Getting Started - Obtaining Art for your Art Raffle
Think local. Reach out to local artists and encourage them to donate a piece or two (or three!) to your cause. Artists, obviously don't want to work for free, so you may need to "pursuade" them with the promise of more business. Stress to them, that the auction itself would be a great marketing tool. Invite the artist to your art raffle fundraiser to mingle with your guests and make new contacts.
Pricing Tickets your fundraising Raffle
Ideally, you should only sell as many tickets as donated pieces. This will ensure that everyone who purchases a ticket will get a piece of art. You want to price your tickets high enough to raise significant funds but not too high that you scare people off. Price your tickets so that your art raffle is still a bargain.
Getting the word out about your Art Raffle
Flyers and word or mouth are always going to be your fundraising marketing "staples". But don't forget about local newspapers, local radio broadcasts, or even local tv ads. You'd don't want to exhaust your entire budget on marketing, but you do want to get as much exposure as possible, to attract the right kind if patrons for your art raffle fundraiser. A simple one page website, can provide details and information about your event.
During the Art Auction
You should be shooting for some kind of "build-up" to your fundraising raffle. You'd want to select a master of ceremonies to play host and announcer at your raffle. Try to locate a guest speaker who has interesting stories to tell. Allow time for your patrons to mingle and socialize. Provide food and beverages. Maybe a wine & cheese tasting. A cash bar will bring in extra money for your organization.
Ideally the art auction should begin with all the art of the wall or pedestals. As each "entry" is drawn, you should allows the winning ticket holder to get up and actually claim his piece from the collection. As each winner is selected, they can then choose form the remaining art.
Allow some time after the actual auction for a door price drawing, some more socializing, and the opportunity for your art patrons to swap their pieces if they desire. This will encourage your guests to stay until the end of your fundraiser.
Top Five Do's
1. Start and end on time.
2. Only sell as many tickets as pieces available.
3. Advertise, advertise, advertise, the more people who want to come to your event, the more money you will make.
4. Find an interesting guest speaker.
5. Thank everyone for their time and donations.
Top Five Don'ts
1. Use your five year old's drawings, find real local artists
2. Rush the event, allow plenty of time to mingle & socialize
3. Hold the event in a sweaty gym. Think upscale. It doesn't have to be held in an art gallery per se, but make it someplace that will encourage, a "higher-end" clientele.
4. Forget about local newspaper, radio & tv ads.
5. Forget to "encourage" additional fundraising efforts. Have a cash bar, sell 50/50's, etc...
Top Five Links
1. Fine Art Info
2. Ticket Printing
3. Tickets/ Flyers/ Postcards
4. Local Newspapers
5. Fundraising