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.
✅ Quick Answer
Multiple pathways exist: juried shows, gallery submissions, curatorial relationships, alternative spaces
Start with achievable opportunities and build your exhibition history
Strong documentation (portfolio images) matters for any exhibition opportunity
Relationships matter - build genuine connections in the art world
Persistence is required - rejection is normal; keep showing up
💡 Key Takeaways
Multiple pathways exist : Don't limit yourself to one approachBuild progressively : Start accessible, work toward prestigiousDocumentation matters : Your images determine whether you get consideredRelationships compound : Long-term connections open doorsRejection is normal : Persistence eventually pays off Types of Exhibition# Exhibition Venues Compared Venue Type Competition Prestige How to Access Commercial Gallery High High Representation or invitation Non-Profit Space Medium-High Medium-High Open calls, proposals Museum Very High Very High Curatorial selection University Gallery Medium Medium Proposals, connections Alternative Space Low-Medium Variable Direct outreach, DIY Pop-Up/Temporary Low Variable Self-organized
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 :
Organization publishes call with theme, requirements, deadline
Artists submit images and application materials
Jury reviews submissions and selects work
Selected artists notified; work delivered
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#
Expense Typical Range Application fees $0-50 per show Framing/preparation $50-500+ per piece Shipping $50-1000+ depending on size/distance Insurance Often required; varies Travel to opening Varies by location Installation materials $0-500
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 specificationsArtist CV updated with recent showsArtist statement in multiple lengths
Professional bio
Work ready to show
Artsumé 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?
Get Exhibition-Ready Keep your portfolio and CV current on Artsumé. Always prepared for the next exhibition opportunity.
Create Free Profile Frequently Asked Questions# Frequently Asked Questions How do I get my first exhibition? Start with accessible opportunities: local juried shows, emerging artist programs, alternative spaces, or collaborative projects with other artists. Student/MFA shows count on your CV. Create your own opportunities through pop-ups if needed. Build from there.
Should I pay to exhibit my work? How important is gallery representation? How do I know if an exhibition opportunity is legitimate? What if I keep getting rejected from exhibitions? How many exhibitions should I do per year? Should I accept every exhibition invitation? How long does it take to build exhibition history? 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 :
Set up your Artsumé profile to keep your portfolio and CV readyResearch exhibition opportunities that fit your work
Browse current open calls Apply to 2-3 well-matched opportunities this month
Last updated: January 2025
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