How to organize your first exhibition?

Key points

• Clarify your goal : to sell, to promote your work or to launch a series.

• Plan early : minimum three months, realistic budget and deadlines.

• Choose the location carefully : gallery, studio, cafe or pop-up, depending on your style and audience.

• Promote smartly : social media, flyers, invitations, and behind the scenes.

• Solo or collective ? Solo for personal vision, collective to share efforts and audience.

What shapes our impressions of war? Pictures?Photography by Kevin C Lee

Your first exhibition isn't just an event: it's your first manifesto. Whether you're launching solo or with a group, it's an opportunity to transform your work into an experience, to captivate an audience, and to open new doors for your artistic career. Yes, even those of the somewhat demanding gallery owner... who, believe me, might just end up smiling.

Defining Your Intentions: The “Why” of Exposure

First and foremost, ask yourself the essential question: Why are you organizing this exhibition? Do you want to sell your work? Get people talking about you? Launch a new series? A clear intention guides all your decisions and helps you stay focused, even when you feel like the boxes and frames are conspiring against you.

Next, create a concept that connects your works. Even a simple theme or a poetic title can create a strong thread. A solo exhibition tells your story, while a group show allows you to explore different visions around the same idea. In either case, consistency is your best friend.

Example

If you paint nighttime cityscapes, why not create a theme like "City Lights"? Not only do your works interact with each other, but your title makes visitors want to explore the world you're creating.

Plan early and smart

Three to four months of preparation is a minimum. List your key tasks: venue booking, curation, artwork preparation, pricing, framing, transport, and promotion. Set realistic deadlines and budget for surprises (yes, broken frames and lost boxes count).

If you're organizing with other artists, clarify from the start who does what: marketing, logistics, invitations, etc. Transparency from the start avoids last-minute crises and strengthens group dynamics.

Bright idea

Create a shared online calendar to track your progress. Each artist checks off their completed tasks, and you'll finally see that you're all practically organizational pros (or at least trying).

Choosing the right space

Dinosaurs attack (2023), Emilie Desault, Collages on Paper, 19x21 cm

The location shapes the experience. A traditional gallery lends formal weight to your work, while a studio or café offers a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere. Consider your audience, your budget, and practical needs like lighting and visitor flow.

For group exhibitions, shared spaces or pop-ups can be ideal. Always check accessibility and visibility: can you hold an opening reception there? Is the venue available for the entire planned duration? And above all, visit the place before signing, unless you like surprises... and unpleasant surprises.

Little practical advice

If you enjoy unusual locations, why not exhibit in a former factory or bookstore? Your work will be even more memorable, and your visitors will remember the adventure as much as the art.

Promotion: creating desire

A successful exhibition needs an audience. Work on your visual identity: a title, a flyer or digital invitation, and a clear message. Use social media, newsletters, artist networks, and local listings.

Share behind-the-scenes insights: artwork in progress, box preparation, artist portraits. These personal touches create anticipation and connect with your audience even before the opening. And above all, document your exhibition: photos, videos, press releases, etc. This becomes a valuable part of your portfolio.

Funny example

Post a picture of your cat "inspecting" your artwork or your hands covered in paint. People love the human behind the artist (and the cats).

Solo or collective: choose the formula

Softness envisaged My little houses XXX (2025), Fulvia Nicolini, Engravings & prints on Metal, 20x20 cm

A solo exhibition gives you complete control and showcases your vision. It's perfect for building your personal brand, but you bear all the responsibility and costs.

Group exhibitions spread the effort and expense and can attract a wider audience through combined networks. Ideal for young artists or those who enjoy experimenting with collaboration. Just make sure the group dynamic enhances your work rather than diluting it.

From vision to opening

Your first exhibition isn't about perfection, it's about presence. With clear goals, creative planning, and the courage to share your work, you'll leave not just with visitors, but with real momentum for your future projects.

And remember: if everything goes wrong, you'll still have a story to tell... and maybe a future masterpiece inspired by this chaos.

FAQ

How long before the exhibition should I start preparing?
Ideally, 3 to 4 months. This allows time for the location, preparation of the works and promotion, without unnecessary stress.

Should I exhibit solo or in a group?
If you want to showcase your personal vision and maintain complete control, go solo. To share costs, benefit from a larger audience, and experience collaboration, a collective is perfect.

What type of venue is best?
It all depends on your goal and your audience: a gallery for formal weight, a studio or café for an intimate atmosphere, a pop-up for originality. The important thing is visibility and accessibility.

How to attract people?
Create a strong visual identity, share behind-the-scenes glimpses, invite your networks, and communicate through all available channels. Don't forget to document the exhibition itself.

What if something goes wrong?
Don't panic! Every unexpected event is a story to tell and often an opportunity for creativity. The important thing is that your work is seen and that you enjoy this first experience.