Organizing an art exhibition can be a rewarding and creative project, especially if you are exhibiting your own artwork as well as those of other artists. It is not an undertaking without challenges and, to hit the mark, you will have to plan everything down to the smallest detail!
Steps
Step 1. Choose a theme
It is not enough to exhibit a good number of works of art, but it is necessary to find a common thread. Furthermore, one must be quite specific in choosing the theme, especially when it comes to unknown or little-known artists because, in this way, it is possible to attract an audience interested in the explored topic. For this reason, it is important not to be vague: an exhibition called "Lights and Shadows" will not attract many people.
A specific theme can also be of great help in solving practical aspects of the exhibition, such as the choice of the title and the selection of other artists
Step 2. Find other artists
Look for art clubs or flea markets, where talented artists can sometimes be found selling their works. Ask around to contact local artists. Works of art inspired by a single theme, or even in open contradiction to the main idea, will give the exhibition an excellent momentum.
Do not limit the choice of artists to a single expressive medium. You can create dynamic collaborations by considering painting, sculpture, portraiture, photography, glass art, musical performances and so on
Step 3. Find a suitable venue for the exhibition
Among other things, consider renting a studio, especially if you have good contacts within the arts community. The location will be chosen based on the size of the project, but warehouses, restaurants, bars, libraries and even private homes are generally suitable for the purpose. Make sure the venue you choose is neat, clean and spacious enough to host the exhibition.
- Make sure you choose a place that fits the theme of your work. A modern venue, with laminate floors and plain white or pale walls, will be perfect for almost any type of exhibition. However, events with an industrial, rural, dark, romantic or sterile atmosphere that would not fit well into a modern and comfortable environment are an exception.
- Pay special attention to the available lighting system. Both large windows and floor lighting are good, which can be very useful for illuminating works of art.
Step 4. Set the date
Give yourself enough time to organize everything, otherwise you would end up doing rough work that would negatively affect sales. Ideally, an exhibition should always be organized at the turn of a weekend, so that even those who work during the week have the opportunity to participate, along with families who often go on trips to exhibitions.
Choose a cold, rainy and gloomy period for the organization of the exhibition. It would be better not to compete with picnics and trips to the beach
Step 5. Set the prices
Consider all the expenses you have incurred, including those for renting the venue, for materials, for advertising, for your compensation and that of the artists, and any percentage to be allocated to charity. Evaluate the need for an entrance ticket.
Step 6. Show the merchant spirit in you
Don't just focus on selling works of art, but also aim for prints of works to sell in sets of five. If a percentage of the proceeds went to charity, there would be a better chance of attracting people and selling these works.
Step 7. Take care of the paperwork
Among other things, you will need insurance coverage for the exhibition (or the artists' signing of a waiver), a program and assistants to coordinate the collection and delivery of the artworks. In addition, the details for the display of each piece will be needed (how to present it, position it, hang it, light it, etc.), the notes of the artists to keep in a folder at hand during the event, a price list prices, models that are close to the works for the duration of the exhibition (taking turns with the artists) and many other logistical details. The best way to tackle this issue is to visit other events, exhibitions, galleries, discussing with the organizers who already have experience in the field of exhibitions.
Step 8. Advertise the exhibit
Create postcards that artists can send to guests. If it was a high-level event, make a press release. Put up posters near art schools, universities, trendy neighborhoods, bars, clubs or even on supermarket noticeboards. Contact local newspapers to let them know about the upcoming exhibition.
Step 9. Set up the exhibition space
Imagine how visitors might interact with the room. Obviously, the layout must have a continuous visual flow, but you must also physically direct people through spaces so that they become active participants and not mere spectators. Which piece should they admire first? In what direction should they go? Are there any dead zones? Maybe a difficult circulation would be better suited to the theme of the exhibition?
- You could add a description for each piece.
- Make sure there are signs to inform the public if it is possible to touch the works or interact with them.
- Prices must always be clearly visible.
- Transport the works with great care. The glass of the frames could break if you stack pieces that are too heavy. Arrange the artwork using common sense.
Step 10. Entertain guests with food and drinks
If you can afford it, offer champagne, wine and non-alcoholic cocktails with a buffet and appetizers. Alternatively, offer refreshments only during the exclusive grand opening by invitation.
- If you have organized an elegant event, offer a pleasant background music and a buffet with appetizers and single-portion foods, such as shrimp, falafel and small quiches.
- You could provide background music to enhance the experience, especially towards the end of the event when the guests start to leave.
Advice
- Make sure you give the artists proper credit. Offer them to join a debate to discuss their artwork with guests.
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Image Themed opening If you want to organize a themed event, ask the artists to wear clothes that match the chosen theme: high-class attire will be a must for an elegant event, while a Victorian-style evening will require dresses in line with that atmosphere. The organizers will also have to participate with themed outfits.
- Do the honors by introducing artists to potential buyers to spark conversation. He flits through the crowd like a perfect host.
- Make sure you hang the artwork at the right height. Commonly, an image should be arranged so that the center is one and a half meters above the ground.
- If you've organized a fundraiser, it may be a good idea to have an auction with an auctioneer or a silent auction.
