Setting up an art exhibition can be a creative, fulfilling endeavor in and of itself. However, it does require some planning because it can get really challenging whether it’s your first time or not. That is why we have come up with these tips to help you plan the best art show ever.
#1. Get a venue
For an art show, you will need a venue with a lot of space to display your work. You could use a café, gallery or even a library. To get the perfect venue, you will need to start searching early. You could be asked to rent the place or the owner might even give it to you free of charge depending on how well you sell the idea. Make sure the venue is in an area that is popular or easily located and meets up with your requirements like enough parking space, toilets etc.
#2. Develop a theme
The name of your event should say it all! It should be descriptive, intriguing and one that links all the different works together, as each artist interprets the theme however they see fit. You need to choose a theme that’s flexible enough to allow each artist the freedom to express his or herself, but also structured enough to create a cohesive collection of works. For inspiration, check out other art shows to have an idea of the names they choose, then work on them to make yours even better and work well for you.
#3. Recruit artists and choose pieces
This is one of the most important aspects and should be carefully and well done. Look out for talented artists in your community who have great work and invite them to submit a few pieces for the group show. Let it be a combination of both successful and upcoming artistes as already established ones can bring up the crowd or audience you need. You need to maintain a high quality of work, so ensure you choose pieces that are completed to a high standard. Choose a variety of mediums and styles, and focus on the artists who have the most unique interpretations of your theme.
#4. Advertisement
Event marketing is all about spreading the word. There are so many ways you can advertise your event starting from putting it on your website, mail, TV, radio, newspaper advertisements and signs posted up about town. Not forgetting social media which is one of the most effective means these days. Most of the social media channels are free and a great platform to reach out to the entire world. Word of mouth should also be included. You can add a few picture of your collection in the adverts so people can see what you have in store for them.
#5. Install the artwork
This is the most exciting part of the work but also very important. The arrangement is very important to the success of the show and says a lot. Try to give the viewers something creative, fresh and exciting they have never seen before. Most likely people that are coming to the show are people that have been to other art shows as well. So you need to give them something delightful and new. Always ask artists for their ideas on installation and placement they might have great ideas you haven’t thought of. Allow artists time to check their works are installed correctly.
#6. Entertainment
Usually in art shows not much entertainment is required. Just a soft music playing on the background will do.
#7. Drinks
Most times wine is served. You can get a sponsor for this to reduce your budget. Try to avoid alcohol as much as possible. You can get someone to serve them or better still place them on a nicely decorated table.
No doubt having an art work requires a lot of work and could be challenging. It will definitely be worth it when you see everything going well
Good luck