How To Improve Your Art Show Applications?

Applying for the opportunity to participate in an art show or gain access to grant money can be really hard. Decision makers accept your applications based on many factors, including your artwork, your art style, the appearance of your application, and many more. When applying for calls for art you need to take the time needed to present a professional-looking application. This may feel time-consuming, but in order to avoid preventable rejections you need to take the time to do it right.

Quick note: For ease of writing this article we use the term “art shows,” but this can refer to fairs, events, exhibitions, and even memberships and grants.

Tips To Improve Applications For Art Shows

Make Sure The Art Show Is A Good Fit

​When you are looking at art show applications, it is important to make sure that your art is a good fit for this opportunity and that the opportunity is a good fit for you. For example, do not waste your time applying for an art show that showcases very traditional work if your work is more contemporary. Applying for shows can get pricey and time-consuming, so you need to have a strategy for choosing which shows are a good fit and will be most beneficial.
Always check the following points:​

If the show is looking for a specific type of art, make sure your work fits those criteria.
Does that show mention any limitations that would disqualify you, for example: “age under 30”
Does the show seem like a good fit for your brand? And where you are in your career
Take a look at the type of audience the show will draw. Is that your target audience?
For physical exhibitions, you need to consider the location of the show, and if you will be able to travel for the show if required.
Look at the type and quality of the work from past shows. Make sure your work matches the quality of previous work.

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Know the requirements

Before beginning the application process, it is important to be aware of the requirements for the art show. Do research on the art show and jurors or curators. This can help you understand if it is worth your time to apply. Each art show application has different requirements, so it is important to read the rules carefully and be sure to meet all the criteria. To increase your chances of acceptance you may want to customize your application for specific shows.

​A few requirements that are generally included in all art show applications are 

• Samples of your work. Depending on the show this could be the work you are entering for the show, or it could be a portfolio of your work. When asked to submit a portfolio of your work make sure to include a selection of your best pieces, and/or pieces relevant to the specific call. This portfolio should be professional in appearance and represent the consistent quality of your work.​
• A resume or CV. This should include a summary of your art experience, education, major shows/exhibitions, awards and honors, collections, publications, and other relevant information. This should be laid out in a concise and professional manner.
• An artist statement. Artist statements are first-person accounts of why or how you do what you do. These should be engaging and authentic.
• Information about the size, medium, and price of your work. Make sure you are giving the dimensions asked for (framed/unframed?)
• You may be asked to provide a signed contract that outlines the terms of the exhibition. This contract will usually include information about the exhibition fee and any other costs associated with the show. It is important to read and understand the contract before you sign it, to ensure that you are comfortable with the terms and conditions. Sometimes the official contract is sent upon acceptance and you have to sign and return it within a certain time. Remember this is a legally binding contract so you should read through it carefully. It will also prevent unnecessary questions from being sent to event coordinators.

Present your work and application in a professional manner.

Once you understand the requirements of the show, the next step is to fill out the application. Many organizations use websites like CAFE or ArtCall.org. These can be helpful because they save some of your information from previous applications so you aren’t constantly uploading artist statements, etc. Make sure you understand the specification of the application. If you do not follow the application instructions you may be disqualified from having your work presented to the juror, or it may count against you in the final decision-making. It is essential that your application is presented in a clear and professional manner.

​Some events are stricter than others, but if you are a professional you should present yourself in a professional manner. That includes reading through the prospectus, following any rules, and submitting a professional-looking application. Some prestigious and selective shows and memberships require the utmost care and attention to detail. Remember, competition can be high, and it is up to you to present yourself and your work professionally.

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To Wrap Up

Applying to an art show can be both scary, exciting, and daunting; but being accepted can be a huge boost to your career.  There is no guarantee that you will get into a show. In fact, rejections are just part of being an artist… really!
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No matter what happens, keep trying, keep improving, and keep growing. Rejections happen for all kinds of reasons, including juror preferences, available space, etc. Most shows do not give you feedback, but if you do receive feedback consider it with an open mind and see what you can learn from the feedback. Whatever you do, don’t get discouraged, keep applying, keep working, keep going. Perseverance and determination are key. We’ll even share a few more tips to help along the way:

• Apply to art shows as early as possible. Some shows take into account when you applied, but the biggest benefit of applying early is that you have time to get tech support or ask questions if needed.
• Be prepared to answer follow up questions about your art if the juror(s) need more information.
• Make sure to present high-quality images of artwork.
• Ensure you have a good artist statement and bio
• Double-check your application before sending it and check for any errors.
• For grants, make sure you have all the information needed to create a compelling case that you would be a good recipient. This includes things like a plan, budget, goals, and objectives.
• Do not hesitate to contact the art show organizers if you have any questions before applying
• You can ask for feedback from friends and family before submitting your applications. But also be careful to seek feedback from resources that have knowledge or attitude to offer helpful suggestions.

We know applying for a show can be stressful. We hope this article will help you feel more confident and better equipped to apply for the right art shows for you. We wish you all the best!! 
Do you have any other tips for applying to an art show? Drop your comment!! 
Special Announcement For Members: Want to dive into the nitty-gritty of applying for shows and grants? We will be hosting a Panel discussion on March 2nd at 3:30 Pacific. RSVP in the member portal.