The Art of Hosting Your Own Exhibition

Hosting your own art exhibition can be an exciting and empowering experience. Whether you’re interested in showcasing your work solo or collaborating with other artists, developing your own exhibit can be a rewarding experience. Taking charge allows you to not only build connections, but also control the creative vision and marketing . Here are some key points to consider to help you bring your vision to life.

VISION

• Solo or Group Show - a group show can have many benefits: costs are distributed, larger audience, opportunity for new collaborations

• Select a Theme - this is highly beneficial for marketing and creating an experience to remember

VENUE

• Artist Studios - in Demand Art Studios will be offering this option SOON

• Vacant Office/Retail space

• Vacant Homes

• Cafes, Restaurants or Boutiques

MARKETING

• Create standardized marketing materials to be used for flyers, invites, Social Media, etc. If it’s a group exhibit you want to have consistency and make it easy for people to promote

• Promote, promote, promote. Promote early and often, start 6 weeks before and promote daily the week of, you really can’t over do it.

• Reach out to local media, bloggers and event websites

• Post flyers in art supply stores, coffee shops, cafes, interior designs shops, etc.

RECEPTION

• Consider thinking outside the box - In addition to a reception, you can host a variety of events in the space. Events could be artists talks, demos, workshops, wine tasting with a sommelier, poetry slam, game night, etc. Every event is an opportunity for a new audience to view the art on display.

• Have a raffle with the prize being something very desirable, ideally original art. Select the winner at the reception and you must be present to win.

• Drinks are expected so don’t be a cheapster, live music or painting are a nice touch

• Have a welcome/registration table to greet guests and collect contact information

If you’re tired of waiting to get gallery representation and a solo show, roll up your sleeves and get to work, you are capable of creating your own magic. Remember, this doesn’t mean that you give up on the gallery dream, it just means your moving the needle closer!