How to Get Into Art Exhibitions: A Complete Guide for Artists

How to Get Into Art Exhibitions: A Complete Guide for Artists

Getting your work exhibited matters for building an art career. Exhibitions provide visibility, credibility, sales opportunities, and professional connections. Major institutions from MoMA to the Whitney Museum offer emerging artist programs, while platforms like CaFÉ list thousands of open calls. But how do you actually get your work shown?

This guide covers every pathway to exhibitions - from juried shows and gallery representation to museum opportunities and alternative spaces - with practical strategies for each approach.

Types of Exhibition

Opportunities

Juried and Open Call Exhibitions

What they are: Shows where artists submit work for jury consideration. Open to any eligible artist.

How they work:

1. Organization publishes call with theme, requirements, deadline
2. Artists submit images and application materials
3. Jury reviews submissions and selects work
4. Selected artists notified; work delivered
5. Exhibition opens; often includes prizes

Pros:

• Accessible entry point for any artist
• Builds CV with legitimate exhibition credits
• Fair selection process based on work quality
• Often includes prizes and recognition

Cons:

• Entry fees common ($25-50)
• Competitive (varies by show)
• Variable quality across different shows
• Must ship work and potentially travel

Best for: Emerging artists building exhibition history; artists without gallery representation; anyone seeking additional exhibition opportunities

For detailed guidance: Open Calls for Artists | Juried Art Shows

Gallery Exhibitions

Commercial Galleries

• Represent artists and sell work
• Typical commission: 40-60%
• Provide access to collectors
• Handle sales, promotion, relationships
• Usually exclusive representation

Nonprofit Galleries

• Mission-driven spaces
• Often more experimental programming
• May have open submission periods
• Less sales-focused

Cooperative Galleries

• Artist-run; members share costs and responsibilities
• More control over exhibition schedule
• Financial commitment required
• Community of fellow artists

Project Spaces

• Temporary or experimental gallery programs
• Often within larger institutions
• More flexibility in programming
• Good for emerging and experimental work

Getting gallery shows:

• Cold submissions (portfolio review requests)
• Introductions through mutual contacts
• Curators discovering your work at other venues
• Open portfolio review days
• Long-term relationship building

For detailed guidance: How to Approach an Art Gallery

Museum Exhibitions

What they are: Institutional shows curated by museum staff with professional presentation standards.

Types:

• Solo exhibitions (major career milestone)
• Group shows (thematic or survey exhibitions)
• Emerging artist programs
• Collection shows (from museum holdings)

How artists are included:

• Curator discovery through studio visits
• Work seen at other exhibitions
• Recommendations from other professionals
• Some museums have open submission programs
• Collection acquisitions leading to exhibition

Reality check: Museum exhibitions typically come later in careers. Build toward them through other venues first. Focus on making strong work and getting it seen in other contexts.

Art Fairs

What they are: Commercial events where galleries exhibit artists' work for sale to collectors.

Types:

• Major international fairs (Art Basel, Frieze)
• Regional fairs
• Emerging artist fairs (NADA, etc.)

How to participate:

• Usually through gallery representation
• Some fairs have direct artist programs
• Satellite events during fair weeks

Benefits:

• Concentrated collector access
• Visibility to curators and critics
• Sales opportunities
• Professional networking

For detailed guidance: Art Fairs for Artists

Alternative and DIY Spaces

Artist-run spaces

• Galleries operated by artists
• Often more experimental programming
• Community-driven
• May have open calls or invitation

Pop-up exhibitions

• Temporary shows in non-traditional venues
• Vacant storefronts, industrial spaces
• Often artist-organized

Apartment galleries

• Intimate exhibition spaces in private residences
• Growing movement in many cities
• Personal, community-oriented

Public spaces

• Parks, storefronts, community centers
• Requires permissions
• Reaches non-art audiences

Window galleries

• Street-level displays accessible 24/7
• Lower barrier to entry
• Good for visibility

Online exhibitions

• Virtual galleries and digital presentations
• Global reach
• Lower costs

Pros of alternative spaces:

• Creative freedom
• Build community
• Control the experience
• More accessible for emerging artists
• Experimental possibilities

Cons:

• Less visibility than established venues
• More logistics to manage
• May carry less prestige on CV
• Financial responsibility often on artists

Building Your Exhibition History

Starting from Zero

If you have no exhibition history:

1. Student/MFA shows count

• List under "Selected Group Exhibitions"
• They're legitimate exhibitions
• Everyone starts somewhere

2. Local juried shows

• Often less competitive than national
• Build regional presence first
• Research quality before applying

3. Alternative spaces

• More accessible for emerging artists
• Build community connections
• Gain exhibition experience

4. Create your own shows

• Pop-ups with fellow artists
• Organize group exhibitions
• Take initiative

5. Online exhibitions

• Lower barriers to entry
• Build presence while pursuing in-person shows
• Document professionally

Career Progression

Emerging (0-5 years):

• Juried and open call exhibitions
• Local and regional shows
• Alternative spaces
• Group exhibitions
• Student/MFA shows

Mid-career (5-15 years):

• Gallery representation
• Curated group shows
• Institutional exhibitions
• Art fair participation
• Solo exhibitions

Established (15+ years):

• Museum exhibitions
• Major gallery shows
• Retrospectives
• Curated biennials
• International exhibitions

Quality Over Quantity

Not all exhibitions carry equal weight:

Higher value:

• Curated shows with clear curatorial vision
• Reputable institutions with track record
• Selective programs with competitive admission
• Professional presentation standards
• Catalog or documentation

Lower value:

• Pay-to-show schemes
• Non-selective venues
• Unclear or absent curatorial vision
• Poor presentation standards
• Vanity galleries

Be selective about what you accept. A few strong exhibitions matter more than many weak ones. Your CV should represent quality, not just quantity.

Strategies for Different Pathways

Approaching Galleries

Research First:

• Visit the gallery in person if possible
• Review their artist roster - does your work fit?
• Understand their program and curatorial perspective
• Follow their stated submission process

Making Contact:

• Follow any stated submission guidelines exactly
• Brief, professional inquiry with link to portfolio
• Personalize - show you know their program
• Don't attach large files unsolicited

Building Relationships:

• Attend openings and events
• Engage genuinely with their programming
• Get introductions through mutual contacts
• Be patient - relationships develop over time

What Galleries Look For:

• Distinctive artistic voice
• Professional presentation
• Reliable, professional behavior
• Body of work ready to show
• Market potential (for commercial galleries)
• Fit with their program

For detailed guidance: How to Approach an Art Gallery

Applying to Juried Shows

Selection Strategy:

• Prioritize shows where your work genuinely fits
• Research the jury - does your work align with their perspective?
• Look at past shows - would your work make sense there?
• Consider prestige vs. accessibility

Application Quality:

• Strong, consistent work samples
• Professional documentation
• Clear artist statement relevant to the exhibition
• Complete, error-free application
• On-time submission (not last-minute)

Post-Acceptance:

• Respond promptly
• Meet all deadlines
• Professional communication
• Attend opening if possible
• Document your inclusion

For detailed guidance: Juried Art Shows | Open Calls for Artists

Working with Curators

How Curators Find Artists:

• Recommendations from other curators, artists, collectors
• Studio visits (often through mutual connections)
• Seeing work at other exhibitions
• Online research and social media
• Open calls and submissions
• Art fairs and events

Building Curator Relationships:

• Show up - attend exhibitions, talks, events
• Create memorable work that generates conversation
• Be professional in all interactions
• Stay in touch without being pushy
• Accept studio visits when offered
• Support curatorial projects you admire

What Curators Look For:

• Distinctive artistic practice
• Fit with their curatorial interests
• Professional reliability
• Work that advances their projects
• Artists who understand curatorial context

Creating Your Own Opportunities

Pop-Up Exhibitions:

• Find temporary venues (vacant storefronts, community spaces)
• Collaborate with other artists to share effort and costs
• Negotiate with property owners
• Handle logistics (insurance, installation, promotion)
• Document thoroughly for your portfolio

Online Exhibitions:

• Create virtual exhibition experiences
• Use your website or platforms designed for virtual shows
• Promote through social media and email
• Can reach global audience

Collaborative Projects:

• Partner with artists whose work complements yours
• Share costs, logistics, and promotion
• Cross-pollinate audiences
• Build community

What Exhibitions Require from Artists

Before Selection

Application materials:

• High-quality work images (the most important element)
• Artist statement
• CV
• Application form/answers
• Entry fee (for juried shows)

After Selection

Logistics:

• Artwork preparation and framing (often to specific standards)
• Shipping or delivery
• Insurance
• Installation requirements
• Timeline adherence

Administrative:

• Contracts and agreements
• Consignment forms (for selling shows)
• Price lists
• Artist bio and statement for publicity

Promotional:

• Headshot
• Artist statement for press materials
• Social media assets
• Availability for interviews
• Attendance at opening (often expected)

Costs to Anticipate

Budget for these costs when planning your exhibition strategy.

Exhibition Agreements

What to Look For

Essential Terms:

• Duration of exhibition
• Commission percentage on sales
• Insurance coverage (who is responsible?)
• Shipping responsibilities
• Installation/deinstallation terms
• Promotional use of images
• Return of work

Red Flags:

• Unclear or missing terms
• Excessive commissions without justification
• No insurance provisions
• Rights grabs on your images or work
• Unreasonable exclusivity clauses
• Pay-to-show arrangements disguised as legitimate exhibitions

Questions to Ask

Before agreeing to exhibit:

• Who is responsible for shipping and insurance?
• What commission applies to sales?
• How will work be installed/displayed?
• What happens to unsold work after the show?
• What promotional support will the venue provide?
• Can I share the opportunity on social media?
• Will there be documentation/catalog?

Building Your Exhibition Practice

Maintain Exhibition-Ready Materials

Always current:

• Portfolio images meeting common specifications
• Artist CV updated with recent shows
• Artist statement in multiple lengths
• Professional bio
• Work ready to show

Artsume keeps your CV and portfolio organized and ready for any opportunity.

Document Every Exhibition

After each show:

• Professional installation photographs
• Update CV immediately
• Collect any press coverage
• Save promotional materials
• Note contacts made
• Record sales if applicable

Learn from Each Experience

Reflect on:

• What worked well?
• What would you do differently?
• What connections did you make?
• How did the venue handle things?
• Would you work with them again?

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Getting your work exhibited requires strategy, persistence, and professional presentation. Start with achievable opportunities, document everything, build relationships, and progressively work toward more prestigious venues.

Next steps:

1. Set up your Artsume profile to keep your portfolio and CV ready
2. Research exhibition opportunities that fit your work
3. Browse current open calls
4. Apply to 2-3 well-matched opportunities this month

Last updated: January 2025

Related Guides:

• How to Find Art Opportunities
• Open Calls for Artists
• Juried Art Shows
• Art Fairs for Artists
• How to Approach an Art Gallery
• Artist Portfolio Best Practices
• Browse Opportunities