal installation is mandatory. Notice the word opportunity - you have to create this experience for yourself, we're just here to help!
Do I get free beer for being a participant?
No. Participation does not entitle you to anything except the pride you take in your own participation. No matter how much you think you've done, there are at least ten people who have put waaaaay more time, effort and money into the show than you. They're not asking for, or getting, any special treatment. And they know better than to create a drain on the resources of the group by asking for free beers at the bar.
Why can't I put price tags on my work? If I'm going to be spending my valuable time and effort, not to mention money, setting up my own installation AND helping other people do theirs, shouldn't I be able to recoup those costs by selling my artwork?
The Sideshow is an explicitly non-commercial venture. There are no sponsors, no advertising, no admission fees, and no sales. You are free to put your information up with your work, and talk to anyone who stops by your installation, but actively soliciting sales is deeply frowned upon. If you don't like it, that's OK - we have lots of other events for you to participate in where selling your work is strongly encouraged. If you sell work, we ask that the work remain up through the end of the show.
I can't sale my work, but Sideshow can sell food and drink? What gives?
We're selling food and drinks in order for you to show your work. It helps offset the costs associated with furnishing space, getting supplies, renting a PA and lighting, among other miscellaneous expenses. We've never made a significant amount of money from this event. All proceeds will go into funding other collaborative ventures. You may sell your work (assuming that you abide by the last FAQ) but we ask that you please leave the work up until the completion of the show. We do not take commissions on your sales.
Yes, and No, respectively. The Sideshow is a collaborative effort, and unless everyone pulls their weight, too much work ends up on the shoulders of too few people. Unlike a show at a nightclub or gallery, there is no one making any money by participating - our organizers each put in hundreds (collectively, thousands) of hours of work and raise thousands of dollars to make this possible, and they do it out of the love they have for our community and the passion they experience in helping you create. All they ask in return is that you help out by working the bar, cleaning up after the show, prepping the space for other artists, or helping out in some other way.
Doesn't my installation count as volunteering?
When you participate and get involved by volunteering, you're ultimately the one who benefits - by being a productive member of the community, making new friends, and making our world a better place to live and create in. Your installation wouldn't even be possible if it weren't for other artists volunteering to make The Sideshow possible - take a look around you and you'll see people sweeping the floors, making signs, installing electricity, helping each other out in a million other little ways. These are all artists brimming with passion about their work and their community, and just think - you could be one of them! We want you to have the opportunity to experience this, and that's why volunteering beyond your personal installation is mandatory. Notice the word opportunity - you have to create this experience for yourself, we're just here to help!
Do I get free beer for being a participant?
No. Participation does not entitle you to anything except the pride you take in your own participation. No matter how much you think you've done, there are at least ten people who have put waaaaay more time, effort and money into the show than you. They're not asking for, or getting, any special treatment. And they know better than to create a drain on the resources of the group by asking for free beers at the bar.
Why can't I put price tags on my work? If I'm going to be spending my valuable time and effort, not to mention money, setting up my own installation AND helping other people do theirs, shouldn't I be able to recoup those costs by selling my artwork?
The Sideshow is an explicitly non-commercial venture. There are no sponsors, no advertising, no admission fees, and no sales. You are free to put your information up with your work, and talk to anyone who stops by your installation, but actively soliciting sales is deeply frowned upon. If you don't like it, that's OK - we have lots of other events for you to participate in where selling your work is strongly encouraged. If you sell work, we ask that the work remain up through the end of the show.
I can't sale my work, but Sideshow can sell food and drink? What gives?
We're selling food and drinks in order for you to show your work. It helps offset the costs associated with furnishing space, getting supplies, renting a PA and lighting, among other miscellaneous expenses. We've never made a significant amount of money from this event. All proceeds will go into funding other collaborative ventures. You may sell your work (assuming that you abide by the last FAQ) but we ask that you please leave the work up until the completion of the show. We do not take commissions on your sales.
