Artist Resources

Start By Visualizing Your Show

• What kind of space will best serve your work?
• Survey existing exhibit or display facilities: galleries, museums, cultural centers, schools, studios, cafes, restaurants, and retailers 
• Think about non-traditional spaces law offices, eye clinics, massage therapy centers, real estate offices, city buildings, ice cream shops, bars, anywhere -- transforming a nontraditional space may be more creative!  
• Think about DIY spaces: outdoor spaces, self-created galleries, storefront exhibits, etc. 

Use the Boneyard Facebook Group, past Boneyard listings, and the Bonyard Minge as resources! 

Be Organized

• Image samples and/or portfolio to show a venue 
• Have a concise description of your work 
• Artist statement and/or bio 
• Leave little up to the venue as possible -- don't make it a hassle for them! 
• Good communication -- make clear who does what

How Do I Find A Venue?

• You can approach a space you desire 
• Look at past Boneyard listings on BoneyardArtsFestival.org 
• Make a post on the Boneyard Facebook Group 
• Attend the Boneyard Mingle
• DIY -- create your own venue!

How To Approach A Venue

• Email, call, go in person (be persistent!) 
• Identify the right person to speak with 
• Be sensitive to: hours of operation, when their busiest time is, appropriate content for the space

Be Prepared 

• Your name and contact info 
• Why you're calling, 1-2 sentences about the Boneyard 
• Your idea for an exhibit in their space 
• Dates you would like to exhibit there 
• Have image samples ready to email them 

Questions To Ask of Venues 

• What are your hours? 
• Do you have an existing program? 
• Are there places in your business where artwork could be displayed? 
• Is there existing hanging hardware for artwork? 
• What restrictions to you have on hanging work/displaying 3D work? 
• Is there someone to install and take down my work? Should I? 
• Do you require title labels/price list/business cards? 
• What sort of framing do you require, if any? 
• How will sales or admission be handled? 
• What in-house marketing could be done by your business to help promote the show?

Tips for Having a Successful Boneyard Show 

• Self-promote your show! Make flyers, post event on free community calendars, make a Facebook event, Tweet 
• Have a special event with your show. Have an opening reception. Have live music. Have an open critique or workshop. 
• Have good venue relations. Make the event worthwhile for both parties 
• If work is for sale. Have prices on labels or a price list. Make clear how a patron can contact you. Discuss with venue how sales will be handled. Most importantly: be at your show so people can chat with you!