Art Exhibitions Guide: How to Plan, Promote and Host Your First Show

Got a bunch of artwork you’re proud of and want to share it with the world? An art exhibition is the perfect way to get eyes on your pieces, meet other creators, and maybe even sell a few works. It sounds big, but with a clear plan you can pull it off without blowing your budget or losing sleep.

Planning Your Exhibition

Start by setting a realistic budget. Write down costs for venue rental, printing flyers, transport, insurance and any refreshments you might offer. Even a modest budget of a few hundred pounds can cover a small community gallery or a pop‑up space. Once you know the numbers, look for venues that fit your style – cafés, co‑working spaces, school halls, or local art centers often offer affordable rates.

Next, pick a date that gives you enough time to prepare but also avoids clashing with major local events. A two‑month lead time usually works well. Create a timeline that lists when you’ll finish artwork, frame pieces, write labels, and print promotional material. Having dates for each task keeps you on track and reduces last‑minute stress.

Curate the show yourself or ask a trusted friend for a fresh eye. Group pieces by theme, color, or medium so visitors can see a clear story. Make sure every artwork is clean, properly mounted and labeled with title, size, medium and price (if you plan to sell). Good labels act like mini‑conversations – they answer questions before a visitor needs to ask.

Promoting and Selling

Promotion is where most artists stumble, but it doesn’t have to be hard. Start with a simple event page on Facebook or Instagram and share it with friends, family and local art groups. Post behind‑the‑scenes photos of you working on pieces – people love seeing the process. Use a consistent hashtag like #YourNameExhibit so anyone can follow the hype.

Print a few eye‑catching flyers and stick them on community boards, coffee shops and libraries. Keep the design clean: a striking image, the exhibition title, date, venue and a short call‑to‑action. If you have a mailing list, send a reminder a week before the opening and again the day before.

On the day of the show, set up a simple sales system. A small notebook for buyer details, a mobile card reader or even a QR code linking to a PayPal page works fine. Make it easy for visitors to buy, and clearly mark which pieces are for sale. Offer a modest discount for early buyers to encourage quick sales.

After the exhibition, thank everyone who came. A quick email with photos of the event and a note about upcoming shows keeps the connection alive. Ask buyers for testimonials – they’re gold for future promotions.

Running an art exhibition can feel like a big leap, but break it down into budgeting, venue hunting, curating, promoting and selling. Follow these steps, stay organized, and you’ll turn your art into a memorable experience for both you and your audience.