Behind the Curtain: How The Holy Art Curates Exhibitions from Open Call to Opening Night
Introduction: Why Curation Matters
A thoughtful curation process transforms a collection of individual artworks into a cohesive exhibition that tells a story, sparks conversation and resonates with visitors. At The Holy Art, our mission isn’t just to show art; it’s to showcase diverse voices and ideas that reflect what’s happening in the global creative community. This article offers a transparent look at how our curators review, select and arrange works submitted through our open calls.
Step 1: Gathering and Organising Submissions
Each open call attracts hundreds of entries from around the world. To ensure fairness:
Submissions are anonymised during the initial review phase so curators focus on the work itself rather than the artist’s résumé or location.
We categorise entries by medium (painting, photography, sculpture, digital, etc.) to ensure specialists evaluate them appropriately.
Works are compared against the exhibition’s theme—usually intentionally broad—to see how each piece might contribute to a larger narrative.
Step 2: Assessing Artistic Merit and Originality
Our curators and guest judges look for:
Technical proficiency: mastery of craft, composition and use of materials.
Conceptual strength: a clear idea or message that invites viewers to think or feel.
Originality: a distinctive voice or approach that sets the work apart from trends and clichés.
Emotional resonance: work that engages audiences and sparks dialogue.
We strive to balance emerging talent with more established voices to create dynamic exhibitions that surprise and delight visitors.
Step 3: Considering Diversity and Balance
A compelling show represents a range of perspectives. In building a final list, we look to achieve:
Medium diversity: including a mix of 2D, 3D and digital works.
Cultural and geographic diversity: highlighting artists from different backgrounds to reflect our global audience.
Thematic coherence: ensuring that each selected piece contributes to the overall narrative without being repetitive.
This stage often involves lively discussion among curators about how pieces interact—how one artwork’s bold colours might complement another’s minimalist forms, or how two pieces might create an interesting dialogue when displayed together.
Step 4: Practical Considerations
Even the most exciting works must meet logistical requirements:
Size and scale: We have to fit everything safely into our gallery spaces. Very large works may be limited in number or placed in a venue with appropriate dimensions.
Installation needs: Some artworks require specialised hardware, electricity or sensitive environmental conditions. We plan these details in advance to avoid surprises during installation.
Shipping and handling: For physical shows, we assess the feasibility of shipping the work internationally and its fragility. Digital pieces need to meet technical specifications for projection or screen display.
Artists whose works present challenges aren’t automatically rejected; instead, we may request alternate pieces or collaborate to find solutions.
Step 5: Final Selection and Notification
Once the curatorial team has agreed on a balanced roster:
Selected artists are notified and provided with next steps, including exhibition dates, shipping instructions and fees.
Feedback for non‑selected artists: While we can’t provide personalised critiques to every applicant, we encourage artists to apply again and often share general tips on our blog or social channels.
Wait‑list opportunities: If an artist declines or a piece can’t be delivered, works on the wait‑list may be offered a spot.
Step 6: Designing the Exhibition
After selecting the works, we plan the physical or digital layout:
Flow and pacing: We arrange pieces to guide visitors through themes and moods.
Lighting and placement: Proper lighting enhances colours, textures and details. Sculptures may need pedestal placement, while digital works require screens or projections.
Supporting materials: Labels, wall texts and catalogues provide context and help visitors connect with the art and artist.
Conclusion: Our Commitment to Fairness and Excellence
Curation is both art and science—balancing vision, logistics and the diverse voices of our applicants. By sharing our process, we hope to build trust with artists and offer insight into why some works are selected while others are not. Whether you’re preparing your first submission or are a seasoned exhibitor, understanding how exhibitions come together can help you tailor your entry and appreciate the care that goes into each show.
If you’re ready to take part in this creative journey, our next open call for artists is live now. We look forward to seeing your work and continuing to showcase the best in contemporary art from around the globe.
