Creating Your First Exhibition
General Things to Consider
- At what types of venues do you want to present the collection: (e.g. Galleries, Quilt Shows, Museums, Local Events)?
- How many quilts should be in the exhibition?
- Does the exhibition have a theme?
- Who will pay for shipping to and from your specified address?
- How will you allow the artist to pay for shipping?
- Does the venue requirement hanging devices, and if so, what type and who will provide-the Artist?
- Do you require size restrictions on the works - or a range?
- What documentation will you require of the artists?
- Specific Labels
- Loan Agreements
- Liability Waivers
- Publicity/Photography Agreements
- Return Shipping Labels
- Artist Statement - General
- Artist Statement - artwork specific
- Artist Resume
- Artist Biography
- Who will insure the works while they are in your possession?
- Must the works be available for travel?
- What documentation does the "venue" require?
- Will the venue store the works between venues?
- Will the venue pay for shipping to and from a central point?
- Will the venue insure the works while in their possession and at the specific events?
- What insurance documents does the venue require?
- How will you publicize the event? Will you create a postcard? Catalogue (online or print)?
- Will you require a fee for entry? (Juried)
- How can an artist pay for this fee?
- What is the calendar for your exhibition: deadlines/receipt of works/ return of works, etc.?
Exhibit Forms (Templates)
- Showbook Template Page
- Exhibit Quilt Label Template
- Artist Loan Agreement Example (Note: Please have this reviewed by your legal representative)
Online Exhibition Catalogues
Fiber Force: A Futuristic Approach - by Lisa Chipetine: This was the first show I ever curated and since I couldn't afford to publish a print catalogue of the exhibition, I requested as part of the artist's registration process that they send me 300 dpi photographs of the pieces. (Note: I made sure in my Artist's Loan Agreement that I got the Artist signed off on the fact that I would use the images in an on-line catalogue (not for profit), however, they would always maintain copyright). I took the photographs and made a simple PowerPoint presentation (make sure to give specific photographers credit). I then converted the PowerPoint catalogue into an Adobe PDF file by using Primo PDF (a free online pdf converter). This insured that the images would not be stolen, as well as, condensed the file size. Here is the result:
Fiber Force Catalogue.pdf