exhibits « Art Biz Blog

Art Marketing Action + Podcast: Ask for Clarification

Too often we flounder because we’re afraid of asking someone to clarify instructions for a grant proposal or exhibit submission. We’re afraid of the answer, so we’d rather guess. Or we’re lazy. Asking makes you look smart. Here are four benefits of asking for clarification. Here are four benefits of asking for clarification. [...]

Know when it’s time to move on to new exhibit venues

When something starts feeling too easy, you must reevaluate and make sure it’s serving your goals. You’ll never get anywhere by playing it safe. Moving beyond your comfort zone is a big step, but necessary if you want more from your art. [...]

Assessing juried exhibit opportunities, Part 1

Hanna Phelps, Digging to Australia. Oil on board, 6 x 8 inches. ©The Artist

How do you know when a juried exhibition opportunity is too good to pass up or is something that you should let pass you by?

You have to ask a lot of questions without allowing yourself to be intimidated by the person presenting the opportunity. Empower yourself by finding answers.

Hanna Phelps, Digging to Australia. Oil on board, 6 x 8 inches. ©The Artist

Ask yourself What do I expect to gain from being accepted into this exhibit? Note that your answer isn’t necessarily monetary. It might be as simple as “experience.” Or it could be that you want to be noticed by a particular juror. What is the best possible outcome? What is acceptable? And what is the worst possible outcome? Which one is easiest to live with and will it get me closer to my goals? Is there a “hole” in my résumé that might be filled by this exhibit? A [...]

Art Marketing Action: Get your art out of the studio

Your work isn’t doing you any good stuck in your studio. While you’re waiting for the ideal opportunity, your art is aging. As it ages, so do you. Your ideas get stale because you’re not sharing your art and getting feedback. You’re not growing. [...]

Art Marketing Action: Double check your publicity text

When you send an invitation or are notified that details are posted on your venue’s site, double check the information against the 5 Ws and 1 H. Providing all of the details will save you time answering emails and phone calls. Getting it right the first time will also reflect your professionalism. [...]

Podcast: Ask for sponsorship

Interested in having a sponsor for your art opening or event? Listen to learn about specific steps to take when presenting sponsorship opportunities to people and businesses that want to be in front of your audience.

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Promote an out-of-town event

Marietta, Georgia sculptor Steve Miller has a benefit sale in Chicago later this spring. How it came to be in Chicago is a story in itself, and Steve admits that he doesn’t have many connections in the Windy City. Still, he’d like to help the organization hosting the sale promote it.

While you can’t always be in the same town where your art is being exhibited, you can help promote the event from a distance. Here are ten suggestions.

1. Be clear on your responsibilities and those of the venue or other parties involved. Who takes care of press releases and invitations? Who pays for which expenses? Where is there overlap? These responsibilities should be outlined in writing. It’s essential to making sure that tasks aren’t duplicated or, worse, that you’re sending out a message that contradicts one from the venue.

2. [...]

Draft a Winning Exhibition Proposal

All good art exhibitions begin with a curatorial thesis. This thesis is the idea–the theme–that ties all of the artwork together.

When you consider submitting an exhibition proposal, keep in mind that you will be judged on the strength of your curatorial thesis. Make sure it is sound. Get very clear on what the exhibition is about before you sit down to draft your proposal.

Now, I’m not talking about asking to hang your work at a coffee shop or other lower-tier venue. I’m talking about those times when you want to approach a gallery or nonprofit space and are asked to submit an official proposal.

The first thing to do in these situations is to ask the venue if they have a particular exhibition proposal format they prefer. If they do, take careful notes and follow their wishes to a T. If they don’t have specific guidelines, here are the three major components you’ll [...]