The Role of Art Exhibitions: How to Get Your Work Seen

Estimated reading time: 10–12 minutes
Category: Artist Tutorials & Growth

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🖋️ Introduction: Why Exhibitions Still Matter

In a digital-first world, art exhibitions might seem old-school—but they’re still one of the fastest ways to build visibility, credibility, and real collector relationships. Exhibitions put your work in front of people who are primed to look, feel, ask questions, and buy. Better yet, each show can feed your online sales when you connect visitors to your Irish Artmart store.

This guide walks you through before, during, and after the show—so you can show up prepared, confident, and ready to sell.

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🎯 The Big Wins You Get From Exhibitions

• Visibility: Your work is seen in real life (texture, scale, presence).

• Credibility: Being selected or showing regularly builds reputation.

• Networking: Meet curators, venue owners, artists, and collectors.

• Content: Photos, videos, and stories for your socials and listings.

• Sales: On-the-day purchases + post-event online sales via Irish Artmart.

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🗺️ Choosing the Right Exhibition (for you)

Not all shows are equal. Match your goals to the opportunity.

Types of exhibitions

• Group shows: Lower cost, shared audience, great for building momentum.

• Solo shows: High effort/high reward; best when you have a cohesive body of work.

• Art fairs & markets: High footfall, fast feedback, direct selling.

• Juried/selected exhibitions: Prestige and profile—great for your CV.

• Pop-ups & alternative spaces: Cafés, studios, community venues—budget friendly and local.

Quick filter

• Audience fit? (Will your buyers be there?)

• Costs & logistics? (Fees, transport, insurance, time)

• Timing? (Clashes with other commitments or ideal season?)

• Sales model? (Commission, direct sales, or exposure only?)

• Marketing plan? (Will the organiser promote—and can you amplify?)

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🧰 Pre-Show Prep: The Checklist

Artwork & presentation

• 6–12 cohesive works (for group) / 12–24 (for solo)

• Framed or gallery-wrapped; clean edges; D-rings + cord fitted

• Discreet, consistent labels (Title, Medium, Size, Price, QR to Irish Artmart listing)

Artist materials

• Updated Artist Statement (150–250 words)

• Short Bio (60–100 words) with location

• Price list with thumbnails & QR codes

• Business cards or postcard handouts

• Portfolio book or tablet slideshow of additional works

• Irish Artmart store QR code (storefront + individual pieces)

Admin & logistics

• Inventory sheet (ID, title, size, price, location, status)

• Consignment agreement (if gallery)

• Insurance (venue’s vs yours)

• Transport plan & protective packaging

• Hanging toolkit (tape, spirit level, hooks, blu-tack, microfibre cloth)

Payments

• Card reader tested (if direct sales are allowed)

• Backup: invoice template + payment links to your Irish Artmart product

• Cash float (if needed)

Marketing

• High-res images + captions

• Press note (date, location, 3–4 lines about the work)

• Social posts scheduled (countdown, behind-the-scenes, opening night)

• Newsletter blurb with RSVP link (if applicable)

Pro move: Add a “Scan to buy” QR on every wall label that goes directly to the Irish Artmart product page. If the piece sells in person, mark it “SOLD” and keep the QR live for prints, commissions, or related works.

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🧾 Your Artist Statement & Bio (fast templates)

Artist Statement (Template)

My work explores [theme] through [materials/techniques]. I’m drawn to [why], using [colour/texture/line] to capture [emotion/idea]. This series, “[series title],” reflects [concept/place/memory]. Each piece invites the viewer to [experience].

Artist Bio (Template)

[Name] is an Irish artist based in [town/county], working in [medium/style]. Their work has featured in [shows/publications/collections]. Find available works and commissions on Irish Artmart: [your store URL].

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🧱 Hanging & Layout: Make It Feel Like a Gallery

• Sequence: Arrange works by story, colour, or scale—curate a flow.

• Spacing: Give pieces breathing room; keep heights consistent.

• Focal piece: Anchor the wall; build outward with supporting works.

• Labels: Same font/size; left align; readable at 1–1.5m.

• Lighting: Angle lights at ~30° to reduce glare and punch textures.

• Table setup (fairs): Clean cloth, vertical stands, one hero easel, price list visible.

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💸 Pricing Strategy That Doesn’t Panic Buyers

• Use a consistent method (e.g., size × rate + frame).

• Offer tiered options (originals, small works, limited prints).

• Include payment plans note (“Split payments available—ask me”).

• Keep shipping info clear (flat Ireland rate or “collect after show”).

• Mirror prices on your Irish Artmart listings to build trust.

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🗣️ Your 30-Second Collector Pitch

Have a friendly, confident introduction ready:

“Hi, I’m [Name]. This series is about [theme], inspired by [place/experience]. I work in [medium] to capture [emotion/idea]. If something speaks to you, you can view details or buy online via the QR—my store’s on Irish Artmart.”

Conversation starters

• “Which piece draws you in?”

• “Are you a collector or just exploring today?”

• “Do you live with any art already?”

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📲 Turn Visitors into Online Collectors

• QR labels → Irish Artmart product pages

• Follow-up card → “Thanks for visiting—see more/new releases here: [store URL]”

• Email list (GDPR-compliant) → “Join for new work & first-access drops”

• Show landing collection on Irish Artmart → one link, all pieces

• Opening offer → “Opening weekend free shipping / 10% off prints”

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📸 Content You Should Capture (and post)

• Short vertical videos hanging the show (reels/TikTok)

• Close-ups of texture + a line from your statement

• Visitor reactions (with consent)

• Time-lapse of the setup

• Photo of you beside the focal work (press-friendly)

• After: “Thank you” post + link to the collection on Irish Artmart

Alt-text examples for accessibility

• “Artist hangs a large abstract canvas; angled light reveals layered texture.”

• “Close-up of cobalt and ochre brushwork—ridged impasto detail.”

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🧮 Budget & Break-even (mini worksheet)

• Fees: €___

• Transport/parking: €___

• Framing/hanging: €___

• Printing (cards, labels, price lists): €___

• Insurance/commission: €___

• Total costs: €___

• Average artwork price: €___ → Units to break even: cost ÷ price = ___

Aim to cover costs with entry-level pieces/prints, then let hero works deliver profit.

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🗓️ Exhibition Week Timeline (quick plan)

T–14 days: Finalise works, statements, press note, schedule socials.
T–7 days: Pack safely, print labels/price list, test QR codes.
T–2 days: Deliver and hang; lighting + spacing checks.
Opening night: Be present, personable, visible. Capture content.
During show: Restock handouts; post daily snippets; engage visitors.
After show: Thank organisers and visitors; update Irish Artmart (sold/available); email list with recap + link.

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🧯 Troubleshooting (real-world fixes)

• Low footfall? Go live on Instagram; post Stories with the venue tag; invite nearby friends/collectors.

• “I need to think about it.” Hand them a postcard with the exact QR to that piece.

• Framing delay? Use clean gallery-wrap and promise frame delivery post-show.

• No card reader? Take payment via Irish Artmart listing on the spot.

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🧠 Post-Show: Multiply the Momentum

• Convert interest: Email list + DMs → send links to viewed pieces.

• Bundle offers: “Love these two? 10% paired.”

• Commission pathway: Add a “Commissions welcome” banner/link on your Irish Artmart profile.

• Press recap: Share a short write-up with 2–3 polished images.

• Reflect: What sold, what sparked conversation, what to make next?

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📄 Copy-and-Paste Wall Label Template

Title (Year)
Medium on substrate, Size (cm)
€Price
Scan to view/buy: ☐ (QR here)
Irish Artmart store: irishartmart.ie/artist/your-store

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🧾 Price List Template (table idea for print)

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Useful Irish Artmart Links

•  “Join Irish Artmart” → Sign Up

• “Explore new works” → Our Gallery

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Explore more about painting and creativity at Irish Artmart.

*For collaborations, art features, or inquiries, please contact us at [email protected]. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article  do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Irish Artmart.

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