Please note this is a sample contract and there may be variations based on your specific situation in dates, commissions, and other elements.

Terms and Descriptions

1. Agency and Purpose
   a. The Artist appoints the Gallery for the purpose of exhibition and sale.  b. The Gallery accepts for exhibition only those Artworks listed on the attached Inventory Sheet, which is part of this Agreement. All Inventory Sheets shall be signed by the Artist and Gallery. c. The Artist warrants that they created and possess unencumbered title to the Artworks, and that their descriptions are true and accurate. d. The Artist reserves all rights to the reproduction of the Artworks except as noted in writing. The Gallery may arrange to have the Artworks photographed to publicize and promote the Artworks and exhibition. In every instance of such use, the Artist shall be acknowledged as the creator and copyright owner of the Artwork. All rights to reproduction of the work(s) of art identified herein are retained by the Artist.
   
   Agencia y Propósito
   a. El Artista designa a la Galería con el propósito de exhibir y vender las Obras de Arte.
   b. La Galería acepta para la exhibición únicamente las Obras de Arte enumeradas en la Hoja de Inventario adjunta, que forma parte de este Acuerdo. Todas las Hojas de Inventario deberán ser firmadas por el Artista y la Galería.
   c. El Artista garantiza que creó y posee el título sin cargas sobre las Obras de Arte, y que las descripciones de las mismas son verdaderas y precisas.
   d. El Artista se reserva todos los derechos de reproducción de las Obras de Arte, excepto lo señalado por escrito. La Galería puede organizar la fotografía de las Obras de Arte para publicitarlas y promoverlas junto con la exhibición. En todos los casos de uso de tales imágenes, se deberá reconocer al Artista como creador y titular de los derechos de autor de la Obra. Todos los derechos de reproducción de las obras de arte aquí identificadas son retenidos por el Artista.
   

2. Fiduciary Responsibilities
   a. Title to each of the Artworks remains in the Artist until the Artist has been paid the full amount owing for the Artworks; title then passes directly to the purchaser. All proceeds from the sale of the Artworks shall be held in trust for the Artist, and no proceeds of sales are to be made to creditors of the Gallery.
   
   Responsabilidades Fiduciarias
   a. El título de cada una de las Obras de Arte permanece en el Artista hasta que el Artista haya recibido el pago total de las Obras; en ese momento, el título pasa directamente al comprador. Todos los ingresos de la venta de las Obras de Arte se mantendrán en fideicomiso para el Artista, y no se utilizarán para pagar a los acreedores de la Galería.
   

3. Exhibition
   a. The initial term of the exhibition for the Artworks is to be: Dates listed top of contract, the Artist does not intend to request their return before the end of this term. Thereafter, exhibition shall continue until the Artist requests the return of any or all of the Artworks or the Gallery requests that the Artist take back any or all of the Artworks, with which the other party shall comply promptly. Online exhibitions remain available even after the closing date when they are linked to the podcast and/or publication to create continuity for our collectors. No one can purchase a piece without the artist's approval, and the gallery would contact the artist to confirm availability at that time. However, the gallery reserves the right to remove an artist's work at any time for any reason, including violations of the contract or other concerns.
   
   Exhibición
   a. El plazo inicial de la exhibición de las Obras de Arte será: Fechas listadas en la parte superior del contrato, y el Artista no tiene intención de solicitar su devolución antes del final de este plazo. Posteriormente, la exhibición continuará hasta que el Artista solicite la devolución de alguna o todas las Obras de Arte, o hasta que la Galería solicite que el Artista retire alguna o todas las Obras de Arte, con lo cual la otra parte deberá cumplir de manera pronta. Las exposiciones en línea permanecen disponibles incluso después de la fecha de cierre cuando están vinculadas al podcast y/o a la publicación, para crear continuidad en la experiencia de nuestros coleccionistas. Nadie puede comprar una pieza sin la aprobación del artista, y la galería se pondría en contacto con el artista para confirmar la disponibilidad en ese momento. Sin embargo, la galería se reserva el derecho de retirar la obra de un artista en cualquier momento y por cualquier motivo, incluyendo violaciones del contrato u otras preocupaciones.
   

4. Artwork Pricing
   a. Prices for each artwork on loan will be listed by the Gallery in consultation with the Artist.  b. The Gallery can negotiate up to 10% below the list price on all exhibit inventory. The Gallery will consult Artist on offers made beyond the 10% threshold prior to the initiation and finalization of sale.
   
   Precios de las Obras
   a. Los precios de cada obra prestada serán listados por la Galería en consulta con el Artista.
   b. La Galería puede negociar hasta un 10% por debajo del precio de lista en todo el inventario de la exhibición. La Galería consultará con el Artista sobre ofertas hechas más allá del umbral del 10% antes de iniciar y finalizar la venta.
   

5. Close of Sale
   a. The Gallery will exert all reasonable efforts to close sales of loaned artwork. The Artist agrees to provide the Gallery, upon request, with any additional documents and/or information in support of sales in a timely fashion.
   b. The Gallery retains a commission Artsy and Gallery on the final sale price of all artwork sold during the exhibition and up to 30 days after the close of the exhibition for purposes of sales pending (when applicable). Commission structures are as follows: Group Show Commission for Artsy sales: 19% to the Artsy platform, 31% to TBQA, and 50% to the Artist. Artists electing paid Feature/SOLO exhibition commissions: 19% Artsy, 11% TBQA, and 60% to the Artist. Current Artists in Residency: The commission structure of paid Features/SOLO exhibition commissions will be used as a statement of commitment to the artist's development within our community programs. Residency Artist must be currently in residency during the signing of the contract.
   
   Cierre de la Venta
   a. La Galería realizará todos los esfuerzos razonables para cerrar las ventas de las obras prestadas. El Artista se compromete a proporcionar a la Galería, a petición, cualquier documento adicional y/o información en apoyo de las ventas de manera oportuna. b. La Galería retiene una comisión de Artsy y Galería sobre el precio final de venta de todas las obras de arte vendidas durante la exhibición y hasta 30 días después del cierre de la misma, en caso de ventas pendientes (cuando sea aplicable). Las estructuras de comisiones son las siguientes: Comisión para la venta en grupo de Artsy: 19% para la plataforma Artsy, 31% para TBQA, y 50% para el Artista. Artistas que eligen comisiones pagadas por exposiciones destacadas o solo: 19% Artsy, 11% TBQA, y 60% para el Artista. Artistas en Residencia actual: La estructura de comisiones para exposiciones destacadas o solo se utilizará como una declaración de compromiso con el desarrollo del artista dentro de nuestros programas comunitarios. El Artista en Residencia debe estar actualmente en residencia durante la firma del contrato.
   

6. Remittance and Tax
   a. Sales remittance to the Artist will be provided within 14-21 business days after the close of a sale; when receipt of payment from the Buyer to the Gallery has been finalized. The Gallery will provide the Artist with a detailed remittance statement for any and all sales.
   b. U.S. resident Artists must fill out a W9 IRS tax form, provided by the Gallery.
   
   Remesa y Impuestos
   a. La remesa de las ventas al Artista se proporcionará dentro de 14-21 días hábiles después del cierre de una venta, una vez que el pago del Comprador a la Galería haya sido finalizado. La Galería proporcionará al Artista un estado de cuenta detallado de cualquier y todas las ventas.
   b. Los artistas residentes en EE.UU. deben completar un formulario de impuestos W9 del IRS, proporcionado por la Galería.
   

7. Responsibility for Damage
   a. The Gallery shall be responsible for the safekeeping of loaned artwork while they are in its custody. Although all efforts will be exhausted for the security of the art on exhibition, the Gallery cannot legally insure loaned artwork in Mexico. b. The Gallery is not responsible for faulty hangers or mounts on framed or unframed works. Frames, mats, and wiring must be professional quality and in good condition. Wires must be securely fashioned and support weights of the artwork. 2D artwork selected for exhibition must be ready to hang. 3D artwork and freestanding sculptures must be able to stand or hang securely and independently.
   
   Responsabilidad por Daños
   a. La Galería será responsable de la custodia segura de las obras prestadas mientras estén bajo su cuidado. Aunque se agotarán todos los esfuerzos para la seguridad del arte en exhibición, la Galería no puede asegurar legalmente las obras prestadas en México.
   b. La Galería no es responsable por colgadores o monturas defectuosas en obras enmarcadas o no enmarcadas. Los marcos, paspartúes y cables deben ser de calidad profesional y estar en buen estado. Los cables deben estar bien fijados y soportar el peso de la obra de arte. Las obras de arte bidimensionales seleccionadas para la exhibición deben estar listas para colgar. Las obras de arte tridimensionales y esculturas independientes deben poder sostenerse o colgarse de manera segura e independiente.
   

8. Transportation
   a. Packing, transportation, and handling expenses and risk of loss or damage incurred in the delivery of Artworks from the Artist to the Gallery and in their return to the Artist shall be the responsibility of the Artist. b. In the event of sale, the Gallery is responsible for the logistics and shipping requirements of the sold artwork. c. Gallery is not responsible for shipping fees, customs fees, or fees related to hanging of the artwork. 
   
   Transporte
   a. El embalaje, transporte y los gastos de manipulación, así como el riesgo de pérdida o daño incurridos en la entrega de las Obras de Arte desde el Artista a la Galería y en su devolución al Artista, serán responsabilidad del Artista.
   b. En caso de venta, la Galería es responsable de la logística y los requisitos de envío de la obra vendida.
   c. La Galería no es responsable de los gastos de envío, aranceles, o tarifas relacionadas con la instalación de la obra de arte.
   

9. Removal From Gallery
   a. The Gallery shall not tend out or remove from the premises any loaned Artworks without first obtaining written permission from the Artist.
   
   Retiro de la Galería
   a. La Galería no prestará ni retirará de las instalaciones ninguna de las Obras de Arte prestadas sin obtener primero el permiso por escrito del Artista.
   

10. Exclusivity
    a. The Artist agrees that artwork listed on loan will not be displayed, exhibited, or shown as available for sale on the Artsy platforms (or public commerce websites) during the term of this agreement and while artwork is on loan to the gallery.
    b. Artwork received and accepted into the gallery will remain on-site for the term of this agreement and up to 30 days after the close of the exhibition for purposes of pending sales and/or shipment preparation (when applicable).
    
    Exclusividad
    a. El Artista acepta que las obras de arte prestadas no serán exhibidas, expuestas, ni puestas a la venta en las plataformas de Artsy (o en sitios web de comercio público) durante la vigencia de este acuerdo y mientras las obras de arte estén prestadas a la galería.
    b. Las obras de arte recibidas y aceptadas en la galería permanecerán en el lugar durante la vigencia de este acuerdo y hasta 30 días después del cierre de la exhibición para fines de ventas pendientes y/o preparación de envío (cuando sea aplicable).
    

11. Artwork Retrieval, Storage Fee and Forfeiture 
    a. Artwork unsold at the end of the exhibition and/or term agreement must be retrieved in a timely manner as coordinated with the Gallery.  b. Artwork must either be picked up in person or shipped back to the Artist (return label provided by the Artist). c. If artwork on loan is not retrieved (or shipping label not provided) within 14 days after the close of the exhibition and/or term agreement, artwork(s) will be considered abandoned by the Artist; unless other arrangements have been discussed and agreed upon by both parties in writing. d. Title and Ownership of all abandoned artwork is forfeited by the Artist to the Gallery. The Gallery will retain Title and Ownership in perpetuity. e. A storage fee of $5 per day will begin to accrue 21 days after the close of the exhibition; unless other arrangements have been discussed and agreed upon by both parties in writing. 
    
    Recuperación de Obras de Arte, Tarifa de Almacenamiento y Confiscación
    a. Las obras de arte no vendidas al final de la exhibición y/o del acuerdo deben ser recuperadas de manera oportuna según lo coordinado con la Galería.
    b. Las obras de arte deben ser recogidas en persona o enviadas de vuelta al Artista (la etiqueta de devolución debe ser proporcionada por el Artista).
    c. Si las obras de arte prestadas no se recuperan (o la etiqueta de envío no se proporciona) dentro de los 14 días posteriores al cierre de la exhibición y/o del acuerdo, las obras de arte serán consideradas abandonadas por el Artista, a menos que se hayan discutido y acordado otros arreglos por ambas partes por escrito.
    d. El Título y la Propiedad de todas las obras de arte abandonadas serán confiscados por el Artista a favor de la Galería. La Galería retendrá el Título y la Propiedad de manera perpetua.
    e. Se comenzará a acumular una tarifa de almacenamiento de $5 por día 21 días después del cierre de la exhibición, a menos que se hayan discutido y acordado otros arreglos por ambas partes por escrito.

12. Termination
    a. This Agreement may be terminated at any time by the Gallery for contract violation or cause by written notification.  b.In the event of the Artist’s death, the estate of the Artist shall have the right to terminate this Agreement but not before the close of the exhibition. In this event, all unsold Artworks shall be returned to the estate of the Artist by the Gallery at the estate's expense. 
    
    Terminación
    a. Este Acuerdo puede ser terminado en cualquier momento por la Galería por violación del contrato o causa, mediante notificación por escrito.
    b. En caso de fallecimiento del Artista, el patrimonio del Artista tendrá derecho a terminar este Acuerdo, pero no antes del cierre de la exhibición. En este caso, todas las Obras de Arte no vendidas serán devueltas al patrimonio del Artista por la Galería a expensas del patrimonio.
    

13. Procedures and Modifications
    a. Amendments to this Agreement must be signed by both Artist and Gallery and attached to this Agreement. Both parties must initial any deletions made on this form and any additional provisions written into it. Both parties may agree to new terms within email and must be documented. 
    
    Procedimientos y Modificaciones
    a. Las enmiendas a este Acuerdo deben ser firmadas por el Artista y la Galería y adjuntadas a este Acuerdo. Ambas partes deben inicializar cualquier eliminación realizada en este formulario y cualquier disposición adicional escrita en él. Ambas partes pueden acordar nuevos términos por correo electrónico, y estos deben ser documentados.
    

14. Miscellany
    a. This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the Artist and the Gallery. If any part of this Agreement is held to be illegal, void, or unenforceable for any reason, such holding shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any other part. A waiver of any breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a continuing waiver of other breaches of the same provision or other provisions hereof. This Agreement shall not be assigned, nor shall it insure to the benefit of the successors of the Gallery, whether by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the Artist.
    
    Miscelánea
    a. Este Acuerdo representa el acuerdo completo entre el Artista y la Galería. Si alguna parte de este Acuerdo se considera ilegal, nula, o inaplicable por cualquier motivo, tal determinación no afectará la validez y aplicabilidad de cualquier otra parte. La renuncia a cualquier incumplimiento de cualquier disposición de este Acuerdo no se interpretará como una renuncia continua a otros incumplimientos de la misma disposición u otras disposiciones del mismo. Este Acuerdo no será asignado, ni beneficiará a los sucesores de la Galería, ya sea por operación de ley o de otro modo, sin el consentimiento previo por escrito del Artista.Online exhibitions remain available even after the closing date when they are linked to the podcast and/or publication to create continuity for our collectors. No one can purchase a piece without the artist's approval, and the gallery would contact the artist to confirm availability at that time. However, the gallery reserves the right to remove an artist's work at any time for any reason, including violations of the contract or other concerns.

    
    Artwork Inventory:

    To be included by artist
    
    

    
    

TBQA is a thriving community project built on a shared passion for art, collaboration, and mutual support. Founded and directed by an active studio and street artist based in Mexico City, this project has flourished over the past five years thanks to deep dedication and personal investment. Initially, the Director covered all expenses, even living within the exhibition space to keep the project alive. However, as our community has grown stronger and more sustainable, we’ve transitioned to a shared expense model that reflects our collective resilience.

This shared approach allows us to continue providing unique opportunities for artists while keeping the project vibrant and inclusive. By sharing costs, we ensure that TBQA remains a space for creative exchange and growth, where resources are maximized for the benefit of all participants.

We also want to remind you of the added benefits of being part of the TBQA Artist Residency (online). These benefits not only enhance your experience but also offset many of the expenses associated with participation. You can explore these advantages further under the Artist Residency tab on our website.

To provide some transparency, here are examples of typical expenses for international exhibitions. Please note that costs vary depending on the type and scale of the exhibition:

• Artsy platform fees: $35 for group shows, $75 for solo exhibitions.

• Construction and transport: Around $50 per artist for offsite shows, such as those in cultural centers.

• Art Fairs: Costs depend on the event; last year it was $300 per artist for one fair, covering staffing, booth rental, and marketing. We work to involve as many artists as possible to share and manage these expenses.

• Magazine feature fee: $50 USD, which includes writing, design, and interviews.

• Group Show Commission for Artsy Sales (Non-Residency)

  • 19% to Artsy

  • 31% to The Bureau of Queer Art

  • 50% to the Artist

• Artists Opting for Solo Exhibitions (Non-Residency)

  • 19% to Artsy

  • 26% to The Bureau of Queer Art

  • 55% to the Artist

• Current Residency Artists: (No Artsy Platform Fee for Solo or Group Exhibitions)

  • 19% to Artsy

  • 21% to The Bureau of Queer Art

  • 60% to the Artist

We hope this provides a better understanding of how our shared expense model works and why it is essential to maintaining the creative ecosystem we’ve built together. Your participation is what makes TBQA special, and we are deeply grateful for your contributions to this vibrant community.

Thank you for being a part of TBQA and helping us grow stronger together!

We appreciate your interest in exhibiting with TBQA and want to ensure you have all the information necessary for a smooth process. As part of our collaborative model, please note that artists are responsible for shipping their artwork to and from the exhibition at their own expense. This includes ensuring the artwork is ready to hang upon arrival, complete with hanging materials, and packaged in a way that allows for safe return shipping using the same materials.

Shipping artwork internationally can be a complex process, and while we’re here to share insights and tips, the responsibility for managing shipping lies with the artist. Customs regulations and procedures often change, so we strongly recommend consulting with shipping professionals like UPS, FedEx, or DHL to help navigate the process. While we do our best to assist and advise, TBQA cannot assume responsibility for packaging, label errors, shipping company issues, or other aspects of the process.

Here are some practical insights from our experience to help you plan effectively:

• Claim value carefully: We recommend claiming no more than the included $100 USD value. Higher claims can result in significant fees with little chance of reimbursement.

• Label considerations: Address shipments to an individual (e.g., the Director) rather than a gallery name, and marking the item as a gift can reduce the likelihood of customs fees.

• Size and weight matter: Shipping costs increase significantly with size and weight. Many artists prefer working on paper, which can be shipped in a lightweight tube and installed with magnets for an economical and elegant solution.

If you’re interested, we also collaborate with talented and cost-effective service providers in Mexico who specialize in printing, framing, and construction. We’re happy to facilitate introductions and get you started with their services. While these providers are skilled and experienced, it’s important to remember that cultural and procedural differences may arise, and TBQA cannot guarantee specific outcomes. However, we always strive to recommend providers with whom we’ve built trusted relationships.

We hope these tips and resources empower you to manage the shipping process confidently. Our goal is to ensure your participation in TBQA is as rewarding and seamless as possible. If you have any questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for being part of this vibrant community!

Resident Benefits
The Bureau of Queer Art is committed to supporting the development of our artists by offering opportunities that enhance their professional studio practice and exhibition experience. The following benefits are designed to offset costs while providing significant exposure and opportunities for growth within our community.

1. Artsy Group Exhibition

• Residency Artists: All residency artists are granted inclusion in the group exhibition on Artsy with no associated fee, providing significant visibility on an international platform.

• Non-Residency Artists: Non-residency artists can participate for a fee of $20 USD, providing access to a wide audience and potential collectors.

2. Artsy Solo Exhibition

• Residency Artists: Residency artists may be considered for a free 60-day solo exhibition on Artsy. This exhibition spotlights the artist's work on a highly visible platform.

• Non-Residency Artists: The fee for non-residency artists to host for a solo exhibition is $75 USD.

3. The Bureau of Queer Art Publication

• Group Exhibition Profile: Each artist in the group exhibition will have a 2-page profile in The Bureau of Queer Art publication at no additional cost.

• Feature-Length Publication: For a 2-6 page feature, including an interview and potential podcast inclusion, non-residency artists may opt in for $50 USD. Residency artists receive this feature at no cost.

• Print Magazine Copies: Artists may purchase one copy of the magazine at cost ($20 to $35 USD), with additional copies available at full price.

4. Commission Structure
   Our commission structure balances the financial responsibilities between the gallery and the artist to ensure fair compensation for all parties.

• Group Show Commission for Artsy Sales (Non-Residency)

  • 19% to Artsy

  • 31% to The Bureau of Queer Art

  • 50% to the Artist

• Artists Opting for Paid Features or Solo Exhibitions (Non-Residency)

  • 19% to Artsy

  • 26% to The Bureau of Queer Art

  • 55% to the Artist

• Current Residency Artists: 

  • 19% to Artsy

  • 21% to The Bureau of Queer Art

  • 60% to the Artist

5. Patreon Membership Reimbursement

• Residency artists who are members of the Patreon community at the $5 USD monthly membership level will have this amount credited back to them in the form of reduced exhibition fees. This benefit rewards artists for supporting The Bureau of Queer Art while reducing their costs for participating in exhibitions.

6. Curatorial Support & Mentorship

• Residency artists will receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced curators and arts professionals. This mentorship includes personalized feedback, guidance on exhibition planning, and advice on developing artist statements, CVs, and portfolios.

7. Artist Networking & Community Building

• Residency artists gain access to a network of queer and queer-allied contemporary artists. This network fosters collaboration, exchange of ideas, and peer feedback, helping artists build meaningful relationships for future projects and exhibitions.

8. Podcast Feature Opportunity

Residency artists may be featured on The Bureau of Queer Art's podcast, offering an additional platform to share their artistic journey, process, and concepts with a wider audience.