Art Exhibitions: 6 Benefits You Need to Know

 Looking into the Ins and Outs of Art Exhibitions

In our previous blog, Unlocking the Gallery Doors, we discussed tips on working with galleries and gave pointers on how to build a professional artist presence. We want to delve deeper into this topic by discussing six benefits of having your work in an art exhibition. Participating in an exhibition, whether it’s online or in-person, has advantages as it can help boost your art career and even help you grow as an artist. 

Finding the right exhibition for your particular style can seem daunting at first however, with enough perseverance and patience any artist can find the perfect space to showcase their art. Remember, do not get discouraged when you get rejected for one exhibition as art is subjective. Keep applying to other exhibitions as you will get selected for the one that is the right fit for your artwork.

Benefit 1: Amplified Visibility for Artists

From Studio to Spotlight: How exhibitions can expand your reach

Every artist knows it can be difficult to grow your audience which is why applying to exhibitions is important. They can help boost your visibility in the art world exponentially as many established galleries have built a large collection of art buyers and collectors. Both online and in-person exhibitions have the same benefits such as: having a diverse audience thus gaining more recognition as an artist; opportunities to grow your branding; and experience that can be added to your CV. Online exhibitions offer an additional bonus when compared to in-person shows— a larger global audience. Having your work showcased digitally allows geographical borders to be broken as art enthusiasts no longer have to worry about the location of said exhibition.

Benefit 2: Networking and Community Building

Mingling with Masters: The Social Perks of Art Exhibitions

Exhibitions allow artists to step out of their studio and into a place where they can network and create new connections. Many artists dream of having a solo exhibition at some point in their art career. However, it is important to note that participating in group exhibitions is more beneficial to beginning or mid-career artists as it allows for more networking opportunities. In today’s digital age, creating and kindling online friendships has never been easier. This allows artists to connect with curators, art enthusiasts, and peers (even when participating in a virtual exhibition).

Benefit 3: Sales and Commercial Opportunities

Art for Sale: Turning exhibitions into potential profit

Another benefit of exhibitions is they’re a unique place to sell your artwork. As mentioned, exhibitions tend to draw a large audience of collectors, buyers, and curators. This can lead to future sales, commissions, and maybe even a contract with a gallery which could change the future of anyone’s art career. Virtual exhibitions hold a slight advantage over in-person exhibitions. This is because serious buyers have the time to analyze artworks and then directly buy them from the gallery without making a quick decision the night of an in-person exhibition.

A thing to note is the expenses incurred when exhibiting, which are dependent on the contract you have with the gallery or the terms and fees the gallery sets for group exhibitions. Online exhibitions have fewer expenses when compared to hosting an in-person exhibition. The biggest ticket items an artist may spend when their exhibition is at a brick-and-mortar are the catering, specialty drinks, shipping/delivery of their works to the gallery, and commissions to the gallery.

Benefit 4: Valuable Feedback and Audience Insights

Hearing the Audience: How Feedback Can Shape Your Artwork

Feedback—either you love it or hate it. Participating in shows gives you the advantage of receiving direct feedback from your audience and peers. These interactions provide valuable insight into how your art is perceived. It gives you an idea of how your audience resonates with your work and shows areas for improvement.

Benefit 5: Boosting Creativity and Inspiration

A Muse Amongst the Crowd: Finding Inspiration

Being selected to participate in a group exhibition allows you to gather so much inspiration from the other artists. Many themes of exhibitions are open-ended so the artwork that is selected can be diverse. Experiencing different artistic expressions can spark one’s creativity and encourage you to explore new mediums or themes in future projects.

Benefit 6: Establishing Credibility and Professional Growth

From Artist to Icon: Building Your Reputation Through Exhibitions

The last benefit I will touch on is how exhibitions help establish credibility as an artist. They provide a platform for artists to showcase their talents and dedication to their craft. Actively participating in exhibitions, especially with prestigious or credited institutions, is important as it showcases your commitment to being a professional artist.

Conclusion: The Collective Power of Exhibiting

Overall, art exhibitions offer several benefits that go beyond just displaying artworks. They serve to boost visibility, create networking and sale opportunities, provide artists with feedback, and be used for creative inspiration. Being in an exhibition can be transformative as it can help shape an artist’s career in ways one can not imagine.