Traveling Exhibit for Charity

I've been involved with a charity that funds self-sufficiency projects, primarily in Afica, South America, and S.E. Asia.

For several years I've been thinking about a traveling nature photography exhibit and sale that would support similar worthwhile efforts. I certainly would not want to do this by myself. In fact, I hope that each area that shows the exhibit would run their own show.

Here's my current thinking. please provide suggestions and feedback:

Each exhibit is an indoor show with donated nature photography. The emphasis is on regional photography. The group hosting the exhibit decides what is shown and how the photography is arranged. The goal is to have the show in a location that would not be possible with a for-profit exhibit.

The 'traveling' part of the exhibit is the infrastructure for the show, plus a core group of donated photography (photos that sell well nationally).

I have a lot of specific and logistical ideas, but I wanted to first discuss the concept. The amazing work produced here would make an incredible exhibit.

So, ideas? questions? comments?

I'm exceedingly careful (and selective) about which nonprofits get my work for free. Since I can only write off the actual cost of producing the photo, there's little incentive to do it for a write-off. In your concept, they'd be selling my photos in a broad venue as the show travels?

Assembling and managing a traveling show is a huge undertaking, especially when you factor in the cost of re-usable shipping containers and display hardware. It's waaaaay beyond the scope and abilities of any local charities I know, so would require at least a statewide if not national organization, with local chapters being the recipients/displayers of the show produced by the umbrella agency. How receptive have you found charities to undertaking such an ambitious traveling show?

Hank,
We would do the show(s) and decide where the money goes. Properly organized I don't see a problem with costs. I believe the goal of delivering 100% of revenue to the charity is realistic with corporate sponsorship.

Consider hundreds of photographers exhibit their work each weekend in a 20x20 tent, sometimes with a one person setup. I'm sure we can setup an indoor show in a high traffic venue. But I'm thinking Manhattan and Miami, not Kodiak. The extent to which the show is promoted is a choice based on an overall plan. A show in a heavy tourist area would not necessarily need to be promoted at all.

The accounting would be done independently and openly. I fairly sure I can get that and the legal paperwork done for free.

Watch your crating costs, both for the crates themselves and for getting shows broken down, packed, shipped, unpacked and hung again. Lots of hands and $ involved there. Not picking your idea apart, rather trying to pass along some practical experience, both from the planning/conceptual standpoint and the management once you get in swing.