I'm sure there are many people who would like to exhibit their work, but don't know how to choose a venue, how to hold the exhibition, or how to prepare...!
There are many different ways to hold an exhibition, such as group exhibitions, special exhibitions, open exhibitions, and solo exhibitions, but this time we will focus on the process of holding a solo exhibition!
table of contents
What is a solo exhibition? How do you hold one?
How to choose a venue for a solo exhibition
The process from preparation to holding the event
summary
What is a solo exhibition? How do you hold one?
A solo exhibition is an exhibition organized by an individual for that individual.
There are various ways to hold a solo exhibition, but they can be broadly divided into
・Rent space at a gallery or other public space to hold a solo exhibition
・Holding an event at the direct invitation of a gallery etc.
・Receive the right to hold a solo exhibition at a gallery or museum as a prize for winning an open exhibition or contest.
I think this is the most common pattern.
In this article, I would like to explain the process of renting a gallery and holding an event yourself!
How to choose a venue for a solo exhibition
When it comes to holding a solo exhibition, there are galleries and rental art galleries all over the country.
Some places allow you to rent for just one day, while others plan exhibitions on a weekly basis, so you will have to coordinate your schedule with the venue's.
Before negotiating an exhibition with a rental gallery, it will be helpful to decide on the following points to ensure a smooth transaction.
① Select a few galleries that suit your style and clientele.
Although they are all called galleries in the broad sense, they are naturally run by different people, so the atmosphere of the exhibits and the clientele will vary depending on the gallery.
There are galleries that mainly deal with abstract paintings, galleries that mainly deal with young artists, galleries that mainly deal with animal-themed paintings and art, etc. The galleries that can exhibit will vary depending on the owner's preferences.
Also, depending on the type of work being handled, the customer base will change.
There are galleries that students and young people gather at, places that regular gallery-hoppers drop by, and galleries that foreigners tend to gather at.
It's best to decide on a gallery by clarifying what style you want your work to be and who you want to show it to.
*Points to note when contacting us
When discussing an exhibition with a gallery, it is a good idea to visit the venue, even if just once, to get a feel for what it's like.
Many galleries place particular importance on their connections with artists, so if someone with whom you have no connection suddenly contacts you to discuss an exhibition, they may be suspicious and ask, "Why our gallery?"
Not all galleries and art galleries are like this, but if the gallery is far away, it's a good idea to check out what's going on at the gallery on social media, and if you can go in person, it's a good idea to talk to the owner directly in advance.
② When and how many days will the event be held (decide on two or three options)
The duration and timing of exhibitions vary depending on the gallery.
Some galleries are open during long holidays such as Golden Week, while others are only open on weekends.
Also, there are galleries that require the artist to be present (at the exhibition venue, interacting with visitors, etc.), so it's a good idea to shortlist a few possible times when you can free up your schedule before starting your search!
*Please consult with the gallery staff at least six months before the event!
Depending on the gallery, exhibition schedules may already be filling up a year in advance, so it's a good idea to consult early, taking into account the time it will take to create the work.
③ Decide on a budget for the event
The cost of holding an exhibition varies depending on the venue.
Some places offer short-term, low-cost rentals, but if you live in a busy area, the rental fees may be higher.
In other cases, the rental fee may not be high, but the margin (the fee paid to the gallery when the work is purchased) may be 40-50%.
Should you set a high price for your work, taking into account margins, and rent a gallery space cheaply, or pay a rental fee to exhibit your work? It's a good idea to decide based on your exhibition method and creative stance!
*In addition to the cost of renting the venue, you will also need to pay for printing direct mail and posters to be distributed before the event, as well as art supplies, so it's best to set a solid budget!!!
④Compare the size of the venue with the size and number of works you want to exhibit.
The atmosphere created when hanging paintings will be different depending on whether the venue has a large amount of wall space or a place with limited space, such as a house.
If you have a large wall to use, you will feel unsatisfied if you don't have large pieces of art, and you will have to prepare a lot of pieces.On the other hand, if you have limited space, large pieces will feel oppressive and you will be limited in the number of pieces you can display.
Compatibility with the gallery is important, but it's also a good idea to keep in mind whether the size of the work you want to exhibit matches the gallery space.
Once you have decided on the location for your solo exhibition based on the above information, it's time to start creating and preparing your works for the exhibition!
Flow from preparation to holding the event
◎Things to do before the exhibition begins◎
① Decide on the theme of the exhibition
This is something that will be done at different stages depending on the person, but once you have secured a location, you should decide on the theme of the works you will be exhibiting and the title of the exhibition.
Some exhibit a compilation of their work to date, while others focus on themes such as flowers, animals, or abstract art.
Decide on a theme that you think you can draw and create!
②Create a direct mail
As I work on creating the artwork, I will also be preparing for the exhibition.
I will be creating direct mail to let as many people as possible know about my solo exhibition!
The gallery may provide this for you, but if you are renting a venue you will most likely have to provide it yourself.
You will need this so that you can distribute it to your friends and acquaintances, but it will also be set up at the gallery where the event is being held and distributed to other galleries, so make sure to include all the information in your DM!
It is best to have the printing of direct mail completed about two months before the event.
③ Decide the layout and arrangement of the exhibition venue
Create a layout plan for your exhibition about a month before the event when all the exhibited works are ready.
It may be necessary because the gallery may ask you to submit a layout diagram.
"Where should I place which picture to bring out its charm?"
What is the minimum number of works required for an exhibition?
It would be a good idea to create one so that you can think about this.
You may also need to know how many chairs you will need for attendees, and the tables and desks you will need to place merchandise, business cards, pamphlets, etc. In either case, it's always best to prepare a layout diagram, so start planning early and get started on your production!
④Setting the price of the work and creating a delivery note
One to two weeks before the exhibition, prepare a price and delivery note for each piece! You will need this for yourself, of course, but it is also essential for the gallery to manage margins and other expenses.
There are several ways to create a delivery note template, such as creating it yourself or getting one from a gallery, so be sure to consult with a specialist before starting to create your delivery note.
Although it is not required, it would be convenient to have a guest book at the exhibition venue so that you can send information about upcoming exhibitions to visitors.
◎Things to do during the exhibition period◎
As long as you can get the preparations done and the venue set up, there isn't much to do during the event!
Personally, I find it important to actively communicate with visitors during the event.
I think the best part about holding an exhibition is being able to have people see the paintings directly and see the reactions of the visitors.
How did you come to see the work?
I ask them which piece of work made the biggest impression on them, and then explain about my own work (I understand that some people don't like being talked to, so I observe their reaction as I speak).
I also analyze the age group and atmosphere of the visitors to try to figure out what kind of demographic is interested in my work .
If you are not comfortable speaking directly, it may be a good idea to leave a notebook of your impressions or a business card with your social media or website information written on it at the exhibition location.
Once the exhibition has ended, we will promptly repackage the artworks and take them home, or if an artwork has been purchased, we will ship it, confirm the amount, and process the settlement.
If there is a margin to the gallery, we will deduct the commission from the sales and then hand over the work to you and provide you with a receipt.
summary
・Select a venue taking into consideration the purpose of use, duration of the event, budget, and lifestyle.
・Decide early on what should be provided to galleries and art galleries (layout, event information, etc.) and share information.
・Plan your exhibition taking into account the costs and quantities required for direct mail, flyers, etc.
How you spend the exhibition period will vary depending on the artist, so we hope you will enjoy the exhibition in a way that suits you!
How was it?
Of course, creating the artwork is important, but I think there will be many occasions where you will need the cooperation of others during the exhibition, so it would be good to make a plan and be able to prepare smoothly ◎
I often hear from people who have no experience holding an exhibition that "renting a room to hold an exhibition seems difficult, like a high hurdle," but when I actually went there myself, I didn't find that to be the case at all.
Above all, I think it's important to enjoy the exhibition, so if there's anything you don't understand, be sure to immediately consult or research with people around you or those who know more about it to eliminate any anxiety you may have about the exhibition!
FROM ARTIST, which has around 300 registered artists, also regularly holds auctions and special exhibitions.
In March 2023, we held our first special exhibition with PALLETE Co., Ltd.!
The exhibition was also featured in the morning paper.
https://from-artist.com/blogs/news/The special exhibition was featured in the morning paper
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Author: Tsumugi Fumitori
FROM ARTIST management staff. They write feature articles and columns, and provide operational support from an artist's perspective.
I usually teach at a vocational school, but I also work as an artist, participating in solo exhibitions and public exhibitions.
Supervisor: Shoma Toida
CEO of BUSCA LLC. Head of FROM ARTIST. Started his career as a marketer, he worked for a business company and an advertising agency before going independent. He completed marketing-related programs at several graduate schools and business schools, including the University of California, Berkeley and London Business School. He also completed the MBA core curriculum at Macquarie University and studied the importance of art in education at the University of British Columbia.
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