Artists' Alley Home
Artists' Alley Rules & FAQ
Artists' Alley Sales Tax Info
A Beginner's Guide to the Artists' Alley
Art Track
Artists' Forum

Here are the Rules and FAQs as listed by questions you might ask. Follow these links for further information or just scroll down to read them all (recommended):

1. How/When do I rent table space in the Artists' Alley?
2. What do I get with the rental of table space?
3. Do I need a convention badge and how do I get one?
4. What is an Artists' Alley badge and why do I need one?
5. How do I check in and what happens if I don't?
6. Are there limits to the number of people/chairs I can list/have at my space?
7. Can I come in early to set up and what is the schedule for the Alley?
8. Are there restrictions on what I can sell? (This includes rules about fan art and adult material, but is not limited to those topics.)
9. Can I get a refund?
10. Can I send someone else to the con to sell my work?
11. Can I get space in both the Dealers' Room and the Artists' Alley?
12. How do I get on the Reserve List and what are my chances?
13. Should I get 2, 4, 6, or 8 feet?
14. Can I get access to electricity?
15. What can happen to me if I'm found to be in violation of the rules?
16. Are there restrictions on how I set up my table display?
17. Can I use the loading docks?
18. Can I leave my stuff overnight?
19. How do I get stuff in without being stopped by the Hynes staff?
20. Can so-and-so help me with such-and-such if they don't have a con badge?
21. If I see "X" problem during the con, what should I do?
22. Is there a minimum age for participating in the Artists' Alley?
23. Do I belong in the Artists' Alley or in the Dealers' Room?
24. This is my first Artists' Alley. Do you have any advice?
25. I heard there are Artist Activities at this con. What are they and can I join?
26. Can I play music, videos, or video games at my table?
27. Do I have to be at my table 24/7? Is it okay to leave occasionally?
28. Can I have food at my table?
29. How do I get pieces into the Art Show?
30. Can I hold raffles at my table?
31. What are the table size limits and why did you change them?
32. Why did the table prices go up this year?
33. What are some other rules I can get in trouble for if I don't follow them?
34. I didn't get a table. What can I do now?
35. Legal Provisions

1. How/When do I rent table space in the Artists' Alley?
   Renting table space in the Artists' Alley is a two-step process, all done right here on the website. The date when this will be possible will be announced, and the link will be found right on the main Artists' Alley page when said announcement happens.

   The first step is to sign up with a "Letter of Intent". It's not actually a letter - this web form processes your name, email, and space desires/requirements and is sent to the Artists' Alley staff. The data is collected in a database so we can sort it and see what kind of space demands we need to meet. This method can also allow people to keep signing up without overbooking the alley before we can determine if we have enough space or not. Yes, this is ultimately organized on a first-come, first-served basis. That is why we will only be announcing the date we are starting and not the time, to avoid a flood of applications and possibly crash the website. No, we will not be opening it at midnight of the day posted. It also will not happen before Nikki wakes up in the morning. She works second shift. Do not panic.

   If you absolutely know that you cannot be online during that day, you can appoint someone else to submit your letter for you - but you must make sure that they put it in your name with your email address. There will be no passing off of 'places in line'.

   The second step will occur at some later point in time (not the same day) in which you are sent an email with a link to confirm your status and proceed with the full application form. Once you have received the link to this full application form, there is no need to rush through it, as you have a 3 day window from the date when your email notification was sent to fill it out. After filling out the form, you will then proceed directly to the payment process. You will have already booked your space. Please make sure to go through the entire form and fill it out as thoroughly and correctly as possible. All Artists' Alley information for badges, the online map, etc. will be pulling directly from the form. If you misspell your name or website, it will show up exactly that way. If you are unsure about something (the names of helpers, for instance) you can always fill it in later by contacting Nikki.

   Step 2 may have multiple rounds. If you hear about people who have confirmed space in the Alley and you have not, please don't panic [yet]. Some people will ultimately choose less space than they initially thought they'd need, and Nikki will be able to open it back up for another round. Each round will take a minimum of 4 days (3 for the deadline window and at least 1 for Nikki to process the next round.)

   Please note that when the Alley has become full, the Letter of Intent will also be serving as the Reserve List. You will be notified when that happens. If the Alley roster is already in Reserve List status, we will not be sending out an update saying that you are on the Reserve List.

2. What do I get with the rental of table space?
   You get the linear space at a table you have rented and you get the amount of chairs appropriate for that space. You get an Artists' Alley badge. This is not the same as a convention badge!

   You do not automatically get a convention badge. You do not get tablecloths, walls, extra tables, easels or clothing racks. You do not necessarily get electricity.

3. Do I need a convention badge and how do I get one?
   A convention badge is the regular, normal badge that all members need to purchase - including artists - to be able to enter into Anime Boston. You will not be allowed to enter the Hynes Convention Center unless you have one.

   There are 2 ways for an artist to get a badge.

   1. You can pre-register for a badge prior to Artists' Alley signup. We recommend only doing this if you will be attending the convention anyway, regardless of whether or not you rent space in the Artists' Alley. However, if you're worried about price hikes and want to ensure the lowest membership rate in that possibility, this is the way to go.
   2. You can take the option of doing it with your space rental. This is the recommended approach. In fact, if you say that you are not pre-registered in the Letter of Intent, the subsequent signup will automatically add one (1) and only one (1) convention badge which will be in your name (and only your name) at an additional cost of $45. This price will not go up if it is purchased with the table space, no matter when you rent that space.

   All your assistants and helpers are responsible for purchasing their own badges and will not be included in your signup other than as notification to Nikki. They will be required to purchase their own convention badge at whatever the current price is at that time.

   Some convention badges may say "Artist" on it (we try to make sure all of them do) instead of "Attendee". THIS IS NOT AN ARTISTS' ALLEY BADGE.

4. What is an Artists' Alley badge and why do I need one?
   An Artists' Alley badge is a courtesy badge. It costs nothing for you or your assistants to get them made up. It is automatically added in for every person you list at your table as long as we know about them.

   We use the Artists' Alley badge for early admittance to the Artists' Alley. The Artists' Alley badge does not grant early admittance to any other event at the convention!

   All artists and helpers must have the Artists' Alley badge to be able to sit at their rented space without being questioned by the staff. This is to make sure that someone has not stolen your space by simply walking up to it and setting up their stuff. It's quite simple - if they do not have an Artists' Alley badge, they do not belong at a table. We will check. If we cannot see your badge, we will ask to. If you do not have a badge, you will be made to check in and get it, or you will be asked to leave if it is found you do not belong.

5. How do I check in and what happens if I don't?
   Checking in is really easy. Upon your entrance to the convention center, you need to go up to the third floor of the Hynes during check-in times and go in the main entrance of the Artists' Alley (it will have a sign). There, at the Artists' Alley information desk, you will talk to a staff member. Present your convention badge so that the staff member can read your name. You'll be checked in and your badge will be handed to you.

   All parties at your table must check in since each convention badge must be checked. Only one person from your rented space needs to check in for that space to be considered 'checked in'. Your space must be checked into by 10am Saturday morning or it will be put out for rental with no refund of your rental.

   If you are at your table when it is put back up for rental, that's what happens if you don't check in. You will be asked to leave so that the new renters can take possession of the table.

6. Are there limits to the number of people/chairs I can list/have at my space?
   YES.

   2 feet is not a lot of room. One chair can fit in there. 8 feet can have 4 chairs, but it is very, very crowded. We allow two people per 2 foot space. This is not so you can both be behind your table, but it is so you can take breaks, use the bathroom, get food, see a panel, check out the rest of the Artists' Alley, or anything you would care to do at the convention or in the surrounding area. You can basically take turns.

   In addition - if you have (for example) an 8 foot space and only two people, we'll assume YOU only need 2 chairs even if have the space for 4. If you do need additional chairs above the number of people associated, make sure to email Nikki.

7. Can I come in early to set up and what is the schedule for the Alley?
   Yes, but only as scheduled. If the schedule says 6 PM, that does not mean you can come in at 5 PM. Hynes Public Safety has the schedule and will stop you from entering.

   Early setup can only happen if you have already picked up your convention badge. Only pre-registered people can pick up badges on Thursday night before the convention starts. If you have others at your table and you want them to come in early with you, make sure they have pre-registered and that we know their names.

   Here is the schedule (red marked times are times changed from last year):

   Artists Set-up:

   • Thursday: 6pm to 10pm
   • Friday: 8am to 10am
   • Saturday: 8am to 10am
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM

   Artists Take-down:

   • Friday: 10:30pm to 11:30pm
   • Saturday: 10:30pm to 11:30pm
   • Sunday: 3pm to 5pm

   OPERATING HOURS:

   • Friday: 10am to 10:30pm
   • Saturday: 10am to 10:30pm
   • Sunday: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

   Check-in deadline: Saturday: 10am

   Make sure you are capable of cleaning up within the allotted time. The room cannot be locked up until you leave, and we can't leave until the room is locked up. Everyone, including Anime Boston staff must vacate the third floor of the Hynes by a specific time. If the allotted time for cleanup is not enough time for you, we suggest you start before the specified times.

8. Are there restrictions on what I can sell? (This includes rules about fan art and adult material, but is not limited to those topics.)
   Yes, there are.

   This is a list of what is allowed and what isn't allowed. Do not panic if you don't see something on either list. If it's not on either list, just email us and we'll figure it out. You can sell just about anything you want at your table. The catch is that anything you sell must be your own work and your own designs and not be mass produced.

   For example, if you buy Hello Kitty products at a store, you cannot sell it at your table. If this is what you want to do, you belong in the Dealers Room! However, if you design a picture and send it out to be placed on a tee shirt and you only print up maybe 30 instead of 500, you can then sell your shirts.

   What can you sell	What you cannot sell (or use in the Alley)
   CD's Books T-Shirts and other clothing Bags Bookmarks Prints Cards Games Costumes and Accessories Plushies Etched Glass Chain Mail Pins/Buttons Posters Face Painting	Stickers* Food** Store bought Merchandise Flamable items (such as chemicals) Convection Ovens Airbrushes Weapons (of any kind of material, including cardboard and duct tape) Heat guns No piercing or permanent tattooing No dental work No machinery of any kind***

   The Hynes Convention Center prohibits the following:

   * Sale OR distribution of stickers of any kind. You can put up a display book and do mail orders, but no actual exchange of stickers at con can take place.

   ** Sale or raffle of food of any kind (candy and drinks count.)

   *** If you think equipment you use should be fine, EMAIL us. If you show up using it without asking us, we will tell you to get rid of it.

   Attaching anything in any way to the walls. This means no tape, tacks, nails, gummy tack, pushpins - anything!

   Using any tape other than gaffer's tape when securing wires to the floors.

   Adult Material
   Any artist with adult-related material must have it clearly marked, covered, and supervised at all times to make sure no minors are viewing it. Naturally, this also means you cannot sell this material to minors. Artists are responsible for verifying the ages of potential customers of this art. Failure to comply could result in disciplinary action and repeated offenses may result in expulsion from the convention.

   What constitutes 'adult material'?
   Anything sexually explicit and/or nudity .

   Clarifications:A man without a shirt or a woman in a bikini is all right. Otherwise, we ask that you use your best judgment. Play it safe and keep anything questionable with other adult material, and be prepared to put away anything we request you put away. Remember, we are a family friendly con.

   Copyrights and Fanart:
   Fanart is allowed, within reason.

   • You are NOT allowed to copy, trace or in any way reproduce (either by hand or machine) an existing piece of art and sell it as your own.
   • Fanart MUST be an original design that just happens to use your favorite characters.
   • We are not qualified to judge if you've changed a picture enough to make it your own. For any picture that you've only modified, please be safe and don't bring it. Use references as references ONLY and not as a base. If we can still recognize the original piece despite your modifications, we will ask you to take it off the table.

   Many artists practice by copying art from their favorite series or books. That's fine, just DON'T BRING IT or DON'T DISPLAY IT. Avoid problems and avoid complaints by just leaving it home. It will not be an issue if nobody sees it. If you still bring it, each one must be individually and CLEARLY MARKED as being NOT FOR SALE. If you are later found selling it, you will be found in violation of the rules.

   Our recommendation is to be safe and don't bring it at all. Even if we don't catch you at it, your fellow artists will. We pride ourselves on fostering a friendly and supportive artist community. Your fellow artists will feel like their own hard work was for nothing if they find others violating the above rules, so do NOT sell anything that isn't your own idea.

9. Can I get a refund?
   You can get a refund for your space rental only if you contact us no later than 1 month prior to the convention. All Convention Badge registrations are non-refundable no matter how they were purchased.
10. Can I send someone else to the con to sell my work?
    Proxies are allowed as long as we know before the event. We understand that things may have come up just before the convention and you don't want to lose your money.

    What is not allowed is for an artist to sign up for multiple conventions the same weekend as Anime Boston and not show up at Anime Boston. Space is too limited to allow that and it is not fair to the other 300 or so people who were not able to get in.

11. Can I get space in both the Dealers Room and the Artists' Alley?
    No. Once again, it is not fair to the 300 or so people who were not able to get into the Artists' Alley for you to be in multiple places when space is in such demand.
12. How do I get on the Reserve List and what are my chances?
    If you have sent in a Letter of Intent through the web form, then you are already on the Reserve List if we were not able to get you in on the initial run.

    Your chances really vary. While space allocation is determined on a first-come, first-served basis, the demands of space will alter who gets in when things get really down to the wire. If we have a 2 foot space cancellation, for example, only people who are willing to work in 2 feet will be contacted.

13. Should I get 2, 4, 6, or 8 feet?
    This is sort of subjective. Most new artists - at least new print artists - won't need more than 2 feet of space (Nikki's done it, so she knows). Artists who are veterans and have spent some time building up stock will likely need at least 6 feet. Here is a picture guide to give you a sample of what that amount of space actually looks like while in use. You can also use it to try to plan what kind of set up you want to use:
    

    As you can see, there are standing flip books, laid out on table browsing books, book stands, sign stands in the back, cubes also in the back with things hanging off them, etc.

14. Can I get electricity?
    Possibly. There are outlets on only three of the walls in the Alley - those are free and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

    There are also floor outlets spread throughout the room - but those require payment to get an electrician to set things up. We can recommend finding folks to share the cost. You will need to let Nikki know if you're willing to pay for electricity so she can send you the appropriate order form.

    If you use electricity, all wires must be taped down with gaffer's tape (NOTHING ELSE will be accepted by the Hynes) anywhere anybody may trip over it (including you). Make sure you clean it up when you leave for the weekend. If you cannot find gaffer's tape, here are some links:
    Barbizon: http://www.barbizon.com/home/index.cfm (Woburn)
    Backstage Hardware: http://www.backstagehardware.com/ (Boston)
    Productions Advantage: http://www.productionadvantageonline.com/ (Online)

15. What can happen to me if I'm found in violation of the rules?

    1st Offense: WARNING
    You will be given conditions with which you must comply. This may be, but is not limited to, removing all offending material from sight and never displaying it again.

    2nd Offense: EVICTION FROM ARTISTS' ALLEY
    If you have already been given a warning and you have not complied (or you have violated another rule) you may be evicted from the Artists' Alley and banned from the Anime Boston Artists' Alley in the future.

    3rd Offense: EVICTION FROM CONVENTION
    If you are found trying to get another artist (whether knowing or unknowing) to help you sell the material you can no longer even set up, having already been evicted from your own table, you will henceforth be ejected and banned from the convention. We retain the right to share your name with other conventions as a warning.

    At any time, Artists' Alley staff reserves the right to exercise any of the above measures without prior warning. This means you may be asked to leave at our discretion. We do not expect to be doing this, but if you do something that is NOT covered in our rules, we need to be able to take steps.

16. Are there restrictions on how I set up my table display?
    Yes. All table displays must be stable. If you are putting a tall display on your table, it must not be taller (when on the ground) than you are. Try not to block your neighbors' views either. And obviously, your displays cannot encroach on your neighbors' space either.

    If your display BENDS, it will be considered unsteady and you will be asked to take it down before it has the CHANCE to fall down and wreak havoc. Anime Boston is not responsible for injuries or damage caused by your display's collapse, but we don't want to see anyone's fun spoiled by some knucklehead's shoddy construction.

17. Can I use the loading docks?
    No. The staff has very limited use of the loading docks to begin with; we cannot handle requests for everyone to use the loading dock as well. Honestly, if you have so much stuff that you need a loading dock, you probably belong in the Dealers' room, not the Artists' Alley.

    If you insist on using the Alley, keep these things in mind for your stuff:

    • Bring your friends to help you carry it all. All of them must have a convention badge. This means you cannot have your mother come in for 10 minutes on Thursday without a badge just to help you set up. There is no admittance to the con without a badge.
    • Rolling luggage or suitcases or anything that looks like personal luggage is generally fine, but you may be required to lift and carry said luggage.
    • Hand trucks, trolleys, dollies, or any other sort of massive lugging system will be turned away by Hynes Public Safety.
    • There are elevators near the escalators.

18. Can I leave my stuff overnight?
    Yes, you can. The Artists' Alley is in a locked room. Artists' Alley staff will be there when it locks up, and when it opens again in the morning. However, we will not be watching your stuff - if you cannot guarantee that you will be there by the time the room opens to the rest of the membership, you probably shouldn't leave your stuff overnight.

    In either case, we couldn't recommend leaving anything particularly valuable behind anyway - you should probably always take your money and laptop (or other valuable electronics) with you and never leave them behind, though you might leave the rest of your set up behind.

19. How do I get stuff in without being stopped by the Hynes staff?
    See Loading Docks.
20. Can so-and-so help me with such-and-such if they don't have a con badge?
    See Loading Docks.
21. If I see "X" problem during the con, what should I do?
    You tell us. This is very important - go to the Artists' Alley info desk where you checked in and tell us.

    It is a lot easier to take care of an issue at the convention than after it. After the convention, it would be impossible to go up to the setup/person in question and investigate these concerns.

    Please, do not be discouraged if nothing seems to happen right away - we may have investigated it and found things to be fine, or are doing additional research.

22. Is there a minimum age for participating in the Artists' Alley?
    Yes, there is. While we do not believe that you have to be a certain age to be a good or even great artist, we do find that trouble makers (rapscallions) have been those of a younger age (whippersnappers) and lacked the maturity to share in our Artists' Alley.

    Therefore, this year, we are raising the minimum age to 18 years. We hope that if you're old enough to vote and drive, you can act at least marginally maturely. You need to be 18 by the start of the convention (Thursday night check-in), not during the sign up process.

    You cannot enlist the aid of other people to sell for you if you are under the age of 18. If it is found you have done so, you will both be forced to pack up and leave with no refund of your rental.

23. Do I belong in the Artists' Alley or the Dealers' Room?
    That's a good question, and one that has been explored at many conventions. Think about what you're selling and your set up.

    Questions for the prospective Artists' Alley participant: Is all the work you do original, handmade work? Do you have more handmade work than ordered items with your work on it? This might include the items mentioned above in the question related to what can be sold, so long as quantities of what you've got are within reasonable limits.

    Questions for the prospective Dealers' Room participant: Are you selling officially licensed merchandise, as well as a lot of shirts, books, and various other items with your work on them? Do you mass produce items? For example, if instead of 3 prints of each piece you have 30 of each, instead of 20 of each button you have 500, instead of 30 comic books you have 100 or more, etc.

24. This is my first Artists' Alley. Do you have any advice?
    Yes, of course! We have a page with all sorts of advice called the Beginners Guide that was created by the collaborative effort of several veteran artists over the years.

    Also, the Anime Boston forum is a good source of information.

25. I heard there are Artist Activities at this con. What are they, and can I join?
    You can find information about the Artist Activities in both the forums and on the Art Track page. These are organized by Kathy Lawton and Nikki O'Shea.

    In previous years we have had hand made Artists' Alley Trading Cards (AATC) and also worked with a card game manufacturer to make the Conventional Combat Card Game (CCCG), both of which were successful. In any case, it's usually fun! Check those locations for more information.

    If you have a suggestion for an activity or an artist, please email Kathy or Nikki with your suggestion.

26. Can I play music, videos, or video games at my table?
    Generally, no.

    Music can be all right if used respectfully. Keep it low - maybe just loud enough for yourself but not loud enough to bother your neighbors. It should not be used as a way to attract people to your table, since this causes traffic jams and things are already tight.

    The only time it will be acceptable to have a TV or computer showing games/videos is if that is the medium you work in and you are showing off your stuff. However, if your display depends entirely on electronic devices, you may want to rethink this since electricity is generally of limited availability.

27. Do I have to be at my table 24/7? Is it okay to leave occasionally?
    We don't care how long you sit at your table. You paid for it. As long as you check in, it's your table.

    However, we recommend that instead of leaving it empty, find someone to help run your table when you are gone. If you know you'll only be there on Saturday, offer to allow someone to use it on Friday or Sunday or both. It's not terribly considerate to artists who didn't get space in the Alley and it doesn't reflect well on you to the membership that comes through and sees your table empty.

    If you share your table, you are allowed to seek compensation for it, however you cannot ask for more money than the table is worth. If we hear that people have paid more to share a table then they would have if they'd been able to rent one on their own, we will take corrective action.

    Please inform the Artists' Alley staff if you will be doing this, so that we do not kick anyone out for "squatting" without cause.

28. Can I have food at my table?
    You can eat at your table, but you cannot sell, raffle or otherwise give away food. The Hynes Convention center prohibits this. This is why you do not see Pocky in the Dealers' Room.

    Also, please be careful to avoid making a mess of your lunch all over your neighbor.

29. How do I get in the Art Show?
    Contact the Art Show Manager. Artists' Alley management, while in the same location as the Art Show, is not in charge of the Art Show.
30. Can I hold raffles at my table?
    Yes you can, but only for your own work. You cannot raffle off food and we don't want to see you raffling off 25 copies of Dumb and Dumber on VHS. The Artists' Alley is for your creative pieces, it is not [necessarily] a flea market.
31. What are the table size limits and why did you change them?
    There will be a limited number of 8-foot tables given out on a first-come, first-served basis. After that limit has been reached, the largest space that any artist can request is a 6-foot table.

    This was done to help alleviate the high demand issue the community has on space. It was also to help traffic issues by changing the layout of the map a little.

    Note: There will likely be people with spaces across table cracks because we will be required to still use 8 foot tables for the setup of part of the room. The number of 8 foot tables on the map does NOT represent the number of 8 foot spaces being given out.

32. Why did the table prices go up this year?
    Demand keeps increasing, but supply cannot increase.
33. What are some other rules I can get in trouble for if I don't follow them?
    Do not use any aliases during the sign-up process. Aliases are only used in a specific part of the table rental process. Anyone found signing up with an alias will lose their table, no refund. Anyone with an alias who slips through will get double-charged at pre-registration pick up because you will not match your drivers' license (or other acceptable state-issued identification).

    Do not pass your Anime Boston badge to someone else. If you have already purchased a convention registration prior to signing up for a table, then we need to know about it. You will have the opportunity to tell us before completion of Step 2 (see "How/When do I rent table space in the Artists' Alley?"). If you complete Step 2 without telling us you have already purchased a convention registration, there will be no refund for a double purchase in your name, and if you try to get around it by passing it on, we will cancel your registration. Because...

    The convention registration and Artists' Alley table purchase must match. This also means you can't place a hold for someone else who is afraid they won't get in and then pass the table space off to them. The Letter of Intent serves that purpose and there is ample time to submit.

    If you take money for a commission, you must deliver. It doesn't matter if you are a hobbyist or a professional - commitment is commitment and money has been exchanged. We can and will ban those who fail to follow through. In continuation of that...

    If you have quoted a customer one price for a piece, you cannot demand more money than has been agreed upon when they come to pick up the commission. If it came out soooo good, you can raise your prices for the next one who comes along, or ask for the permission of your patron to make prints.

34. I didn't get a table. What can I do now?
    Unfortunately, the space for the Artists' Alley is limited and not all applicants are guaranteed a table. However, sometimes accepted artists are willing to share.

    In the [inevitable] event that the Artists' Alley is full, table sharing is permitted. However, there are several ground rules that must be followed by both the renter of the table and the artist borrowing space.

    Once the Artists' Alley has been fully booked, a thread will be started in the Anime Boston forum where artists can request or offer table space. This thread will be started by the Artists' Alley Manager, so please wait for it. Be reasonable in your requests - you are more likely to receive 2 feet of space than 6 feet.

    • Artists MAY NOT CHARGE more than $20 for every 1 foot of space. Tables may NOT be sublet for profit.
    • The same space rules still apply, INCLUDING the amount of people per table.
    • The artist who originally rented the table must contact the Artists' Alley manager to inform her of the sale and provide the information of the artist who is sharing space.

35. Legal Provisions
    Participants of the Artists' Alley must agree to the following legal provisions:

    INSURANCE - Artist acknowledges that neither Anime Boston, the New England Anime Society, Inc., the Hynes Convention Center, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA), the Sheraton Boston, nor Starwood Lodging Corporation maintains insurance covering Artist's property and it is the Sole Responsibility of Artist to obtain such insurance.

    HOLD HARMLESS - Artist agrees to assume all risk, and to indemnify and hold harmless Anime Boston, The New England Anime Society, Inc., the Hynes Convention Center, the MCCA, the Sheraton Boston, Starwood Lodging Corporation, its Owners, their respective officials, subsidiaries, agents, affiliates, operators, officers, volunteers and employees (hereafter "the Indemnifed Parties") from and against any and all claims, demands, defense costs, liability, expense, or damages of any kind arising out of or in connection with Anime Boston's or New England Anime Society's use of the leased premises or arising out of any act or omission of Anime Boston, New England Anime Society, or any of Anime Boston's or New England Anime Society's employees, agents, contractors, representatives, patrons, guests or invitees; excepting such claims, demands, defense costs, liability, expense, or damages arising out of the sole negligence of one or more of the Indemnifed Parties.

    RESPONSIBILITY - Artist assumes responsibility and agrees to defend the Indemnifed Parties from and against any and all claims, demands, defense costs, liability, expense or damages of any kind arising out of or in connection with Artist's, Anime Boston's, or New England Anime Society's use of the leased premises. Neither Anime Boston, New England Anime Society, nor the Indemnifed Parties will be responsible for any injury, loss or damage that may occur to Artist, Artist's employees, or property from any cause whatsoever.

    LIABILITY - Anyone visiting, viewing, or otherwise participating in Artist's exhibit is deemed to be the invitee or licensee of Artist, rather than the invitee or licensee of Anime Boston or New England Anime Society. Neither Anime Boston nor New England Anime Society shall be liable for any injury whatsoever to the persons conducting or otherwise participating in the conduct of Artist's exhibit or to invitees, licensees or guests of Artist. Artist assumes full responsibility for the actions of its agents, employees, or independent contractors, whether acting within or without the scope of their authority and agrees to hold harmless the Indemnifed Parties from responsibility or liability resulting directly or indirectly, or jointly, from other causes which arise because of the actions or omissions of its agents, employees, or independent contractors.

    WARRANTY - There is no other agreement or warranty between Artist and Anime Boston/New England Anime Society except as set forth in this document. The rights of Anime Boston and New England Anime Society under this contract shall not be deemed waived except as specifcally stated in writing and signed by an authorized officer of Anime Boston or New England Anime Society. Any action which Anime Boston/New England Anime Society or Artist may bring against each other, based upon or in any way relating to this document or its performance, shall be brought in the Boston Municipal Court located within the County of Sufolk, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Anime Boston/New England Anime Society and Artist hereby waive all defenses concerning personal jurisdiction and/or venue in order to give efect to this provision.