Guidelines for Exhibiting in Museums
By Karen Atkinson, courtesy of Side Street Projects
Art Institute of Chicago
The information below is part of a series of guides that outline the pros and cons of various types of venues.
ABOUT: Museums offer one person, group, thematic, invitational and juried exhibitions. Most do not accept proposals for review, but some do. Most have their own curatorial staffs who do the invitations to show, or organize their own exhibitions.
EXPECTATIONS: Most museums now have Web sites, which will usually let you know their policies for submissions or studio visits. If not, be sure to call the staff before sending information. Most museums have their own acquisition policies, so do not donate your work without finding out their policies. Many museums are scheduled 2 – 4 years in advance.
PROS: Museums are prestigious venues. The level of professionalism and assistance to the artist is high.
CONS: Most museums will not consider unsolicited proposals. Many museums still do not provide artist’s fees.
RESEARCH: Research online or call museums to find out their selection process, or if they have open call exhibitions. Most will publicize applications and information. Be sure to find out their policies for a requesting a studio visit.
RESOURCES: AAM is the Association of American Museums. Also, the summer issue of Art in America lists most all museums in the U.S.
Excerpted from Get Your Sh*t Together, an artist's professional development software produced by Karen Atkinson. This came out of her involvement wth Side Street Projects, Los Angeles.