Show your art
Once you reach some consistency in your work (style and productivity), you need, as a professional artist, to show your art. The most traditional way, which has advantages and drawbacks, is finding art galleries, but the disruption of social media can offer you new possibilities.
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Artist fee for exhibition
Should I pay to exhibit my work
“I was contacted by a gallery in Italy. They offered to exhibit my work for a year for 800 Euros. I have never exhibited in an art gallery before. Should I accept this deal?”
Getting laid metaphor
The answer can be a question: Would you pay to have sex? Some people would never pay to have sex because it means the other person is not in love with them, so they are doing it for money. Or it could also hint that “if I had to pay means I am not attractive enough.” Some people don’t mind paying because “we all need to eat.” I compare these two questions because it all comes down to “Are you attractive enough for them to do it for free?”.
Before or after, not both
OK, let’s be serious for a second here. I would not pay to exhibit my work. When a gallery charges money to represent an artist, the gallery should not charge a 50% commission. There is a local gallery in Madrid called ‘White Lab’. They have two kinds of services:
- You pay 2500 to exhibit for 14 days; you do not pay commissions. They provide installation and customer service during opening hours on your behalf.
- You don’t pay anything to showcase your work there but will be charged a 50% commission. For me, this is fair. They hire several full-time employees and keep your artwork nicely illuminated. They ask 2500 to exhibit your work OR 50% commissions, which goes towards the salary, rent, and utility bills.
It should be a collaboration
Of course, every coin has two sides. There is another side to this story. A gallery owner told me she lost two of his best artists after years of collaboration and mentoring. These two artists left for a bigger gallery in the same town without hesitation. It’s not only unethical but also inhuman. Charging artists’ money is also a coping mechanism for many galleries.
The Bride Price
In China, there is a tradition called The Bride Price. The bride price is the money a man has to give to the future wife’s family when he marries her. Depending on your area, it can range from 5K to 50K. It offers a ‘startup capital’ for the new family and prevents the man from messing around with other girls.
I see that the gallery is the woman: ‘Are you serious with me?’ the artist is like the man: ‘Maybe I can find better.’ When a gallery commits, it spends time and money to promote the artist. So, the gallery wants its artists to commit, too. In some cases, with cash.
The deposit idea
However, I would rather have the artist pay an 800 deposit to the gallery. If he leaves the gallery before the contract ends, he loses the deposit. I am not sure if this is the best way to build trust, but it’s commonly done. For example, when you rent an apartment, you pay a deposit.
Contracting the gallery
If I were this artist, I would tell the gallery: Let’s sign a contract for X years; you represent me exclusively in Italy. I can send over X amount of paintings each year. I can send over 800 EUR for the first year. From the second year, you take that 800 out of my account. However, this money must go to my communication, such as website maintenance, social media promotion, or brochures and printouts. It is a win-win situation; they get the money, and you get communication. It also prevents the gallery from making a business out of selling dreams to artists.
Art exhibit predators
“There are these artist predators. They are looking out to take a buck from you. They realize how much artists want to exhibit. How desperate artists try to get in the door of an exhibition, so they take every measure to basically steal from artists. This is the kind of stuff that blows my mind because a lot of artists fall for it.”
– Jose Trujillo, artist
Where can I show my Art
If you are asking this question, you might be a young artist who is still at school or making art as a hobby and who has never had any experience in the art market. Now, you are ready to show your work to the world.
10 art exhibition type
First, let’s look at where an art exhibition can take place. Here, I have made a list of 10 venues where art exhibitions may take place:
- Auction houses
- Contemporary Art Museums
- Art galleries
- Cultural centers
- Art fairs/Art festivals
- Art and craft markets
- Artist Residencies
- Art themed cafes
- Other alternative private locations
- Outdoor public areas
Being an established artist
Look at the top 5 and the bottom five venues. Can you tell a gap between the two groups? Usually, you need to be represented or be an established artist to get into the first 5 locations. You need to have one or both feet in the art circle to showcase your work there. You are unlikely to get a chance if you are not yet a proven professional.
Art and craft markets
One of the easiest ways to access your local market is to get some friends to help you carry the works and pay a small fee to the event organizer. Some of these markets have regular clients who can give you feedback on your art.
Artist Residencies
Typically, at the end of an artist residency, you will be grouped with other artists-in-residence in a group show. These group shows don’t produce many sales, but nevertheless, it’s an excellent way to start your career. You need to be patient for the lengthy selection process. Some residencies ask for a fee to cover your accommodation or studio space. For a free residency, you need a strong portfolio.
Art themed cafes
There are many art cafes around the world, and they have been trending for a while. It’s not difficult to get permission to hang your work there, but usually, you won’t get a solo show. Also, if you are putting your artworks in a high-traffic environment, they can be damaged. Don’t bring anything significantly valuable to these locations.
Other alternative private locations
There are many alternative locations, such as schools, bookstores, and restaurants. In Madrid, a high-end real estate company showcases artworks in million-dollar properties while on sale. It’s a brilliant idea. Perhaps the buyer could purchase the artwork with the house, too. Get in touch with your location real estate brokers to see if they are interested.
Outdoor public areas
You can do it in the plaza, big park, or metro station. This is typically done without any authorization or organization. You just go out there and put your art in a public space. This is especially suitable if you are an art activist who wishes to make a statement. However, in some countries, it is strictly illegal to do this in public spaces without authorization.
Show Your Art!
I am sure if you are creative, you will find a way to showcase your artwork. Don’t be too ambitious; this is just your first step. I would suggest starting with what you can do instead of what others can do for you—for example, setting up your own booth at an art and craft market. This way, you are in control of your destiny!
-Peter Lindbergh
SHOWstudio interview, uncut footage – May 2017
Creative Art Exhibition Ideas
Many artists ask: “I haven’t found a gallery that is willing to represent me. Where else can I show my art?”
The answer could be: “You can exhibit in a gallery. But there are so many ways you exhibit without one!”
The following is for those who want to hold their own art exhibition without a gallery:
1. Pop-up exhibition
A pop-up exhibition or a pop-up gallery is a temporary space to exhibit, which can be held at any place with a roof and walls. You can rent a storefront or an empty garage to host your own pop-up exhibition. In Madrid, there is a small storefront for rent called ‘Ventana de la Cebada’ at the underground parking entrance. It’s the smallest pop-up gallery I have seen, just enough for a double bed. You can rent it for two weeks. During this time, you are fully responsible for your exhibition, from set up to clean up.
2. Open studio
If you have a studio space separate from your home, then you can use your studio to exhibit your artwork. Most open studio events I have attended are organized by an association. However, you can do it on your own. It’s easy to prepare and a great way to build relationships with local collectors.
3. Hotel room
A hotel chain organizes an art fair in Madrid. They invite small independent galleries to come and showcase the artworks in hotel rooms. During the day, they welcome thousands of collectors. At night, the hotel beds become actual beds for the gallerists to sleep in. You can also organize your own mini art exhibition in your hotel room when you travel.
4. Rental home
Perhaps you have used Airbnb or another website when you travel. Today, Airbnb covers over 81,000 cities and 192 countries worldwide. You can showcase your artwork at local rental homes or list a spare home-bedroom on Airbnb. This way, you can get visitors from around the world to appreciate your work without leaving home.
5. Minivan
One day, I was walking home from my office and saw this van parked outside. It’s written ‘No Show Museum.’ It’s a traveling art project. The curator travels with his minivan everywhere in the world and exhibits in the van. If you enjoy being on the road, make your vehicle a traveling show!
6. Hacking an art fair
Last year, during the ARCO art fair, the biggest art fair in southern Europe, a group of people ‘hacked into’ the art fair. They sneaked in some artworks and hung them on an empty wall they found. They looked like a real deal alongside other galleries, and no one even realized they were ‘fake.’ Later, they revealed that children made these abstract paintings in a video. You can hack an art fair but avoid getting yourself into trouble.
7. In the streets
Exhibiting in the streets is easier for street artists than others, of course! It goes both ways, though. It takes more work for a street artist to exhibit indoors. If street artists can exhibit in galleries, overcoming many difficulties, you can do it in the streets!
It’s especially suitable for performance artists who wish to make bold statements. Artist Milo Moire went to the streets and invited strangers to touch her private parts in public, sparking conversations on sexuality, power, and consent.
8. In Space
American artist Trevor Paglen initiated a project called “Orbital Reflector”. It is a gigantic reflector designed to be launched into space as a temporary satellite, reflecting sunlight in the night sky. The Nevada Museum of Art, some private donors, and a Kickstarter campaign funded its $1.5 million budget.
Infinite possibilities
Accessing the space from here is not easy, but you get the idea. Sometimes, it’s not about attending the exhibition but hearing about it. You can do it in the mountains, sea, ice, and forest and broadcast it online.
Now you have the eight extraordinary places where you can showcase your art. I hope it brought you some fresh ideas for your next exhibition.
-Danh Vo
How to showcase your Art
The following is for those of you who decided to go ahead and give it a try, either at a rented space or your own art studio. Imagine the exhibition is like a small theatrical performance. You need a script and a stage, rehearsals before the show, and a box office. You must come prepared when you are in front of a large audience. Are you ready to be in the center of the stage? here are six essential steps to prepare for your exhibition
1. Choose a place
Suppose you are holding your exhibition in an alternative space not designed to show art. In that case, you need to make sure there is minimal viable infrastructure, including electricity for the illumination, water for bathrooms, wheelchair accessibility, and Internet connection. The most important is illumination to ensure a professional presentation of your work. If you are going for cost-effective places, like an empty garage, you can rent generators; however, they are noisy. I would not rent a venue that has no secure power source.
2. Install your work
You can do the installation yourself; all you need is a drill, a screwdriver, a cable detector, and a self-leveling laser. You can rent or buy those tools for about $50 each. You need the landlord’s permit if you plan to make some changes to the space. Make sure you have a written permit. It can be an email or a text message. For many who might not know, an email saying “Yes, I agree” is a valid, legally binding contract.
3. Set a date
Your exhibition can run for a couple of weeks or a couple of months. You can even extend it if it goes well. But you must set a fixed date for the inauguration and stick to it. Weekends are good, but avoid holidays or other important days. Don’t compete with other inaugurations or exhibitions. Most importantly, make sure the date is realistic.
4. Spread the words
Make sure you market your event with a strategy. Facebook events, Instagram, Google Maps, Meetup, YouTube, Reddit… the list is inexhaustive. Choose one or two social media and focus on them. One of the best ways to get the words out is by direct email. You can use Mailchimp or MailerLite, free tools, to start a list of emails. Create a mailing list so you can invite your contacts to this event.
5. Run the show
I assume you will do this exhibition to sell your work. So you must have different ways to collect money from your clients. Have the bubble wraps prepared and certificates of authentication printed. Last but not least, a book where you can add more contacts to your mailing list.
6. Art price
Someone might try to bargain with you, offering a lower price. I would suggest (at most) 10% off as a friendly gesture. If they cannot pay you now, offer them to reserve the work with a down payment of 20%. A gallerist friend told me she would offer to be paid in installments. She trusted people, and they hadn’t failed her.
Bonus tip
Make your art exhibition a spectacular show for everyone: families with children, the elderly, pets… You can invite a local DJ, empty a small corner for kids to draw, or leave a bowl of water for the dogs. It shows you care about others and you want to make it an inclusive event for your community.
It’s about meeting
Running your own exhibition could be one of the easiest ways to meet your market as an emerging independent artist. It will be a great way to learn and grow.
Show your artwork
“Show your art no matter what kind of artwork you do, there’s always somebody that gonna be interested in the kind of artwork you do, and it’s just a matter of finding where those people are.”
-Scott Serkland, artist
Art Exhibition Q&A
Is my art good enough to exhibit?
Don’t listen to wishful thinking answers like “follow your instinct”. Pragmatically, It’s about finding your art style. And it is never easy. Perhaps you have been trying for a while, and finally, you made a work you are proud of. It’s time to share your art on social media and among your friends so you can get some feedback. However, it is likely not yet the time to show your art on a formal occasion such as an exhibition. You can’t go far with just one piece of art. You should need about ten artworks consistent in style to demonstrate your body of work and be sure you can keep a consistent and regular creation.
Do artists need gallery representation?
While many emerging artists prioritize securing gallery representation, it’s not strictly necessary. However, a gallery’s representation offers significant benefits, including increased exposure and client opportunities. Galleries dedicate considerable effort to promoting their artists through press releases, exhibitions, and events, substantially boosting public awareness and appreciation of the artists’ work.
Should an artist pay a gallery to show their work?
Investing in your art is a crucial part of managing your art business. However, paying to show your art in an art gallery is not a great idea. Art galleries make money by charging you around 50% commission after a piece of your work is sold. If they charge you to show your work, it probably means they don’t intend to sell it, or they believe it won’t sell. Why pay to show if even art dealers think your chances of selling are very low? Invest this money in your online communication instead!
Should Artists Pay to Exhibit at Art Fairs?
Galleries typically don’t charge their artists when bringing them to art fairs. But art fairs are becoming more and more expensive to enter. Possible galleries ask you to chip in your share – from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. It could be justified because there is this extra cost, and you get more exposure to this opportunity. They probably can only bring works of 2 or 3 artists due to space and logistics, so there is also a competition – this opportunity goes to whoever pays. I would still say it’s not worth it. You are paying for the gallery’s communication and marketing because their names appear on the banner. Use the money to pay for a Shopify account to start selling online as your brand.
What Are the Benefits of Participating in Group Shows?
Solo shows are worth celebrating. It’s a milestone in becoming a professional mid-career artist. But early in your art career, group shows might be even better for you. Other artists could invite their collectors to the show, who can later become your collectors. You can’t expect potential collectors to show up to a solo show when you don’t have a mailing list. Additionally, you get to network with like-minded artists in group shows.
How do you organize a solo art exhibition?
It’s good to be active and involved in your own exhibitions, but you need help. You can not be the artist, receptionist, security guard, and salesperson all in one. An insightful tip I got from a successful entrepreneur: always put a different face for a different job. It appears more professional. Also, it helps to take the pressure away from your customer so he can enjoy a conversation with you without having to think about your intentions.
How do I get my art into auctions?
To get your art into auctions, focus on building your reputation through galleries, exhibitions, and online platforms. Once your work gains secondary market interest, it may attract auction houses. Networking with collectors and art professionals can also open doors.
WOW!!! For me, this read, these ideas and just the flow of positive thought process not letting anyone or anything get you down, slow you down,deflate your hopes and visions was just what I needed to take my creations to the next level! MY WAY, MY VOICE,MY VISIONS, MY VIBRATIONS…ya know…MY NAME at MY PLACE! Right on man, yeah I DEFINITELY dig these ideas. And perfect timing…I just moved into a rental property with 2 extra rooms (gallery+studio) and house sits back 50 yards from a quiet street with a long driveway(parking+art shows) and a huge front yard!!! nice neighborhood across street from post office, people use my driveway to turn around all day long!! ahhh YEAH! holy crap…can you tell l’m pumped. I just want to share colours with everyone that vibrates in tune with the wavelength in the moment, right on…we are artists eh, that could be anything right! But are we not…..everything!! LET’S GO! LETS DO THIS!!…..too much?lol I’m in St. Louis Mo look me up, lets do this together! Peace
I am happy because I get more objects that increase my knowledge
That is an offensive picture of a girl being held by 3 men with no pants on showing her genitals. It depicts a control and very offensive
Great article with lots of useful ideas – pointers and inspiring leads to follow up with many thanks
Want to show my art
Great piece. Very insightful.