Start By Visualizing Your Show
- What kind of space will best serve your work?
- Survey existing exhibit or display facilities: galleries, museums, cultural centers, schools, studios, cafes, restaurants, and retailers
- Think about non-traditional spaces law offices, eye clinics, massage therapy centers, real estate offices, city buildings, ice cream shops, bars, anywhere — transforming a nontraditional space may be more creative!
- Think about DIY spaces: outdoor spaces, self-created galleries, storefront exhibits, etc.
Use the Boneyard Facebook Group and past Boneyard listings as resources!
Be Organized
- Image samples and/or portfolio to show a venue
- Have a concise description of your work
- Artist statement and/or bio
- Leave little up to the venue as possible — don’t make it a hassle for them!
- Good communication — make clear who does what
How Do I Find A Venue?
- You can approach a space you desire
- Look at past Boneyard listings on BoneyardArtsFestival.org
- Make a post on the Boneyard Facebook Group
- Attend the Boneyard Mingle
- DIY — create your own venue!
How To Approach A Venue
- Email, call, go in person (be persistent!)
- Identify the right person to speak with
- Be sensitive to: hours of operation, when their busiest time is, appropriate content for the space
Be Prepared
- Your name and contact info
- Why you’re calling, 1-2 sentences about the Boneyard
- Your idea for an exhibit in their space
- Dates you would like to exhibit there
- Have image samples ready to email them
Questions To Ask of Venues
- What are your hours?
- Do you have an existing program?
- Are there places in your business where artwork could be displayed?
- Is there existing hanging hardware for artwork?
- What restrictions to you have on hanging work/displaying 3D work?
- Is there someone to install and take down my work? Should I?
- Do you require title labels/price list/business cards?
- What sort of framing do you require, if any?
- How will sales or admission be handled?
- What in-house marketing could be done by your business to help promote the show?
Tips for Having a Successful Boneyard Show
- Self-promote your show! Make flyers, post event on free community calendars, make a Facebook event, Tweet
- Have a special event with your show. Have an opening reception. Have live music. Have an open critique or workshop.
- Have good venue relations. Make the event worthwhile for both parties
- If work is for sale. Have prices on labels or a price list. Make clear how a patron can contact you. Discuss with venue how sales will be handled. Most importantly: be at your show so people can chat with you!
