Curating a Local Art Exhibition with Bicester Art Network

As founders of Bicester Art Network, we often organise a local art exhibitions providing an opportunity to bring artists, residents and visitors together while showcasing the variety of creative talent within the area.

With up to 30 artists working across painting, photography, textiles, sculpture, printmaking and mixed media, careful planning is essential to ensure that every artist receives the attention their work deserves.

Planning the Exhibition

Our process begins several months before the opening. We establish the exhibition’s theme, dates, venue, budget and submission arrangements. Artists need clear information about the sizes and types of work accepted, delivery and collection arrangements, insurance, sales commission and any entry fee.

Each participating artist will be asked to provide a list of submitted work, including the title, description, price and quanity with a short biography and artwork images. This information is used to create artwork barcoded labels, a till catalogue, website content, press releases and social media promotions. High-quality photographs of the work will also help promote the exhibition before it opens.
Behind the scenes, the organising team of volunteers must prepare a detailed floor plan, arrange other volunteers, complete a risk assessment and check public liability insurance. It is also important to organise lighting, refreshments, payment facilities, security, charity donations and storage for packaging. A delivery schedule helps prevent congestion when up to 30 artists arrive with their work.

Displaying the Artwork

Artboards measuring 900 × 1200mm offer Bicester Art Network a practical and adaptable way to display artwork, particularly in venues where permanent wall fixings are unsuitable. However, the boards should not be overcrowded. Leaving around 100mm around the edges creates a clean border, while sufficient space between individual works allows visitors to view each piece comfortably.
Depending on the size of the frames, one board may hold a single medium-sized painting, two smaller works or a carefully arranged group of three or four small pieces. Larger artwork may require two boards or a separate wall area. A floor plan usually allocates each artist a defined display zone, while allowing flexibility for different frame sizes and formats.
The hooks & perlons provided with the boards are checked before installation. Using suitable fixings for the weight of each piece and two hanging points for larger or heavier frames. Work is generally positioned with its centre close to average eye level, approximately 1500–1600mm from the floor but also maximising space usage is also important.

Labels follow a consistent format, showing the artist’s name, artwork title, medium and price. The rear labels are barcoded facilitating an effecient sales process at the till point. Keeping labels aligned and easy to read and mounted uniformly helps presentation. Sculpture, ceramics and three-dimensional work should be placed on tables with white table cloths, with enough space for visitors, particularly those with accessability needs, to move safely around them. Photography and textiles may benefit from carefully directed lighting that reveals detail without causing glare. Some artists use a more premium anti-reflective glazing, however this can raise unit cossts when it comes to sales.

Selecting a Venue

An empty shop often provides Bicester Art Network with exceptional high-street visibility. Artwork displayed in the windows attracts passing pedestrians, encourages spontaneous visits and create a lively presence in an otherwise vacant unit. The exhibition also supports neighbouring businesses by increasing footfall and encouraging visitors to spend more time in the area. Heating, lighting, security, accessibility and the permitted use of the property are considdered and checked before booking.
A village hall is often an affordable and practical choice. It may offer good floor space, storage, kitchen facilities and accessible toilets, as well as room for workshops, talks or community activities. Although it may not benefit from the same level of passing footfall as a high-street venue, promotion through local groups, schools and community networks can attract a strong audience.
A church can provide a memorable setting, with high ceilings, distinctive architecture and a calm atmosphere that may complement certain types of artwork. Churches may also benefit from visitors attending services, concerts and other local events. Bicester Art Network agrees in advance how work can be displayed, where refreshments may be served and whether any themes or content require special consideration working closely with Church committee members. We currently work with 3 local churches putting on regular exhibitions, St Michaels and All Angels at newton Purcell, St Mary's at Marsh Gibbon and All Saints Church in Middlton Stoney.

The Private View

The first-night private view aims to welcome artists, invited guests, local businesses, journalists, community representatives and potential buyers. Name badges, a guest book, clear signage and refreshments will help create a friendly atmosphere. A short introduction from the Bicester Art Network curator helps explain the exhibition’s purpose and acknowledge the artists, volunteers, venue and charitable endeavours.
The private view is also an opportunity for artists to discuss their work, make professional connections and generate photographs for future publicity. With thoughtful curation and strong organisation, Bicester Art Network creates exhibitions that celebrates local creativity, attracts new audiences and demonstrates the value of art within the wider Bicester community.