About Art Shows
An art show is a memorable and exciting experience for artists as well as attendees. Artists get a chance to showcase their work to a new audience, while art enthusiasts get a chance to be entertained, inspired, and maybe even find a new piece for their collection.
But staging a successful art show is no easy feat. Planning a show takes a lot of hard work and effort, but perhaps the most crucial job of all is finding the best art show venue. Finding the right space for your exhibit will completely transform the way the audience experiences your art — or the work of a group of artists — not to mention play a huge role in getting more people through the door.
So how can you find the right art show space for your needs? Keep reading to find out.
The Best Art Show Venues
The best art show venue is one that matches the style and theme of your work. It’s also one that ensures a pleasant experience for all attendees, is situated in a convenient location and comes at a reasonable price. Here are just a few of the popular options worth considering when searching for an art show space.
- Art Galleries
Where better to host an art show than in a gallery space? With the venue tailor-made for showcasing works in the best possible light, and already established as a local hub for arts and culture, your pieces are sure to draw plenty of attention.
- Warehouses
Old industrial buildings can also double as wonderful venues for a wide range of events, including art shows. With their rustic architectural features and fascinating history, abandoned or repurposed warehouses make a unique and memorable backdrop for any art exhibit.
- Function Rooms
They may not be as different or interesting as some other spaces on this list, but function rooms are a practical solution if you’re struggling to find the right art show location. They offer flexible layouts, experienced staff, and all the amenities you need to stage a successful show.
- Private Homes
The best thing about choosing a private home as an art show venue is that homes come in all shapes, sizes, and themes. From humble homes to opulent mansions, mid-century modern to contemporary chic, you can find a home that complements your works perfectly. Offering Victorian architecture and a convenient location, this heritage home is a unique art show space.
- Loft Spaces
Lofts have spacious layouts, high ceilings, and often interesting architectural features. Add an abundance of natural light into the mix and you’ve got the ideal setting for an intimate and engaging art show.
What to Look for in Art Show Spaces
Choosing an art show venue is a lot more complicated than just selecting the first gallery space you come across. Instead, you’ll need to take a range of key factors into account to ensure that the venue has everything you need to run a successful exhibition. Here’s what you need to consider.
- Atmosphere and Ambiance
From tailor-made gallery spaces to lofts, community halls, and even old industrial buildings, every venue has its own unique ambiance. Some are bright and airy, others dark and moody, and many have their own distinctive history. So, take a moment to think about the atmosphere you want for your space and how it will impact the way attendees interact with your art, then start comparing suitable options.
- Size and Layout
Next, think about how many people will be attending the show. Will the venue have enough space to allow all attendees to experience your art the way they should? Will it encourage discussion and conversation without making people feel like they’re standing on top of one another? Also, remember to consider the layout of the art show venue and how guests will flow through the space as they admire each work.
- Essential Facilities
Now it’s time to ask yourself which facilities and amenities you want and need in a venue. For example, does it have private parking, is it easily accessible, and is there restrooms available? In addition, you may need a space for the guests to chat and mingle and a place to manage any sales. Put together a list of essentials and then keep it close at hand when comparing venues.
- Convenient Location
The best art show spaces are venues that sit in a convenient location. That usually means they’re centrally located, highly visible, and easily accessible by road as well as public transport. The simpler a venue is to get to, the simpler it will be to get people through the front door.
- Price
Finally, the cost to hire a venue will also be a major consideration. Work out your budget ahead of time and be careful not to get sucked into overspending on a space you can’t afford.
Art Show Inspiration
Need some more ideas to help you find the perfect art show space? Check out the inspiration ideas we shared below.
- Blank Canvas: Gallery Space
Gallery spaces are already set up for the sole purpose of showcasing art. They allow you to highlight each piece just the way you want and give attendees the space they need to admire and interact with your art. With its white walls, concrete floors, high ceilings, and abundant natural light, this gorgeous gallery space is simply stylish.
- Light and Bright: Loft
Bright, airy, and inviting, lofts help create an intimate atmosphere for your art show. Some also offer hints of an industrial past, which can add a memorable complement or contrast to the work on show.
- A Unique Twist: Old Industrial Building
Some abandoned warehouses have a spooky, haunted vibe. Other old industrial buildings have been lovingly restored, and then there are those that have been repurposed as distinctive event spaces. There’s a unique array of old industrial sites on offer, so shop around to find one with an eye-catching setting for your exhibition.
- Center Stage: Theater
Not all art is meant to be hung on a wall as a static display. Modern art is often interactive, uses multiple media forms, and even an element of performance. If that’s the case for your next project, find an intimate theater space that will let your art take center stage.
