CREW- Divine Comedy sand sculptur show

Dante's Inferno
An international Sand Sculpture Festival at Jesolo (Venice) Italy
Summer 2009
Crew of Carvers

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FIELD ENGINEERS/CARVERS
Involvement in Jesolo May 25 through at least June 16
Brad Goll: USA
John Gowdy: Italy
Rich Varano (director): USA

CARVERS ONLY:
Required to be in Jesolo from at least June 06 through at least June 16
The three comp days after carving ends (June 17, 18 & 19) are optional for all crew members.
Dan Belcher: USA
Andy Bergholtz: USA
Lars Borst: Netherlands
Katsuhiko Chaen: Japan
Kevin Crawford: Australia
Alexey Dyakov: Russia
David Ducharme: Canada
Damon Farmer: USA:
Karen Fralich: Canada
Vladimir Kuraev: Russia
Marjon Katerber: Holland
Alexey Schictov: Russia
Ilya Shannin: Russia
Ray Villafane: USA
Peter Vogelaar: Canada

Radek Zivney: Czech Republic

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Varano Sand Sculpture Company LLC
The
Sultans Of Sand
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Worldwide Sand Sculpture Services

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Sultans Of Sand Worldwide
CARVER NOTES
for Italy June 2009

The Sultans Of Sand summer show in Jesolo, Italy 2009 is the 12th edition of the Jesolo International Sand Sculpture Festival.
The theme is DANTE'S INFERNO
The exact format for doing this themes is still being worked out.

The show schedule is as follows:
(We erect the show tent on May 23, and take it down July 24)
Friday, May 23: Tent erection completed
Sunday, May 25: SoS Field engineers arrive in Jesolo (Rich, Mark, John & Brad)
Monday, May 26: Field engineering/Poundup -First day
Friday, June 06: Field engineering/Poundup -Last day.
Saturday, June 06: ALL CARVERS MUST BE IN JESOLO & ready to work 8:00 the next morning
Sunday, June 07: Sculpting first day. Work days begin at 8:00 AM
Tuesday, June 16: Sculpting last day Work days end at 6:00 PM
Wednesday, June 17: Decorating (carvers free day, or depart Jesolo)
Thursday, June 18: Decorating (carvers free day, or depart Jesolo)
Friday, June 19: Decorating Carvers depart Jesolo. Any remaining carvers staying in Jesolo on June 19 or later, are at their own expense, and need to make arrangements in advance.
Saturday, June 20: Inauguration / Grand Opening.
Sunday, July 20: Show closes
Thursday, July 24. Tent is removed and the beach is restored.

Carvers are offered 2 comp days in Jesolo after sculpting ends on June 16.
That is, June 17 & 18 are free days for the crew, if they want them.

Some of the particulars (but not necessarily all of them) are:

  You will be hired as a production sand carver. I will direct all aspects of the work you will do to complete the overall look and feel of the show as I envision it, per my producers guidance. Changes in what work you do may occur at any time, and as always, you are required to be flexible on this point.

You are being invited to work for me because I know you are a talented and experienced person who will understand these needs and cooperate with me and the rest of the crew to make a valuable contribution to the overall finished look and feel of the show. You may possibly work alone, or together with others on one - or multiple sculptures. If you accept the job, you will be required to work from now until the show is completed to provide sketches and design elements as we work them out together or individually over the weeks and months leading up to your arriving in Jesolo.

You will need to be able to get and send email in a timely fashion from now until we meet in Jesolo. This is crucial because the producers and I are still working out the details of art theme and show format. Also, because lots of things come up at the last minute requiring adjustments to be made. Sometimes even after we have begun sculpting the sand.

Currently, the projected format is for a show display like the ones done at Jesolo in recent years, under a big tent. (you can see examples of these shows here)   http://www.sultansofsand.com/evjesoloindx.html

   Note: There is a big tent that we work under.

   If you agree to be hired, you will work for ten days at the rate of pay you originally agree to, regardless of what tasks your assigned. You agree to do whatever you are directed to at any time during the ten work days. You are being paid for your time working for me, regardless of what changes may or may not occur in the format or theme/sculpture designs at any time. This is all as typical in my company for many years.

The pay:
The rate of pay will be negotiated directly with each person. This is mostly an economic factor, and has less bearing on actual or perceived ability or talent. But, some may be paid more or less than others. All hired crew members can make their own decisions to hire on with the company (or not) individually, based on their own respective preferences in regard to this information.
In any cae, you are working for Rich Varano Sand Sculpture Services LLC. aka "the Sultans Of Sand Worldwide." Not the producer, or anyone else.

Travel, Hospitality and guest expenses:
Airfare or other means of commercial conveyance to and from Jesolo (including ground transfer in Italy) hotel and food for You are paid by the producer. Other expenses such as parking receipts cabs to and from your home & airport, gas to drive to the airport or other fees related to your getting to and from your home airport (train station, etc.) will not be paid by the event organizers. You assume the expense of getting to the commercial carrier or conveyance that will transport you to Jesolo, and again home after you return to the point of origin of said conveyance post event. If you have questions on this point, the specifics of transportation and hospitality for any guest(s) you bring, should be addressed to Lorena in the production office. If artists are crossing over (to or from) this event and/or other events in Europe or abroad, or if they have articulated tickets otherwise for any other reason, the producer will be sharing travel costs with those other event organizers, or paying the respective artists their travel expenses based on a prorated and/or shared cost basis. Artist buying their own economy class round trip tickets will be reimbursed in euros, when appropriate official receipts have been provided in advance. If the event purchases a ticket for you, and you later choose not to come to the event for any reason, you will pay the full cost of the ticket to the event organizers by the time of the scheduled arrival date in Jesolo for this event.

   I have hiried 18 international master sand sculptors to be on my crew for this project. The complete team is posted on the event web site under the CREW tab. Please review this page periodically as updates may be posted here at any time.

Thanks,
Rich Varano
Director

Varano Sand Sculpture Company LLC.
the "Sultans Of Sand Worldwide"
Artist Agreement: Terms and Conditions of Employment

It is greatly appreciated that you are available and open to working on the Sultans Of Sand crew for the 2009 edition of the annual (summer) show in Italy. The overall show is designed and directed by (Rich) Varano Sand Sculpture Company aka The Sultans Of Sand Worldwide, and produced by the City of Jesolo. The theme is "Dante the Inferno"
This is the twentieth show in twelve years (including the winter shows we do there) that this company has put on at this charming coastal community of Jesolo, on the Adriatic.

Listed below are some (but possibly not all) elements and conditions you need to be aware of as a paid contractor working at this event. Some things may change at any time without notice. You should check this page regularly for any updates or changes, or ask Rich if you have any questions or concerns about anything at any time.
This may all seem rather stiff or formal, but managing many people requires good and clear communication so there are limited misunderstandings or hurt feelings later.
It is policy to put it all in print in one location, for all parties concerned. This page is that place. By accepting a position on this crew, working on this job, you are affirming that you have read and understood this information, or will accept it as bearing even if you have not read or understood it, and will adhere to any updates, changes or revisions that may possibly be made from time to time.

Conventions and definitions of this document:
This is an appendix of terms and conditions as provided by Varano Sand Sculpture Company LLC. An American sand sculpture services provider doing work globally, aka the Sultans Of Sand Worldwide, herein after known as either of those names or simply "the company" It is expressly for persons that will be hired to sculpt sand for the company at the 2009 summer show in Jesolo, Italy DANTE the Divine Comedy.
The individuals of myriad nationalities that will be employed by the company as sub contractors for the purpose of creating sand sculpture, are herein after referred to as the artist(s), crew member(s), or simply "the crew"
Accepting a position as a carver on this crew affirms that you will adhere to these terms and conditions in principle and practice.

1.) THE JOB DESCRIPTION:

The sculptors are working as individual contractors for Varano Sand Sculpture Company LLC. aka The Sultans Of Sand Worldwide. The owner of the company, Rich Varano is also the director of the show. He will be responsible for all aspects of the crew's involvement at the event.*
All the artists are doing specifically directed work. This is a paid job. It is not a contest per se or even a free-theme exhibition. The artists will create a sculpture in a theme or subject assigned to them by the director. They will be assigned a work area or poundup (s) that they will be responsible for successfully completing. Final payment is dependent on this successful completion.
The work will be created in an "illustration" style of work. The sculptures should not be "abstract" at all unless specifically directed to be so. The human and animal figures created should be realistic, and not stylized. There should be limited use of symbolism -if any, except if it is pre-approved by the director. [Exception: a very few sculptures will have these features in them by design, for variation in the show. Such exceptions are approved in advance, and assigned by the director.]
At the show, Veteran associates Damon Farmer and Mark Anderson will be serving as assistant directors. If Rich is away from the show tent and there are any creative issues, artists should ask Damon Farmer for assistance. If they have any technical issues (about forms, tools & materials, etc.) they should ask Mark Anderson. If the situation still needs Rich to make a decision or act upon something, he can be reached by telephone through his personal assistant (one of the art student helpers to be named at the show) who is in the tent all day, everyday.
In general, the artist have a great deal of latitude in designing and executing their own particular sculptures in the subject/theme assigned to them. But, all crew members must understand that the director has ultimate creative control at all times. That means sometimes things may change without notice (for various reasons). Any artist may possibly be asked to alter a plan, redo something, work elsewhere else or with someone else, or even have their own work re-carved by a different artist. These types of situations rarely occur at all, but it can happen. Besides benefiting from the artist's good ability and concerted efforts, it is hoped they will have fun and enjoy working comfortably. However the focus of the job is all about the completed show as envisioned by the director. It is not about the individual artists being showcased, or doing their own (great) work -though that is capitalized on by the event administrators at various times.
Wages are negotiated between each crew member and the director. Optional free time in Jesolo (two extra days) is also offered as a job perk, but this free time is not negotiable in exchange for pay or wages.
There are art student helpers from the Art Academy in Venice, available daily for removing forms, and shoveling sand. When not engaged doing this they can be used by the artists to carve, or do whatever the artists need them for, within reason. There are not as many helpers as their are artists, so the artists must share the helpers. Removing forms and shoveling excess sand takes precedent over sculpting assistance for the helpers time.
The artists must provide their own visual reference materials and carving tools.
If the director decides to include a People's Choice award or any contest element as an aspect of the show before or after the work is completed. it will not yield any cash prize or further compensation to any crew member.
All expenses of Airfare or other commercial conveyance, hotel & meals for the crew are paid by theevent organizers.
Crew members will need complete receipts for anything they are out of pocket for, if they expect to receive any cash reimbursements. This aspect is changed now, compared to how things have transpired in previous years. YOU MUST CHECK WITH THE PRODUCERS OFFICE FOR ANY COMPENSATION OR REIMBURSEMENT OTHER THAN FOR AIRFARE, HOTEL ROOM AND FOOD FOR YOU YOURSELF, ON SITE IN ITALY. The only compensation paid by Varano Sand Sculpture Company to any crew members shall be for working wages only. A receipt for the paid wages will be signed (along with the art release ) by each crew member when paid.

2.) DATES & SCHEDULES:

The dates of work are: June 07 through June 16. (ten work days)
All carving crew members must plan to be in Jesolo no later that June 06, and work ten days through June 16. They may depart on June 17, 18 or 19. If any crew members remain in Jesolo on June 19 or later, the hotel and meals are at their own expense. If artists do plane to stay longer, they must make the arrangements in advance with Lorena in the producers office. She handles all the travel and hospitality issues for the artists on the crew. Crew members shall CC the director Rich Varano on ALL correspondence with Lorena (or anyone in the producer's office at all times)
There is a well defined work schedule that must be strictly adhered to by all crew members for the entire 10 working days: The groups works in 2, four-hour sessions. 8-12 in the morning and 2- 6 in the afternoon. There is a two-hour break at mid day. All crew members are allowed a 15 minute break in the morning session, and another 15 minute break in the afternoon session. Tardiness may result in pay sanctions for each infraction. The scheduled work hours are not flexible, but the artists are allowed in the tent at all hours, and they may work extra time before or after this schedule on their own, (without more pay) if they wish to. Many artist do work overtime, in order to produce the finish they want to achieve, and this is greatly appreciated as well, but it is not required. The professionalism and ability of the artists, combined with the available (adequate) amount of carving time - relative to the volume of work be done, assures a finished sculpture of comparatively high quality. This has been a distinctive feature of the Jesolo shows in general, for many years.

3.) MEALS:

The hotels are about five minutes walking distance from the event tent. Artists will have breakfast in the hotel where they sleep, but lunch and dinner for all artist is at the Corallo Hotel.
Lunch and dinner times are set by the hotel, and punctuality is important. Artists need to be seated for lunch before one o'clock (13:00) and must be seated for dinner before 8:00 (20:00). Unfortunately, the hotel requires all artists to keep the same seating arrangements each day, to facilitate ease of dinner service for the kitchen staff. Guests of the artists are welcomed to join us at the group table each day, but guest meals are at their own expense.
The Corallo terrace overlooking the beach is a common gathering place in the evenings, and all crew members are encouraged to bring games, musical instruments or other diversions they may enjoy.
All crew members are expected to be professional and act with decorum at all times, even while "off the clock."
The hotels are beach hotels, for sure, but as sand carvers, the crew may get sandier than the average beach tourist sometimes. Artists should endeavor to limit the impact of sand in the hotel public areas and shower drains as much as is practical.
While three meals each day are provided free occasionally artists may wish to dine out at their own expense. The hotel plans lunch and dinner for guests one day in advance. So, artists should plan ahead if they are dining out, and notify the front desk if they change plans at least four hours prior to the meal service.

4.) THE SHOW TENT

The tent is confirmed. It is secured by night watchmen overnight and the helpers during midday break, but it is only a tent & not a bank vault. We have "lost" things from the tent from time to time over the years. The individual crew members are responsible for their own carving tools. The event director or producers are not responsible for loss of any tools or personal items due to theft, breakage or otherwise.
All major poundups are done in advance before the artists arrive, but there will be tampers and forms, (both - plastic flexies & wood) available for the artists if they need them. All poundups are four meters tall and are erected right on the flat grade level of the beach. There are no base piles below the forms. All forms are to be removed and the sculpture completed at ground level unless otherwise planned for and approved in advance. Due to the layout of the wood flooring installed after we finish carving, it is important that the finished work should be contained within the boundaries of the immediate poundup space unless otherwise planned for and approved in advance. This means the artists need to consider the work carefully at the top, before they start. Excess sand that is carved off the poundup will be removed by the helpers and bobcat. Artists may not "grow" their sculpture outward with the sand that is carved off. The outward "spread" should be avoided because of the floor, the simple rope barrier, and the very close proximity of the finished sculptures to the curios hands of the viewing public. If artists run into a problem with this as they develop their work, They should notify the director right away the issue can be resolved in a practical way (which may mean changing the design on the fly).
The sand is ok, but not the strongest when it is dry. Care should be taken to NOT PUSH THE LIMITS OF DEFYING GRAVITY. The sculptures need to remain standing for six to eight weeks.
There is a "Portolet" portable toilet available for the crew use, that is to be left locked when not in use. The key is always left in the same spot inside the tent when it is not being used. There are also public toilets just a couple of minutes walking distance in either direction.
There is drinking water available inside the tent. Any other refreshments or snacks that the artists wish to have shall be provided by themselves.
Over the years the environment in the tent at the beach has been everything from quite mild and perfectly pleasant to horribly windy, hot and stifling, to so cold you have to wear a coat. The artists should be prepared for any type of weather.

5.) WORK CLOTHES:

All crew members are required to wear the Sultans Of Sand shirts all day, every day while working. No other shirts are permitted. Artists that have them should bring all their Sultans Of Sand shirts to Italy. If they do not have any, they need to let the Rich Varano know right away so that they will be provided with at least two (2) Sultans of Sand shirts. It is up to the artists to rinse and dry them as needed, so they can wear them in the tent every day. No bare backs (or chests) are permitted. All crew members must wear the shirts at all times while working.
If a sweater is needed,please put the shirt on over the sweater so the Sultans logo is on the outside so it shows. Crew members particularly susceptible to being chilly, please plan to wear layers of shirts if it is cool.
If it gets so cold that a coat or hat is needed, and that coat or hat has any other sand /ice company or other sand /ice event etc., printed on it, that is OK to wear, because everyone needs to be comfortable enough, but, the identifying printing should be covered with tape so it is not visible.
Safety shoes or hard, rigid shoes/boots are required. NO SOFT SHOES ALLOWED
If you do not bring suitable shoes, we will get them for you in Italy, and deduct the cost from your pay.

6.) TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY ARRANGEMENTS

Aspects of travel, housing & food (Hospitality) are provided for the artist.
Accommodations are private rooms or rooms shared with another person, as negotiated with the director. So, crew members may opt to bring guests to Jesolo at their own expense only if it is arranged with Lorena in advance, to be certain that hospitality availability exists and to be sure of what additional expenses (if any) may be incurred. NOTE: GUEST AIRPORT PICKUP/DROP OFF, EXPENSES, RULES AND REGULATIONS NEED TO BE CONFIRMED WITH LORENA IN ADVANCE. After being confirmed as hired by the Sultans Of Sand, all artists will be in contact with Lorena Mucelli in the producers office at this email address: lorena.mucelli@comune.jesolo.ve.it regarding their travel arrangements, and any special requests for guests, hotel info, or other hospitality issues.
Artists will CC the Director on all correspondence with the producers office and their assigns at all times.
Hotel phone calls, bar bills, additional add-ons, guests expenses , etc.are the responsibility of the artists.

7.) INSURANCE:

There is insurance coverage for the crew only while working on the clock (also including optional overtime while working in the tent). Medical treatment and procedures, hospital stays and doctor's visits are covered, but not prescriptions, medications or extraneous (optional) tests or treatments deemed medically redundant or non essential by the local medical staff. The respective artists are responsible for those optional expenses if they opt to incur them.
Artists are not covered by the event policy while off the clock, at all. Artists need their own coverage for times when they are not on the clock, including travel times.

8.) EMERGENCY CONTACT INFO

Artists are requested to update their emergency contact information with the director, for their people back home in case of emergencies.
If an artist has any medical conditions, special needs or particular concerns, they should advise the director of such situations in advance of traveling to Jesolo.

9.) PAYMENTS, TAXES AND WITHHOLDING:

Payment will be made in full when the work is completed successfully.
Without exception, payments will not be made for service that is not rendered.
Artists may be docked pay for excessive tardiness.
Whether paid in cash or by check, or wire transfer, all wages to the crew, from Rich Varano or Varano Sand Sculpture Company LLC will be made in the Euro currency.
Artists are responsible for any income tax liability they may be subject to in their home country.
Americans and U.S. resident aliens with tax ID numbers will receive tax notice #1099 next year, for income received from Varano Sand Sculpture Company LLC this year.
If an artist's airline or other conveyance ticket is purchased by the event organizer, the artist artist will pay for the cost of the ticket if they cancel for any reason, and do not use the ticket to attend the event.

10.) ART RELEASE FORM:

Artists are required to sign an art release /waiver (shown here) that allows Rich Varano/Varano Sand Sculpture Co. LLC aka the Sultans Of Sand Worldwide, he producers and their respective assigns the right to use images of the artist(s) or their likeness, including voice, and any of the work they do in association with this job, for any commercial projects they desire, at any time, without further credit or compensation to the artist. This does not grant exclusive rights. The artist may use images of their own work done at this event for their own commercial purposes, but not the work of the other artists working for this company at this event without prior authorization from the director. It is also considered good form to credit Varano Sand Sculpture Company when an artist uses images of their work done at this event, in any public forum.

11.) MEDIA CALLS, PUBLIC PERSONAE , BEHAVIOR & ETHICS

Artists shall represent the Sultans Of Sand Worldwide, well and act responsibly at all times, not only when on the clock.
Crew members may not wear other sand company logos or event clothing from any other events not held in Jesolo, or sanctioned by Varano Sand Sculpture Company. Only Sultans Of Sand shirts are allowed to be worn in the tent. If you need shirts, Contact Rich Varano BEFORE you go to Italy.
If any media approaches any artists, they should be directed to the person in charge on site, unless the media is on site for a general media call obviously setup by the producer or director. If there is any question about this, direct the media to either the director or his assign or assistant on site, or the producer.
Unauthorized self/commercial promotion and cross promotion of other events is not permitted.
Any criminal activity engaged in by any artist at any time is grounds for immediate dismissal.
Respect for local customs and societal values is the responsibility of all crew members.

12.) SAFETY AND FIRST AID

Safety in general is the primary concern at all times.
By Italian law, artists are required to comply with safety procedures.
All crew members are asked to wear substantial shoes while on the work site. This means proper safety shoes boots or other rigid shoe. No soft shoes, sneakers or inappropriate footwear is permitted. If your shoes are deemed inappropriate by the producer. we will purchase shoes for you and the cost will be deducted from your pay, as well as any downtime needed for you to go and get the shoes.
All crew members are expected to use the proper safety devices and gear that is provided, when and wherever necessary and required.
There is a first aid kit by the water cooler in the tent.
There is a public first aid station 300 meters down the beach.
In case of serious emergency, notify the director or person in charge immediately.

* Due to the fact that Varano Sand Sculpture Company LLC, the director and his assigns, ultimately answer to the producers some of the conditions and terms outlined here may change without notice at any time.
Any disputes not resolved on site or through local arbitration or mitigation will be relegated to the true and competent court of Volusia County in the state of Florida in the United States of America, where all decisions of the court will be binding upon all parties.

[ SULTANS OF SAND HOME ] [ JESOLO SAND FESTIVAL ARCHIVES ] [ DANTE EVENT HOME ] [ SKETCHES ] [ TECHNICAL DATA ] [ CREW ] [ PHOTOS ] [ JESOLO ] [ CONTACT ]

Varano Sand Sculpture Company LLC
The
Sultans Of Sand
sultans logo

Worldwide Sand Sculpture Services