Art rental, which is a novelty in Poland, offers private businesses, law firms, hotels and restaurants the opportunity to rent various works of art. "There haven't been too many businesses so far that would be interested in the opportunity, but I think that the idea shows some potential," says Małgorzata Chęcińska from Wroclaw's Platon Art Gallery.
Art rental is relatively popular in the west. Large businesses use art to develop their image and to show that they support young artists and culture in general. Numerous galleries specialise in art rental, and they also offer interior design consulting services. Not only corporations take advantage of such services, but also event agencies and film and TV set design producers. They use art rental opportunities to display works of art in their interiors, and they do not have to buy these works at all. Not every business wants to invest in art, after all.
Art rental opportunities in Wroclaw
In Wroclaw, only private art galleries, such as the Platon and Socato Galleries, have art rental opportunities in their offer.
"The idea is not as popular in Poland as it is in the West," says Małgorzata Chęcińska from Wroclaw's Platon Art Gallery.
"Entrepreneurs, if they make up their minds to rent a painting or a sculpture, do this only to find out how it fits in with their selected interior. They usually either buy the work or give up displaying it at their premises.
"Art rental has enjoyed little popularity so far," says Magdalena Bobko from the Socato Art Gallery.
"Even though it's a great and affordable way to have original interiors. We have included art rental opportunities in our offer, but only few entrepreneurs have decided to take such opportunities. Businesses in Poland still prefer charity to art promoting activities. This will change in time because an increasing number of companies recognise the role that culture plays in their image building strategies. The idea has its teething trouble, but I think it shows some potential.
How much does it cost
It is difficult to say how much it is exactly to rent a work of art. Everything depends on its value and the time for which it was rented. Galleries offer individual negotiations or leasing opportunities. Some of them sign barter agreements and they let their exhibits to those who donate to support their selected projects.
"Our activities and projects are often supported by one of the car dealers in Wroclaw. As part of our barter agreement, we let works from artists that collaborate with the gallery," reveals Magdalena Bobko from the Socato Art Gallery.
Works of art are usually let for half a year or a year, although short lets are also possible, e.g. to celebrate an event or to use in a set design. The premises to display the work must have a valid insurance, some clients may also be asked to pay a deposit. They also have to pay for the transport and installation of the work.
Rental opportunities pay off if the scheme is executed on a monthly basis. The monthly fee ranges from 5 to 10% of its worth. However, if the work sustains serious damage, the client must compensate for its entire value. Works that are exhibited at clients' premises are of course for sale.
Galleries also offer leasing opportunities, which is when a contract between the lessor and the lessee is signed upon rental, but the lessee receives the property deed once they pay the final instalment.
Which work to rent
Galleries offer contemporary art, and they provide works that will be ideally suited to its selected interior and will fit in with the company's activity and their customers' preferences.
"This is not an easy task. We won't be able to hang male nudes in a dentist's office," Katarzyna Nawiejska, an interior designer, says laughingly. "Our clients seek abstract paintings in subdued colours, serene landscapes or well-known cityscapes. This leaves little room for creativity, but there are also clients that look for paintings to make their company seem more modern and dynamic. Our clients usually choose painting, graphic art and photography. Sculpture is less popular.
Web rental opportunities
Artists also offer rental opportunities. Their works can be accessed on the Internet. The client can rent a work directly from the artist, and the work will be delivered by courier. The Warsaw-based company m-art offers several dozen paintings that were created in their studio. These include copies of the famous works by Tamara Lempicka or Modigliani. Paintings can also be selected according to size or subject-matter. Prices differ according to the format, and they range from 100 to 200 PLN a month.
Artists also let their works without the help from rental agencies.
Young artists from Gdynia have set up the Artoteka to offer art rental opportunities on their own. The offer is available at artforrent.pl .
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