The Pay-to-Play Trap: Why Are Artists Always the Ones Paying?

If you’re an artist, you’ve probably seen a Call for Entry that requires a $25, $35, or even $50 submission fee—just to have your work considered. You’ve probably come across arts organizations that charge for interviews, memberships, or features without clear benefits. And if you’ve been in the art world long enough, you’ve likely asked yourself: Is this actually worth it?

Some fees make sense. Booth fees at a high-traffic art festival where tens of thousands of people attend? That’s an investment that could pay off. Entry fees for a well-known art crawl like St. Paul Art Crawl or Art-A-Whirl? That exposure can lead to actual sales and commissions. Artists also understand the need to pay for studio upkeep, materials, and legitimate opportunities that provide real value.

But what about organizations that charge artists just to be considered for an exhibition, competition, or residency—without any transparency on where the money goes? What about those that accept hundreds of applications, collect thousands of dollars in fees, and only select a handful of artists—without even offering them compensation?

That’s where the pay-to-play model becomes exploitative.

The Cost of “Exposure” Without Guarantees

Many organizations justify submission fees with phrases like:

• “This helps cover administrative costs.”

• “It’s industry standard.”

• “A small fee ensures only serious applicants apply.”

But let’s be honest—how many of these shows actually pay artists in return? How many offer meaningful exposure, marketing support, or sales opportunities? Too often, these fees only benefit the organizers while leaving artists with nothing but a dent in their bank accounts.

Artists are expected to pay for:

✅ Application fees (even if they’re rejected)

✅ Shipping costs (if accepted)

✅ Framing & materials

✅ Participation fees (on top of the application fee!)

✅ Commissions on sales (after all the previous fees)

Meanwhile, those running the show face none of these costs—they just collect fees, select a few artists, and profit off the labor of creatives who are already struggling to get paid.

When Are Submission Fees Worth It?

There are times when paying makes sense. Some red flags to consider before submitting:

✅ It’s a Well-Established Event with High Foot Traffic

• Festivals, art fairs, and major open studio crawls can justify booth fees because they bring in real buyers.

• If an event has a long history of strong attendance, it might be a worthwhile investment.

✅ Artists Are Actually Compensated

• If a submission fee helps fund artist stipends, production costs, or marketing, it might be reasonable.

• Public art projects, government-funded exhibitions, and grant-supported shows often charge small fees but provide artists with payment in return.

✅ The Organization is Transparent About Where the Fees Go

• Are jurors getting paid? Is the venue rental covered? Are there print materials, marketing efforts, or event coordination costs?

• Legitimate organizations will be clear about where fees are allocated.

When You Should Walk Away

❌ The Organization Accepts Hundreds of Applicants But Only Selects a Handful

• If an opportunity receives 500+ submissions and charges $35 per entry, that’s nearly $17,500 in fees collected—but how much of that actually benefits artists?

❌ There’s No Transparency on Where Fees Go

• If an organization dodges questions about how money is used, that’s a red flag.

❌ The Only “Compensation” is Exposure

• If artists aren’t given stipends, marketing support, or any tangible benefits, why should they be the ones funding the event?

❌ They Charge a Fee AND Take a High Commission

• It’s one thing to pay an entry fee, but if the gallery is also taking 40-50% on sales, you’re being charged twice.

Artists Can—and Should—Advocate for Themselves

If a fee is a barrier, you have every right to ask for accommodations. Organizations that truly value artists will be open to discussion. Here are ways to advocate for yourself:

1. Ask for a Fee Waiver or Sliding Scale

Some organizations don’t advertise it, but they may waive fees for artists with financial hardships. You can say:

"I’m really interested in submitting, but I qualify for Medicaid/SNAP, and the fee is a challenge. Do you offer sliding-scale or fee waivers?"

2. Look for Alternative Opportunities

Instead of paying for every submission, seek out:

• Residencies & grants that fund artists instead of charging them

• Artist-run spaces and DIY shows that don’t require high fees

• Local arts organizations with free or low-cost exhibitions

3. Ask How Fees Are Allocated

Before applying, ask:

"How is the submission fee used? Are jurors or participating artists compensated?"

Legitimate organizations will answer transparently.

4. Speak Up About Predatory Practices

• If an opportunity feels like a cash grab, warn other artists.

• Share your experiences in artist groups, on social media, and through word of mouth.

• The more artists push back, the harder it becomes for organizations to exploit them.

A Better Way Forward

Artists shouldn’t be the ones funding arts organizations—organizations should be supporting artists.

The next time you see a submission fee, ask yourself:

✅ Does this provide real value to artists?

✅ Is there transparency on how the money is used?

✅ Are the odds of acceptance reasonable?

If the answers aren’t clear, consider spending your time and money elsewhere.

It’s time to stop normalizing predatory pay-to-play models in the arts. A thriving arts community should be built on supporting artists, not exploiting them.