Promoting Your Exhibition: Marketing Tips for Artists
Introduction: Taking Ownership of Your Exposure
Exhibiting with The Holy Art is a major milestone, but simply hanging your work isn’t enough. Effective promotion not only increases foot traffic to your show but also builds long‑term relationships with collectors, curators and fellow artists. With a well‑planned marketing strategy, you can turn your exhibition into a springboard for future opportunities.
Build Anticipation Before the Show
Start promotion as soon as you confirm your participation:
Update your website and portfolio. Create a dedicated page or blog post about the upcoming exhibition. Include dates, location, and a sneak preview of the works you’ll be showing.
Leverage your mailing list. Email newsletters remain one of the most effective marketing tools. Share your excitement, offer a behind‑the‑scenes look at your process, and include a clear call‑to‑action to RSVP or save the date. If you don’t have a list, start building one now by inviting website visitors and social followers to subscribe.
Design eye‑catching visuals. Use high‑quality images of your work and the exhibition poster provided by The Holy Art. Consistent branding across all materials reinforces your professional image.
Collaborate with The Holy Art’s Marketing Team
Our gallery promotes each exhibition through social media, press outreach and newsletters. To maximise the impact:
Align messaging and hashtags. Use the official exhibition title and gallery hashtags in your posts to ensure your content appears in searches related to the show.
Share the event page. We’ll create an event page on our website and social channels. Link to it whenever you post about the exhibition.
Provide assets promptly. Send the gallery high‑resolution images, your artist bio and statement on time so we can include you in press releases and promotional graphics.
Master Social Media Promotion
Different platforms require different strategies:
Instagram: Use a mix of feed posts, Stories and Reels. Show works in progress, studio shots and finished pieces. Use relevant hashtags (#TheHolyArt, #artexhibition, #contemporaryart) and tag the gallery. Consider collaborating with influencers or art bloggers who might attend.
Facebook: Create or co‑host an event page with the gallery. Invite friends and share updates leading up to the opening. Post longer captions telling the story behind your work.
LinkedIn: Announce the exhibition as a professional milestone. Highlight the skills and experiences that led you here and invite your network to attend.
TikTok and YouTube: If you’re comfortable on video, share short clips about your process, preparations and the final installation. Authenticity resonates with viewers and can attract new fans.
Consistency is key—post regularly in the weeks leading up to the show. Engage with comments and messages to build relationships with potential attendees and buyers.
Tap into Local Media and Communities
Beyond social media, your local scene can offer valuable exposure:
Press releases: Draft a brief announcement and send it to local arts reporters, magazines and bloggers. Include high‑resolution images, a quote about your work and the exhibition details.
Community calendars and event listings: Submit your show to local newspaper calendars, arts council listings and event apps.
Artists’ associations and groups: If you belong to any collectives or online forums, share the news there. Fellow artists are often supportive and may bring friends or patrons.
Flyers and postcards: In the digital age, print materials still have impact. Place them in coffee shops, libraries, universities and art supply stores in the exhibition city.
Cross‑Promote with Your Fellow Exhibitors
Group exhibitions offer built‑in networking opportunities:
Share each other’s posts. By amplifying your fellow artists’ content, you tap into their audiences and create a sense of community.
Joint giveaways or contests: Offer a small print or studio visit as a prize for people who share the exhibition event or tag friends. This can expand your reach organically.
Behind‑the‑scenes collaborations: Film a group studio visit or record a panel discussion about your shared themes. These pieces make engaging content that galleries and art media love to repost.
Engage During the Exhibition
Promotion shouldn’t stop once the show opens:
Live coverage: Share photos and short videos from the opening night. Highlight visitors engaging with your work and include their comments (with permission).
Artist talks and workshops: If possible, arrange an artist talk or workshop during the exhibition run. Promote it as a separate event to draw additional audiences.
QR codes and mailing list sign‑ups: Display a QR code next to your works that links to your website or newsletter sign‑up page. Invite visitors to follow your journey after the show.
Follow Up Afterwards
Stay connected with people you met:
Thank you messages: Send personalised thank‑you notes to collectors, the gallery team and anyone who helped promote the show.
Social media wrap‑up: Post highlights and express gratitude. Tag attendees and the gallery.
Share press coverage: If the exhibition was reviewed or featured in the media, share the article with your network.
Update your portfolio: Add installation photos and mention the exhibition in your CV and bio. Evidence of recent shows boosts credibility for future applications.
Conclusion: Be Proactive and Partner with Your Gallery
Promotion is a collaboration between artist and gallery. By taking an active role, you not only support The Holy Art’s efforts but also build momentum for your career. Start early, be consistent and authentic in your messaging, and remember that every exhibition is an opportunity to grow your audience and professional network.
Ready to put these tips into action? Our next open call is open now—apply today, and let’s work together to make your exhibition a success.
