Juried Exhibition Opportunities: Making Informed Choices for Your Artistic Journey
Juried art shows provide a gateway for artists to showcase their work to a wider audience. For an artists, the benefits are multifaceted.
When I started on my own artistic journey as a self-taught artist in a foreign country with no network to dip into, participating in juried shows offered validation of my talent and vision and the chance to connect with both peers and art enthusiasts. Additionally, it lead to a few awards, and exposure in galleries and art communities.
Beyond the potential for sales, these shows enable artists to gauge their progress, gain valuable feedback, and refine their artistic voice.
In essence, juried art shows serve as essential stepping stone.
But all shows are not created equal. So how can you determine whether a juried exhibition opportunity is too valuable to pass up or something you should let go of?
After participating and curating multitude of Juried shows, I came up with this list of questions to help make informed decisions.
Empower yourself by seeking answers.
The questions:
What are my expectations upon acceptance into this exhibition? Remember that your desired outcome might not always be financial; it could be about gaining experience, catching the attention of a specific juror, or achieving recognition.
What constitutes the best, acceptable, and worst outcomes? Which of these aligns best with my goals and is manageable?
Could this exhibition fill a gap in my résumé, such as showcasing in a different city, state, or organization?
Do I have the necessary artwork for this exhibition, or will it conflict with other commitments? If creating work specifically for this exhibition is necessary, is it the right focus for me at this time?
Does my artistic style match the curator's or juror's preferences for the show? While juried exhibitions are typically inclusive, consider if your work resonates with the person selecting the pieces. Is it an opportunity to showcase your art in front of someone you respect?
How much time will I need to invest in the application process? If accepted, how much additional time will be required?
What are the associated fees, including entry, framing, shipping, and travel expenses? Do these costs align with my budget?
Have I progressed beyond this exhibition's level? Am I more established than many other participants?
Would I benefit more from investing my time and resources into another opportunity, even if I need to create such an opportunity myself?