A Guide to Achieving a Solo Exhibition for Your Art

June 29, 2023 Gavin Coates

As an artist, the dream of having a solo exhibition can feel daunting.

To achieve a solo exhibition, start by creating a mind-map to organize your thoughts and tasks. Develop a body of art, update your artist CV, and find a suitable gallery. Prepare a proposal and establish a strong online presence. Build relationships, be patient, and take action towards your goal.

Naturalist Gallery of Contemporary Art: OPEN CALL FOR SOLO EXHIBITION

With careful planning and organization, it is possible to turn this aspiration into a reality. In this article, we will explore practical steps to help you navigate the process of securing a solo exhibition for your art.

open call solo show

Start with a Mind-Map: To begin, create a mind-map to organize your thoughts and ideas. Write "solo exhibition" in the center and let your mind wander. Consider aspects such as finding a suitable gallery, preparing a proposal, updating your artist CV, selecting a medium, and defining the message behind your artworks. Mind-maps allow you to explore multiple avenues simultaneously, ensuring no ideas are lost.
Break Down Tasks: As you map out your thoughts, you'll discover a list of tasks related to your solo exhibition. Prioritize them based on their importance and dependencies. For example, focus on building your body of work and creating a professional artist website before reaching out to galleries. Remember, it's crucial to have a solid foundation before approaching potential exhibition spaces.
Refine Your Timeline: Realize that achieving your goal will take time and commitment. Evaluate how long it will take to complete each task on your list and give yourself a realistic timeline. If you're starting from scratch with no art, website, or CV, anticipate it may take a year or more to accomplish everything. Understanding the timeline will help you manage your expectations and plan accordingly.
Implement the Ivy-Lee Method: To boost productivity, adopt the Ivy-Lee Method. At the end of each day, review your calendar and list 6-7 tasks to complete the following day, prioritizing them based on importance. When you wake up, you'll have a clear plan of action, eliminating indecision. Unfinished tasks from the previous day automatically move to the top of the list. This method provides structure and helps you stay focused on your goals.
Understand What Galleries Look for: Galleries consider various factors when selecting artists for exhibitions. Beyond the quality of your art, they assess your past accomplishments, long-term potential, and commitment to your artistic career. They seek artists with ambition, originality, a clear vision, and a significant body of fresh and unique work. They also value artists who understand the business aspect of the art world and are willing to build a collaborative and enduring partnership.
Nurture the Artist-Gallery Relationship: Galleries prioritize artists who demonstrate professionalism, endurance, and perseverance. They value artists who view the first show as a stepping stone rather than the ultimate goal. Being flexible, cooperative, and enthusiastic about exhibiting your art can enhance your chances of securing a solo exhibition. Show respect for the gallery's expertise, trust their decisions regarding display and sales, and maintain open communication throughout the partnership.

how to solo exhibit

Securing a solo exhibition for your art requires careful planning, organization, and dedication. By breaking down your goals into manageable tasks, understanding what galleries look for, and fostering a collaborative relationship with gallery owners, you can increase your chances of realizing your dream exhibition. Stay focused, be patient, and embrace the journey toward achieving your artistic aspirations.

Apply your art for a solo exhibition at Naturalist Gallery.

solo exhibition