WHERE ARE ORIGINAL ARTWORKS SHIPPED TO?

We are working in an address in the USA. What we are hoping is the artist can organise a hi-res image as soon as the artwork is complete so we can produce our canvases to take on tour (we will do that in Australia).  The artist to keep the original safe until requested.

FLORIDA – Key Deer – artist: © Georgeta FONDOS – www.muralsbygeorgeta.com

WHO OWNS THE COPYRIGHT?

The artist. We ask for permission to use the artwork image for the canvas print for touring, our promotion of the event, for a book/catalogue and for the front cover of children’s rhyming book – developed to accompany 50 USA.   

If we can produce other merchandise items for sale using any of the 50 USA artworks we would seek the artist’s permission.  Artists are free to use their image any way they wish. We ask that  reference to the project and the selected conservation organisation for their State (when secured)  to be included.

LOUISIANA – North American MANATEES – artist © Becky FOS – www.beckyfos.com

WHEN WILL THE TOUR TAKE PLACE IN THE USA?

We are anticipating commencing mid-year 2022. Schedule and venues to be collated by end of October 2021. But, as we have experienced through covid we may  have to reschedule certain events.  But our canvas prints –  because they are all the same size,  can be quickly and safely  packed in a small purpose built small container for easy shipping / transport.  We are hopeful of securing a shipping sponsor who can organise the safe transfer from State-to-State venues.

TENNESSEE – Pygmy MADTOMS – artist @ Jennifer S. TAYLOR www.jstaylor.art.com

We will work closely with each State based conservation group we partner with (and the venue selected for exhibition)  and co-ordinate from Australia.  Hopefully G Henshaw, Director, will also accompany the tour (or part) as he has American family and is keen to revisit.  A number of US based friends have also ‘volunteered’ to help both the tour.

We will also partner with a number of media outlets and will appoint a media co-ordinator based in the USA.

MONTANA – WOLVERINES – artist: @ Cynthie FISHER – www.cynthiefisher.com

AUSTRALIA – KOALAS

50 USA – 50 BOOKS – FUNDING

In Australia we self-published The Good Thing About… Koalas which is a key to our schools programme (an e version is available to teachers with teacher notes). The books are also sold online and at event and markets and some retail. Every book sold funds the start of the growing of a Eucalyptus tree.

https://livingwithkoalas.com.au/product/the-good-thing-about-koalas-book/

The funds for the artwork and publishing of the book was covered by sponsors and reader pledges – this model meant it was self-funding and all production costs were covered … so every sale became profitable.  We are exploring this option with our conservation partners. Self-publishing really isn’t that difficult. And most of the US based conservation organisation have large databases to explore for pledges.  And there are numerous go-fund me options available.  Engaging future readers of the book is also great for awareness and resales. The model means the Conservation Organisation – not-for-profits or charities – handle all the money and only release when certain stages of the books are completed.

Reprints of books are really inexpensive so it will be a good source of revenue for the Conservation organisations. 

Our current model is to raise $25,000 US per book – so we can deliver to the organisation 2500 books – with a resale of between $10 and $15.  Every person who has pledged –    $100  for individuals $1000 of corporates – have their name (or brief company details) in the book as supporters of the Conservation organisations. What we have found is that the supporters buy additional books as gifts. Libraries tend to purchase and of course they are great to have at conservation events.

We are also exploring a ‘celebrity’ endorsement and pledge for each state to be able to print more copies.

Books –  e eversion or physical – are a great awareness tool for Organisations who are able to include detailed information about their work and use as part of their fund raising mix. 

Each print run of the book – organised here in Australia (we print on FSC sustainable forest accredited paper)  includes a contribution to Living with Koalas for our koala food tree planting programme. 

We are also looking a couple of major publishing deal options  –  with a few incentives for State based conservation groups to pre-order a number of books. it also allows them to also include some information about their projects.  

Larger, country-wide and international conservation organisations are also being considered as potential partners. We will update if publishing deal secured.

MISSOURI – Gray WOLVES – front cover artist Carol CARTER

What we discovered early on on the research for our children’s rhyming books was the huge discrepancies in ‘facts’ online about the ambassador species we are producing books for. The rhymes of our books are being checked by a relevant animal expert from a University, Zoo or a well-respected conservation organisation.  As these are children’s book, aimed at under eleven,  a little creative license is permitted. Each rhyme will also be supported by a fact fact – which goes into some further detail – this is really for the adult or to be used at teacher notes in school presentation. We call then kidults books – entertainment for the children’ education for the kid in all of us.

All 50 books – one for each animal – has now been completed as a first (or second/third) draft.

GEORGIA – Wood Storks – artist © Lisa GLEIM – www.lisagleimfineart.com

We will update this section with answers to common questions we receive. Send through your q’s to g@lwk.net.au 

CALIFORNIA – California Condor – artist: © Robin HUFFMAN www.robinhuffmanart.com