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10 STEPS TO A GREAT EXHIBITION

PROCESS: looking + studying + sorting + sifting + concentrating + weighing + decision making

STEP 1. CONCEPT
• Initial idea
• Research
• Curatorial questions
• Curatorial statement
• Audience
• Accessibility
• Potential Artists/Artwork

STEP 2. WRITING
• Project Description
• Title
• Timeline
• Specifications: web + print
• Communications
• Curatorial Statement
• Checklist
• Wall text
• Documentation

STEP 3. BUDGET
• Communications
• Design
• Printing
• Distribution
• Marketing
• Insurance
• Shipping
• Materials and equipment
• Installation
• Programming

STEP 4. SITE
• Context
• Purpose
• Characteristics: size, layout, power sources
• Infrastructure: Staffing, security, access

STEP 5. ARTISTS + ART
• What are you trying to say?
• Which artist(s) will say it best?
• Which works and how many would be most effective?
• How and where will they fit?
• Why are you making these selections?
• How do the works relate to each other?
• How might they interfere with each other?
• What might you eliminate or add to fully realize your concept?

STEP 6. PROGRAMMING
• How will you invite viewers to access the concept?
• When and where should the programs take place?
• How can you create a conversation around the art and ideas?
• What programs will invite new constituencies to experience the exhibition concept?
• How will you market and evaluate?

STEP 7. PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Timelines
• GLOBAL
• Production
• Design/printing/distribution
• Marketing: web/print/networking/public presentations
• Installation/deinstallation (+ shipping)
• Programming: schedule/participants/content

Information Management
• Bios, statements, images (low+high res), titles, media, dimensions, year
• Loan agreement forms
• Communications: logo, key text, logistics, schedules

STEP 8. BRANDING/MARKETING
• Design: logo, palette, font
• Tag
• Text: project description; artists statements/bios/images
• Research and activate media resources
• Network
• Find connections with other projects/exhibitions
• Cultivate new constituencies
• Collaborate

STEP 9. PRESENTATION
• Gallery floor plan
• Equipment/materials
• Schedule
• Installation team
• Spotting
• Installation
• Wall Text
• Lighting

STEP 10. EVALUATION
• Numbers
• Media coverage
• Participant Survey/Comment book
• Critical review
• Professional critique
• Self evaluation
• Recap w/artists + venue
• Recap w/support team
• Vision for future projects