An exhibition is your opportunity to share the stories and memories which have been gathered with a wider audience. Have a clear focus and aim to tell the story which has been central to your project. It is also an opportunity to raise questions, get feedback, and spark off new ideas for how to take the project forward in the future.
The Nitty Gritty
Process phase
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Suggested time
3 months
People
Exhibition coordinator, content producer, exhibition designer, graphic designer, proof-reader
Steps
01
Who, What, Why?
Who is the exhibition for – your participants or a wider audience?
What is the story you want to tell?
Why will people want to come?
Is your content relevant and interesting to your chosen audience?
02
Location, Location, Location!
Choose a venue that is suited to the scale of your exhibition.
Think about the audience you are trying to attract. Would they visit this space?
Does the venue have its own footfall or are you going to rely on your own marketing to bring in an audience?
Think about your budget – what can you afford? Empty shops, local libraries and councils can be good venues.
03
Content
Once you have your venue, start thinking about how you want to present your content. This will depend on the story you want to tell and the audience you have in mind. Decide if you will need portable exhibition frames and boards. Where does your story start? How does it progress through the exhibition? Make sure people will see the exhibits in the right sequence. Will there be any public activities accompanying the exhibition (link to:/Createa GuidedWalkingTour and :/Createalearningprogramme)?
04
Marketing
Make the most of word-of-mouth marketing. Posters and leaflets can also be a great help. Try to encourage the local press to review the exhibition and contact local papers and magazines. There are also free listings sites such as ArtRabbit. Organise special visits for local schools or other groups.
05
Let’s Celebrate
Be sure to have a launch event for your exhibition. This is an important opportunity to say thank you to everyone involved in the project and to celebrate the contributions of those who have added to the project. Invite local media to come along. Save the dates should be sent out 6 weeks before the event and formal invite and RSVP should be sent at least 2 weeks beforehand.
06
Feedback
Have a visitor’s book or feedback forms at the exhibition. Keep a record of footfalls. This is often required by sponsors or funders as the last stage of the project.
