How To Exhibit Your Art: Key Exhibition Questions To Know

UK artist Kerwin Blackburn answers some key questions about exhibiting your artwork as an independent artist or creative – and offers tips for planning your own exhibition

As a creative, embarking on the exhilarating journey of exhibiting your art opens the doors to a myriad of opportunities, and also challenges. As a UK artist who has organised their own series of exhibitions, in this blog post, the first of a two-part guide about how to exhibit your art as an independent artist, I answer some key questions about art exhibitions that people ask.

Read the main part of the guide, with practical tips, in my second blog post: How To Organise Your Own Art Exhibition: 12 Things To Know

An art exhibition is a curated presentation of an artist’s work, providing a platform to showcase and sell their creativity to a wider audience. It serves as a visual narrative, allowing artists to share their perspectives, themes, and skills with the public in a dedicated space, such as a gallery.

From understanding the purpose of an exhibition to practical considerations like budgeting, venue selection, and engaging with your audience, this two-part guide serves as your compass through the intricate terrain of showcasing your creativity.

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or stepping into the gallery spotlight for the first time, these insights provide a roadmap to turn your artistic aspirations into a captivating and successful exhibition.

Kerwin’s 12 Steps For Organising Your Own Art Exhibition

In part two of this art exhibition blog guide, I discuss the following 12 steps to follow to organise your own successful art exhibition. Once you have read through the key questions in this post, click here to read part two: How To Organise Your Own Art Exhibition: 12 Things To Know

But first, read on below to learn more about the purpose of art exhibitions in showcasing your art to the world.

1. What is an Art Exhibition?

An art exhibition is a curated presentation of an artist’s work, serving as a visual narrative that transcends the confines of studio walls. An exhibition typically offers the chance for an artist to publicly showcase the results of their hard work creating in their studio. Beyond showcasing creativity, exhibitions amplify an artist’s voice, offering exposure to a large and diverse audience.

While some exhibitions aim for immediate sales, others focus on broader goals like recognition, influence, networking and relationship-building with potential buyers or art industry professionals. Whether seeking commercial success or artistic acclaim, exhibitions stand as dynamic platforms to convey stories, evoke emotions, and establish a lasting connection between the artist and the observer.

2. Where Are Art Exhibitions Held?

Art exhibitions can be held in diverse venues, ranging from traditional galleries and museums to unconventional spaces like warehouses, pop-up venues, and outdoor locations.

Galleries and museums offer curated environments specifically designed for art display, while non-traditional spaces provide artists with unique opportunities for creative expression. Cultural institutions, community centres, and even virtual platforms have also become popular venues, expanding the accessibility of art exhibitions.

The choice of venue depends on the artist’s vision, the nature of the artworks, and the desired interaction between the art and its audience.

I have exhibited my By Kerwin artwork in a diverse range of settings – from a city-centre commercial hub in Norwich, UK, to a converted shipping container at Boxpark in London, to a 700-year old converted chapel crypt space. It’s fun to display my art in different environments to create different moods.

3. Group vs. Solo Exhibition

In the realm of art exhibitions, the choice between a group and a solo showcase holds distinct significance. Group exhibitions involve multiple artists sharing a space, fostering diversity in styles and mediums. Group shows often appeal to artists who do not yet have a large enough body of work for a solo exhibition, or who prefer to tap into the network effects of exhibiting alongside other creatives (such as sharing one another’s audiences or splitting exhibition costs).

On the contrary, a solo exhibition centres on the individual artist’s body of work, offering a concentrated exploration of their creative universe. While our focus leans towards solo exhibitions in this guide, the insights provided are universally applicable, ensuring a comprehensive understanding for artists venturing into both group and solo exhibition territories.

I have organised several successful solo exhibitions of my art brand ‘By Kerwin’ in Norwich. I have not exhibited in group exhibitions, although I have participated in several professional art fairs (a slightly different type of exhibition) in London and New York. Explore all my previous art exhibitions here.

4. What Types of Art Can I Exhibit?

Let’s keep it simple: you can exhibit pretty much any type of art! Whether it’s paintings, sculptures, digital art, or something experimental like installations, the choice is yours. Pick pieces that not only show off your skills but also represent your unique style.

Don’t limit yourself – this is your chance to let your creativity run wild. Just make sure whatever you choose speaks to who you are as an artist. So, feel free to mix and match different mediums to create a diverse and engaging exhibition that truly reflects your artistic flair.

My own ‘By Kerwin’ artwork that I exhibit centres around my unique style of acrylic pop art canvas paintings. However, I also exhibit my painted vinyl records, alongside my range of framed prints, homeware merchandise and clothing. I find that having this variety of products – all built around my colourful pop art, music-inspired theme – is an effective way to build engagement and interest in my artwork among exhibition visitors.

Many artists also enjoy success when exhibiting both their paintings and sculpture together. It definitely helps to have your exhibition appeal to different senses – just make sure all the pieces on display work together in the same narrative story.

Adding Visual & Musical Dimensions to Your Art Exhibition

At my Winter 2023 exhibition in Norwich I also showcased the By Kerwin Art Exhibition House & Disco DJ Mix – a work in art itself produced by my cousin Danny Blackburn. Having a musical component to accompany visitors was an incredibly effective feature of this exhibition.

At all of my shows since my debut exhibition in 2020 I have also featured a TV playing my exciting, behind-the-scenes time-lapse videos of my paintings being created. This is very effective at communicating my art story to visitors.

5. Do Artists Make Money from Art Exhibitions?

Art exhibitions can be more than just a fun experience and visual spectacle – they can be financially rewarding too. While artists might not receive direct payment for showcasing their work (unless they decide to charge a fee for exhibition entry – which I’d strongly advise AGAINST when organising your own show), exhibitions offer opportunities for income through art sales and exposure.

The potential for sales during or after an exhibition can contribute significantly to an artist’s income. Additionally, artists may secure commissions, collaborations, or attract patrons who value their work. So, while the immediate payment might not come from the exhibition itself, the financial benefits can extend far beyond the gallery walls.

As an artist with a predominantly e-commerce approach to selling my art through www.bykerwin.com, my exhibitions provide excellent photo and video opportunities that are invaluable in boosting my online presence. Taking photos of visitors and recording radio or interview pieces live from my exhibitions are also incredibly helpful in bringing my art brand to life on the internet and to generating online sales.

6. What Do I Need for My Art Exhibition?

Simply put – you need a lot to pull off a successful art exhibition. There is a lot more to it than just hanging art on walls. The bulk of my art exhibition guide focuses on 12 areas you need to consider when organising your own exhibition, and covers the essential items you need.

For now, just know that to prepare for your art exhibition you should ensure you have the essentials for a seamless showcase. Begin with sturdy display materials to present your artwork professionally. Invest in eye-catching signage to guide visitors through your creative journey. Don’t forget promotional materials – create a buzz with flyers, posters, and online promotion.

Equip yourself with business cards; they’re a simple yet effective way for attendees to connect with you. A well-rounded exhibition toolkit not only enhances your presentation but also leaves a lasting impression, laying the foundation for meaningful connections and potential opportunities.

7. How Many Paintings Do I Need for a Solo Art Exhibition?

This is a difficult question with no right answer – it’s the art equivalent of asking ‘how long is a piece of string?’ From experience, I would suggest 30-50 core artworks, such as paintings. You may also have other associated smaller pieces, print editions or merchandise to help fill your venue.

Finding the right quantity of artworks for your solo exhibition is an art in itself. Strike a balance between variety and cohesion. Aim for a collection that’s substantial enough to captivate your audience, yet cohesive enough to tell a compelling story. Consider the size of the venue and the attention span of your viewers.

Whether it’s a dozen pieces or a more extensive display, ensure each artwork contributes to the narrative, creating an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

8. How Much Does an Art Exhibition Cost?

Budgeting for your art exhibition is crucial for a successful showcase. Again, the answer to this question depends many factors.

Exhibition costs vary, encompassing venue fees, promotional materials, and display essentials. Begin by outlining all potential costs, considering additional expenses like catering or event staff. Explore funding options such as grants, sponsorships, or crowdfunding to offset expenditures. From experience, there will also likely be extra unseen costs, such as last-minute hanging materials and artwork packaging, so it’s helpful to have reserve funds too.

While costs can vary widely, a well-planned budget ensures financial clarity and helps avoid unnecessary stress. Remember, the investment in your exhibition is an investment in your artistic journey, fostering both exposure and potential returns.

Now I’ve answered a few key questions you may have about organising and managing your own successful art exhibition, I urge you to explore the 12 fundamental things ANY artist needs to know to make their showcase a successful one. Read the next part of my two-part art exhibition guide here: How To Organise Your Own Art Exhibition: 12 Things To Know

What other questions do you have about organising an art exhibition? Email me to let me know. You can explore my full range of pop art style paintings and shop prints in my online shop.

Read another of my helpful guides, this time about developing your own unique artistic style, here. While you’re on my site, you can also explore my series of previous art exhibitions here as well as the rest of my blog here.

My full range of Jackson Pollock-inspired acrylic paintings can be viewed at www.bykerwin.com – the originals and prints of these are available to purchase, with worldwide delivery. You can follow my art progress on Instagram and Facebook.