Okay, this post is going to be a little different than usual. I have been asked a few times lately how to get an exhibition reviewed, and I’ve also seen quite a few invites come by that generally get ignored. Every arts writer will work differently, so what I write here is by no means a ‘golden rule’. Rather, it is intended to be a discussion on the things I have noticed since I started writing, and the things that could be helpful in getting positive exposure for an exhibition or event.
As an Adelaide-based arts writer I’m always on the lookout for exhibitions and new artists to review. Although I do try to visit as many exhibitions as I get invited to, its a sad case that most of us work multiple jobs and rarely find time to visit all the shows that are on at any single point in time. So, for me at least, my reviews have to be time-efficient. I can say right now, for example, that getting reviewed is kind of like being approved for a grant: there are certain things you need to cover and address otherwise your invite gets lost in the ‘too hard’ pile. If you were applying for a grant you would make sure that you had good images to show the panel, described your work well, and made it clear why your project was worthy of support. You certainly wouldn’t make it so that the panel had to run around phoning up after you asking for details, images, etc.
So, to raise your chances of media exposure, don’t try to get bad publicity (unless your need for gossip outweighs your desire for respect)! Instead, treat the media with the same courtesy you would a funding panel. Start by making sure you have a MEDIA PACK. This should include:
+ A one page media release
+ An invite
+ A catalogue (if you had one made)
+ A disc of HI-RES (ie. 300 dpi) images, together with correct captions
What should be included in a media release, you ask? Here’s a loose idea… play around but make sure it is easy to read, the main details stand out, and it is no longer than one A4 page…
+ Title of the exhibition
+ Artist name
+ Gallery details (address, opening hours)
+ Opening night details, including the name of your guest speaker if you’re having one
+ An opening paragraph summarising what the show is about (or a good quote that defines it)
+ A paragraph about you (a brief background, where you studied, your inspiration, whatever you feel is important to know about you in 3-4 sentences)
+ A paragraph about the show itself – the making process, medium, design, concept, etc.
+ A quick sentence at the end to ’sell’ the exhibition – one line to completely sum up what its about
+ A media contact (either yourself or the gallery), including phone number and email
And what is a ‘correct caption’? The basics are:
Artist name, title of work, medium, size, collection (if it has been sold)
I’ve attached a media release template in case it may be of use. I have based the template largely on the media releases created by Lynda Allen (formerly of the Helpmann Academy) as I have always found them to be incredibly well balanced and easy to read in a hurry.
Download it here:
media release template
