ArtBots FAQs

Q: Is ArtBots a robot competition?
A: Not really, it's more of an art show. However, we do give out two awards at the end: the "Audience Choice Award" and the "Robots' Choice Award". The talents show part is really just for fun.

Q: How many participants will be in the show?
A: About fifteen.

Q: I'm not sure if my work qualifies for your show. What exactly are you looking for?
A: As the name of the show implies, we're looking for work that is some part art and some part bot. The meanings of "art" and "bot" are left open. Possible formats/media include objects, installations, sculpture, live performance, etc. If you're still not sure, the documentation of previous participants should give you some idea of the kind of work we're looking for.

A: Are the artists that participate in the show compensated in any manner?
Q: Unfortunately, no. We provide as much support to the participants as we can, but ultimately all costs are the responsibility of the artists. Hopefully this will change in the future.

Q: Will work presented in the ArtBots show be for sale, and if so, what will the terms of the sale be?
A: The work presented in the show will not be formally for sale through ArtBots, and we will not list prices in any of our materials. Individual artists are free (and encouraged) to make their own arrangements, of course.

Q: When/Where will the event take place?
A: In the late spring or summer, 2003, in New York City, most likely in downtown Manhattan. The exact date and location have not yet been selected.

Q: Is ArtBots open to people outside of New York City?
A: Of course. However, we're not in a position to offer anything in the way of support or accommodations for out-of-town participants. (Although we can probably help you find a place to stay if needed.) The first ArtBots show featured artists from New York, Boston, Ohio, and Belgium. We anticipate more geographically diverse entries this year.

Q: Is there a swimsuit competition?
A: No, there is no swimsuit competition.

Q: What's the point of ArtBots? Aren't there enough robot competitions already?
A: We started ArtBots because we wanted to have fun and to celebrate some of the creative, non-violent, and not-so-competitive aspects of robotics. People all over the world are doing interesting, important work that combines art and robotics; ArtBots is our way of focusing attention on that work.