Art exhibitions are excellent platforms for artists to showcase their works to the world. For art enthusiasts, attending these exhibitions is both entertaining and reflective. Bringing the artists and enthusiasts together takes meticulous planning and ingenuity.
For the organizers, it is a sweet moment when everything falls into place. However, it takes more than just luck to achieve the feat. With so many different exhibitions and events to choose from, art exhibition organizers need to think outside the box to make their events successful.
A great event will also have a snowballing effect on future exhibitions. Artists and art lovers will always recall a great event with awe and look forward to future ones. One bad event can be devastating. In this article, read on different strategies of pulling off great and memorable art exhibitions.
Select a Theme
Contemporary art and artists are predominantly thematic. To pull off a great exhibition, decide on which theme you want to be exhibited. Zero in on a few compatible themes that will interest artists and art lovers.
You may be undecided on what to go with but a little consultation with the artists themselves will be illuminating. You can also consider current affairs and global issues to sharpen your ideas. Whatever you decide, remember it is incongruous to lump up many themes in a single exhibition. Some themes will be buried beneath the art rubble undeservingly.
Release Early Invites
After deciding the theme, time is now ripe to send invites to potential exhibitors. The invites may be open or closed. Open invitations are sent out to any artists with art that rhyme with the theme. For closed invitations, you send to some select artists who are renowned for their works in line with the theme.
In the invitations, you will give out the terms of references including the dates and venue you intend to run the exhibition. You may also include the terms of engagement. Ask interested artists to get back to you by a particular time. This will allow you to smoothen any rough edges in the contracts.
Publicity
Exhibitions will be less successful if poorly publicized. It is through publicity that art lovers schedule to attend. Other artists not exhibiting also get a chance to turn up and exchange ideas. It also serves to inspire upcoming artists.
Publicity does not have to be expensive. Some ideas of cheap advertisement include; posting the event on social media platforms and inviting friends to like and follow the events page. Artists have immense social media following; you may ask them to endorse the event to their followers.
Roll-out the Event
With the D-day approaching, set up the pieces creatively and immaculately in the venue some days before. With the efforts put in, you can be certain of having an awesome exhibition.