How To Organise Your Own Art Exhibition: 12 Things To Know

A comprehensive guide by UK artist Kerwin Blackburn about how to create your own successful art exhibition, with valuable tips for any aspiring creative

As an aspiring artist or creative, embarking on the journey of organising your own art exhibition is a thrilling endeavour that can elevate your creative work to a wider audience and kickstart your art career. In this blog post, I explore 12 essential steps that every artist must consider when organising their own exhibition.

While professional art galleries traditionally manage exhibitions of the artists they represent, in the modern-day this does not act as a barrier for aspiring, independent creatives looking to break into the art world.

As a UK artist who has developed their own unique style of pop art paintings and built their own art brand, over the last few years I have planned, organised and hosted my own series of solo art exhibitions. These have helped me reach an audience of thousands of art enthusiasts and sell tens of thousands of pounds worth of art in the process.

Organising your own art exhibition involves many steps. Clarify your purpose, set a budget and choose a suitable venue. Create a great promotional plan, invest in professional display materials, leverage your network for support and collaborations and plan memorable ways to engage your audience.

What To Expect In This Blog Guide

From the basics of what defines an art exhibition to the intricacies of venue selection, marketing strategies, and beyond, this comprehensive guide equips you with the knowledge to curate a successful showcase of your artistic vision. Let’s transform your artistic aspirations into a captivating exhibition that generates attention and critical acclaim.

In the first part of this two-part guide to organising your own art exhibition, I answered some key art exhibition questions. These ranged from asking what is an art exhibition, to discussing Group versus Solo shows, and how artist make money from exhibitions. Read this blog post here: How To Exhibit Your Art: Key Exhibition Questions To Know

Step Into The Exciting World of Organising Your Own Art Exhibition

Although you may be excited at the thought of exhibiting your art as a creative, it can be tricky knowing where to start.

Organising your own art exhibition involves many important steps. Clarify your exhibition purpose, set a budget, and choose a suitable venue. Create a comprehensive promotional plan, invest in professional presentation materials, leverage your network for support and collaborations.

Then, plan memorable ways to engage your audience, including an attention-grabbing opening Private View night. Maintain detailed documentation, build connections, manage sales and transactions effectively, and follow up post-exhibition for ongoing engagement and opportunities.

As an independent UK artist who has successfully organised their own series of art exhibitions to launch and grow their own art brand and range of paintings, I recommend covering the 12 areas below when planning your own solo (or even group) exhibition.

12 Steps For Organising Your Own Art Exhibition:

Organising your own art exhibition involves many important steps. I have grouped these into these 12 key areas:

I discuss each of these steps in detail below.

1. Define Your Exhibition Purpose & Goals

Begin your art exhibition journey by defining its purpose. Ask yourself why you want to showcase your work. Is it for exposure, sales, or to share a particular theme or message?

Clarifying your purpose and exhibition goals not only shapes the overall direction of your exhibition but also guides subsequent decisions. Whether aiming for commercial success, artistic recognition, or personal expression, a clear purpose serves as the foundation for an impactful showcase.

This step sets the tone for your entire exhibition, ensuring that each artwork contributes meaningfully to the narrative you wish to convey to your audience.

2. Create a Cohesive Body of Work

Crafting a captivating narrative through your artworks is pivotal for a solo art exhibition. Strive for a harmonious blend where each piece contributes to a unified theme, creating an immersive experience for your audience.

While variety adds intrigue, maintaining a consistent thread weaves your individual works into a larger, more compelling story. Think of your exhibition as a visual journey, guiding viewers through a curated exploration of your artistic evolution. By striking this delicate balance between diversity and cohesion, you not only engage your audience but also leave a lasting and impactful impression.

While your exhibition should focus on your current body of work that you are promoting, you may also want to include works from earlier stages of your art journey. This allows visitors to better understand your art journey and can showcase the evolution of your own artistic ability and style.

At my own ‘Pop! Goes The Easel’ 2023 Norwich exhibition, I featured my 2012 abstract seascape paintings alongside my By Kerwin pop art music icons. Visitors were keen to know how my style progressed between the two, which was a helpful way to build engagement.

3. Establishing a Budget

Before the curtain rises on your solo art exhibition, meticulously plan your finances. Start by itemising all potential expenses – from venue fees to promotional materials and even refreshments. A clear budget not only avoids financial surprises but also allows for strategic decision-making.

Explore diverse funding options, be it grants, sponsorships, or even crowdfunding. Consider forging partnerships with local businesses or art organisations to share costs. A well-thought-out budget not only ensures the smooth execution of your exhibition but also empowers you to make informed choices that align with your artistic vision.

I have secured sponsorship from Suffolk, UK drinks brand Adnams for the Private View evenings of a couple of my Norwich art exhibitions. This meant they provided many bottles of Prosecco and soft drinks in exchange for displaying their logo and branding at my exhibition, and providing photos they can use for their own social media platforms.

From experience, there will also likely be extra unseen costs, such as last-minute hanging and artwork packaging materials, so it’s helpful to have reserve funds too.

4. Choosing the Right Venue

Selecting the perfect venue sets the stage for a memorable exhibition. Consider the venue’s size, ensuring it accommodates your artworks while fostering an intimate viewing experience.

Location matters – choose a spot that attracts your target audience, with sufficient footfall of visitors. The venue’s atmosphere should harmonise with your artistic theme, enhancing the overall impact of your exhibition.

Whether it’s a gallery, studio, or unconventional space, aligning the venue with the essence of your artworks ensures that your exhibition becomes not just a display but an immersive journey for your audience.

Time of year matters too – does your artwork have a seasonal element to it, or will your venue experience more visitors at a certain time of year? The build-up to Christmas is always a popular exhibition time, so consider the implications of the festive rush for your venue.

My debut solo exhibition in December 2020 at The Forum, Norwich was an ideal location for my first show. This is Norwich’s main library and one of its key social hubs and main car parks too, which provided endless footfall – all of whom saw my exhibition when passing through. Meanwhile, my other Norwich venue, the Crypt Gallery, provided stunning architecture that strikingly contrasted with my paintings, for a unique visitor experience.

5. Promotion and Marketing Strategies

Elevate your exhibition from the studio to the spotlight with a robust marketing plan. Craft a comprehensive strategy that embraces diverse channels to reach your audience. Create a catchy exhibition title too – such as my ‘Pop! Goes The Easel’ exhibition in 2023. Leverage the power of social media platforms for widespread visibility, sharing sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes content to build anticipation.

Forge partnerships with local press, radio and art influencers to amplify your reach within the community. Collaborate with fellow artists or businesses to cross-promote, creating a network of support. By strategically navigating the promotional landscape, you transform your exhibition into a must-attend event, ensuring your art reaches its fullest potential audience.

I’ve found that inviting local art colleges or educational groups along to your exhibition is a great way to increase your reach. Make sure your event is listed on local online ‘What’s On’ pages to further generate buzz around your exhibition.

Consider theming certain days of your exhibition to add variety and more points of interest too – such as when I hosted ‘Purple Day’ at my Norwich 2023 exhibition to celebrate my purple paintings.

Yourself, the artist, as an asset

As part of your promotion, consider how you will present yourself as an artist at your exhibition. What will you wear; does your personal image reflect the theme and values of your brand? Consider getting some professional media training or workshops to develop your communication skills, so you’re perfectly placed to represent your art in the best possible way.

People really appreciate being able to speak directly to the artist at their exhibition – many artists are too aloof or inaccessible to be present for visitors, so your visibility will go a long way.

Fill your exhibition will fun and interesting features

In addition to your artwork, consider what else you will have on display to enhance the visitor experience and communicate the story of your brand and artwork.

At all of my exhibition and art shows I have a TV playing my exciting, behind-the-scenes timelapse videos of my paintings being created. This is very effective at communicating my art story and technique to visitors.

Other fun features include my light-up neon By Kerwin sign, a fun DJ mix to accompany my artwork, and a comprehensive range of prints, merchandise and clothing to capture visitors’ attention. At my ‘Pop! Goes The Easel’ 2023 Norwich exhibition I also had a celebratory exhibition cake featuring my artwork too!

Your art exhibition should be so much more than just your artwork displayed on the walls – it should be an immersive experience that brings your unique artistic spirit to life.

6. Opening Night, or Private View Night, and Beyond

Make your mark from the very start with a memorable opening night that captivates attendees and generates buzz. An alternative to this is a more formal Private View Night, complete with a drinks reception, early on (usually within the first two or three days of a show) to formally open it.

Plan the event thoughtfully, incorporating elements that reflect your artistic vision and create a welcoming atmosphere. Consider organising artist talks or live demonstrations during the exhibition, providing a unique opportunity for deeper engagement. Extend the impact beyond the opening night by scheduling special events or activities throughout the exhibition’s duration.

By infusing dynamic elements into your exhibition calendar, you not only attract attention initially but also sustain interest, fostering a continued connection between your art and its appreciative audience. Consider approach local drinks or food companies to provide refreshments – this is a great to reduce costs while also increasing your audience reach.

7. Professional Presentation

Elevate your exhibition’s visual allure by investing in top-notch presentation materials. Opt for high-quality frames and display stands that complement your artworks, adding a touch of professionalism.

Deliberately arrange your pieces, considering the flow and visual impact. A cohesive and aesthetically pleasing layout enhances the overall experience, guiding viewers seamlessly through your artistic narrative.

Consider how you will package the artworks or merchandise that visitors purchase; art should be well-wrapped and convey why it is worth what buyers have paid. Thank-you notes, logo stickers, and business cards are also easy professional touchpoints that go a long way.

8. Networking and Collaborations

Forge connections that extend beyond the canvas by leveraging your network for support and collaborations. Engage with fellow artists, art enthusiasts, and potential patrons. Explore partnerships with local businesses, art organisations, or sponsors to widen your reach.

Collaborative efforts not only bring diverse perspectives to your exhibition but also create a network of support that can extend well beyond the event, opening doors to future opportunities and enriching your artistic journey.

9. Documentation and Record-Keeping

Preserve the legacy of your exhibition through meticulous documentation and record-keeping. Maintain a comprehensive catalogue detailing each artwork, including titles, dimensions, and prices. This not only facilitates smooth transactions but also aids in post-exhibition follow-ups.

Embrace the power of visual storytelling by investing in professional photography; striking images not only document your creations but serve as invaluable promotional assets. A well-maintained record ensures that your exhibition’s impact is not ephemeral, providing a lasting record of your artistic journey and a foundation for future endeavours.

Don’t just rely on people to take amateur photos on their regular phones – it’s worth investing in a professional photographer to take high-quality snaps. These photos could be in circulation and help promote your art for years to come, long after the actual exhibition has ended.

Also consider completing a risk-assessment for your exhibition too; many venues will require this. Most venues will also require you to have insurance before exhibiting too (Public and Products Liability to be precise). I use the a-n artists insurance scheme in the UK – Contact me for further advice on this subject.

10. Engaging with Your Audience

Transform your exhibition into a dynamic dialogue by actively fostering engagement with your audience. Encourage feedback and discussions, inviting viewers to share their interpretations and connect with your artistic narrative. Enhance the viewer’s experience by providing insightful information about your creative process; this personal touch adds depth to their understanding and appreciation of your artworks.

By creating an interactive space that invites curiosity and conversation, you not only forge a deeper connection with your audience but also cultivate a community that values and supports your artistic expression.

Have a guestbook where visitors can write comments and leave their email addresses so you can follow up with them and add them to your email lists. Also consider asking visitors to take their own photos of your exhibition and to send these to you to use (with their permission), and to share on their own social media platforms among friends.

11. Handling Sales and Transactions

Navigate the business side of your exhibition with finesse by establishing clear policies for sales. Define your payment methods and communicate transparently about delivery options, ensuring a smooth transaction process. Implement a robust system to track sales and manage inventory, preventing any hiccups in the purchasing journey.

Clarity in your sales process not only instils confidence in potential buyers but also streamlines the operational aspects of your exhibition. By seamlessly managing transactions, you create an environment where the focus remains on the appreciation and acquisition of your art.

If you plan on taking sales at your exhibition, I would recommend investing in a professional payment terminal to speed up your transactions and provide convenience to buyers. As my website is Woocommerce, I use the recommended Woocommerce terminal – this came with a moderate upfront cost and no monthly fees, so is the perfect option for me.

12. Post-Exhibition Follow-Up

As the curtain falls on your exhibition, extend your appreciation to attendees and supporters. Express gratitude through personalised thank-you notes or messages, acknowledging their role in making the event a success. Leverage the exhibition experience as a launching pad for future opportunities and collaborations.

Consider adding a dedicated section on your website with stories, blog posts, and captivating photos from the exhibition to prolong its impact. Harness the power of email newsletters, using platforms like MailChimp, to thank attendees, share highlights, and maintain connections. Cultivate these relationships; you never know where future opportunities and purchase from previous exhibition visitors may emerge.

Bonus Tip: Continuous Learning and Improvement

Embrace the journey as an ongoing process by reflecting on your exhibition’s success and areas for improvement. Take time to assess audience reactions, feedback, and your own insights. Consider what worked exceptionally well and where adjustments could enhance the experience. Apply these lessons learned to refine your approach for future exhibitions and artistic endeavours.

A commitment to continuous learning not only elevates the quality of your exhibitions but propels your artistic evolution. Each exhibition becomes a stepping stone, contributing to a dynamic, ever-improving narrative that defines and refines your artistic identity.

Conclusion

Organising your own art exhibition is a transformative venture that transcends the mere showcasing of artworks; it is a journey of self-discovery, community engagement, and creative evolution. From the initial spark of ideation to the post-exhibition reflections, each step contributes to a narrative that extends beyond the gallery walls. A well-executed exhibition will continue to attract attention and elevate your reputation as an artist well beyond the physical closing of the exhibition.

As we get to the end of this comprehensive guide, remember that an art exhibition is not merely a moment but a continuum. Express gratitude, foster connections, and cherish the insights gained. Let each exhibition serve as a canvas for continuous learning and improvement, propelling you forward in your artistic odyssey.

I hope your exhibitions not only showcase your art but also unfold a story of growth, collaboration, and the enduring magic of artistic expression. I’d love to hear your thoughts on my tips discussed above! Let me know what you think.

Which is the most useful exhibition tip I discussed above? What other key points would you add to the list? Contact me for more advice about your next art exhibition – you can also explore my own online shop for my full range of pop art paintings and prints

Read my helpful guide to 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 about pop art and the business of art here. You can read the first part of art exhibition blog guide here: How To Exhibit Your Art: Key Exhibition Questions To Know

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.