Why Write a Press Release for Your Art Exhibition
Are you planning an art exhibition or an art show and want to spread the word?
A well-crafted press release can be your best friend! It helps you share the exciting news about your event with the media and art lovers alike.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of writing an effective press release for your art exhibition. You’ll learn how to catch the attention of journalists and provide all the essential details that encourage people to visit your show.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or hosting your first exhibition, these tips will help you communicate your artistic showcase effectively and professionally.
Table of Contents
The Beginner’s Guide to Writing a Press Release for an Art Exhibits or Art Show
Art Exhibition Press Release Templates
Art Exhibition Press Release Samples
Tips to Increase The Quality of Your Press Release
Distributing Your Press Release
Creating and Distributing Your Art Exhibition Press Release
Press Release Examples Across Several Industries
The Beginner’s Guide to Writing a Press Release for an Art Exhibits or Art Show
Writing a press release is not the same as writing an email or blog post. There’s a very specific format for press releases that you should follow.
Here’s a description of each element you should include in yours:
Headline and Subheading
Start your press release with a clear and attention-grabbing headline. It should summarize the main event or feature of your exhibition. For example, “Vibrant Horizons: Exploring Modern Landscape Art”. Directly beneath the headline, include a subheading that provides additional detail or a compelling fact to intrigue the reader, like “Featuring Award-Winning Artists from Around the Globe”.
Date and Location Line
This line shows when and where the press release is being written and when the information can be released to the public. A typical dateline may read: New York: June 1, 20XX.
Introduction Paragraph
Your first paragraph should answer the who, what, when, where, and why of your exhibition. Keep it concise but informative. For instance: “This May, City Art Gallery presents ‘Vibrant Horizons’, a captivating showcase of modern landscape paintings by internationally recognized artists. This month-long exhibition will open with a reception on May 15, 20XX, and features works that reinterpret traditional landscapes through bold colors and innovative techniques.”
Body Paragraphs
The next section of your press release should dive deeper into details. Discuss the themes of the exhibition, highlight key artists or pieces, and mention any special events related to the exhibition, like artist talks or workshops. Use simple sentences and avoid jargon: “The exhibition will highlight the work of Jane Doe, a Pulitzer Prize-winning painter known for her vibrant use of color and texture that challenges our perception of natural scenery.”
Quotes
Include a quote from a key figure involved in the exhibition, such as the curator or a featured artist. This personal touch adds credibility and depth to your press release. Make sure the quote reflects enthusiasm and insight: “‘Vibrant Horizons’ offers a fresh perspective on landscapes, inviting viewers to engage in a visual dialogue about nature and art,” says John Smith, curator of the exhibition.
Call to Action
Encourage people to visit the exhibition with a clear call to action. This could be an invitation to the opening reception, a prompt to check out the gallery website for more information, or an encouragement to visit while the exhibit is on. Example: “Join us at the opening reception to experience these transformative works first-hand and meet the artists behind them.”
Boilerplate
End your press release with a boilerplate—a short paragraph about the gallery hosting the exhibition and the artist. Include basic information like the gallery’s history, its mission, and types of exhibitions it generally hosts. This context helps readers who might not be familiar with your gallery: “City Art Gallery has been a cornerstone of the Downtown arts community since 1998, featuring eclectic monthly exhibitions that showcase both emerging and established artists.”
Contact Information
Finally, make sure your press release includes contact information. Provide the name, phone number, and email address of the person who can be contacted for more information about the exhibition. This is crucial for journalists or guests who may have questions or need further details.
Art Exhibition Press Release Templates
We know it’s always easier to write something when you have a template, so here are several of them, each addressing different types of exhibitions, to give you ideas as you write your own.
Note, the bold elements in these templates are provided to show you the different elements of the template. You should not include the bolded words in your actual press release!
| Headline: Celebrating Contrast: The Art of Emma Lin Subheading: An Immersive Solo Exhibition by Critically Acclaimed Painter Emma Lin Date & Location: Opening Night: June 3, 20XX, at Downtown Art Gallery, New York Introduction: Body Paragraphs: Quote: Call to Action: Boilerplate: Contact: Jane Doe, Gallery Manager |
Template 2: Group Art Show Press Release
| Headline: Fusion of Horizons: A Group Exhibition at Horizon Gallery Subheading: Experience a Diverse Range of Artistic Expressions This Summer Date & Location: Starts July 20, 20XX, at Horizon Gallery, San Francisco Introduction: Body Paragraphs: Quote: Call to Action: Boilerplate: Contact Information: |
Template 3: Thematic Exhibition Press Release
| Headline: Shadows and Whispers: Exploring the Intangible in Art Subheading: A Thematic Exhibition at ModernArt Space Date & Location: Exhibition Runs August 15 – October 10, 20XX, at ModernArt Space, Chicago Introduction: Body Paragraphs: Quote: Call to Action: Boilerplate: Contact Information: |
Template #4: Museum Art Exhibition Press Release
| Headline: Timeless Echoes: Journey Through Classical Art Subheading: A New Exhibition at the Grand Museum Featuring Masterpieces from Antiquity to Renaissance Date & Location: Opens September 5, 20XX, at The Grand Museum, Boston Introduction: Body Paragraphs: Quote: Call to Action: Boilerplate: Contact Information: |
These templates are examples to show you how you might want to write your press release. Keep in mind the following as you do so:
- They should be personalized to fit your specific art exhibition.
- The bold lines are to help you understand each element. They should not be included in your press release’s copy.
- Even though each of these templates shows a single Body Paragraph, most press releases have multiple body paragraphs, including a quote within one or two of them.
Art Exhibition Press Release Samples
Here are several real examples of press releases promoting art exhibitions to give you even more ideas:
Museum Art Exhibit Press Release Example
Art Gallery Press Release Example
Press Release Announcing Museum Exhibitions for the Year
Tips to Increase The Quality of Your Press Release
Great, now you’ve got the basics down, here are some tips to enhance the quality of your art exhibition’s press release:
- Use Clear and Compelling Language: Keep your language simple and direct. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences that might confuse readers.
- Make It Visually Appealing: Use formatting tools like bold headers, bullet points, and short paragraphs to make the press release easy to scan and read.
- Emphasize Unique Points: Highlight what makes your exhibition unique. Whether it’s an exclusive piece, a renowned artist, or a unique theme, make these elements stand out.
- Include High-Quality Images: Attach one or two high-resolution images of key artworks or the venue to capture interest and give a visual taste of what to expect.
- Proofread Carefully: Errors can undermine your credibility. Proofread your press release multiple times, or have another person review it to catch any grammar or spelling mistakes.
- Optimize for SEO: If your press release will be published online, include relevant keywords about the exhibition, artists, or art style to help improve its visibility in search results.
- Target the Right Audience: Make sure your language and content resonate with your target audience, whether they are art critics, general art lovers, or potential buyers.
- Follow Up with Media Contacts: After sending out your press release, follow up with key journalists and influencers who might be interested in covering the exhibition.
- Use Quotes Effectively: Include engaging and insightful quotes from artists or curators that add depth to the narrative of your exhibition.
- Check the Timing: Release your press release at an optimal time, generally 2-4 weeks before the event, to give media outlets enough time to cover your exhibition and people to plan their visit.
- Include All Necessary Details: While you’ve covered what to include, double-check that essential information like the date, time, and venue are correct and clearly visible.
- Maintain a Consistent Tone: Ensure the tone of your press release matches the nature of the exhibition and your gallery or museum’s branding.
By following these tips, your press release can effectively capture the attention of your intended audience and generate excitement about your art exhibition.
Distributing Your Press Release
Now that you’ve created a masterpiece of a press release that equals the quality of the art you’re exhibiting, let’s talk about distributing your press release.
You could do what most people do – send it out to the local media, cross your fingers, and hope something happens.
Or you can use a press release distribution service like eReleases.com to send it out. Doing so can greatly increase the reach and impact of your press release. Here’s why you might want to use such a service:
- Wider Reach: Distribution services have extensive networks that include journalists, media outlets, and online platforms. This means your press release can reach a much larger and more diverse audience than you might manage on your own.
- Targeted Distribution: These services allow you to target specific industries, geographic areas, and even demographics. This ensures that your press release reaches the most relevant and interested parties, increasing the likelihood of coverage.
- Time-Saving: Sending out a press release manually to a large number of outlets can be very time-consuming. A distribution service streamlines this process, letting you focus on other important tasks related to your exhibition.
- Professional Presentation: Press release distribution services are experts in formatting and presenting information in a way that appeals to media professionals. This professional presentation can boost the credibility of your release.
- Tracking and Reporting: After your press release is distributed, these services often provide detailed reports on its reach and impact, including how many people viewed it, where it was published, and other valuable metrics.
Using a service like eReleases.com simplifies the process of sending out a press release and enhances the chances of your exhibition gaining significant attention and attendance.
Creating and Distributing Your Art Exhibition Press Release
Crafting a well-structured and engaging press release for your art exhibition is a crucial step in ensuring its success.
By following the outlined tips and utilizing a professional distribution service like eReleases.com, you can significantly enhance the visibility and impact of your event. These strategies not only help attract a larger audience but also engage media outlets and art enthusiasts in a meaningful way.
Remember, a great press release communicates the unique value of your exhibition compellingly and concisely, making it an indispensable tool in your promotional arsenal. So, take the time to perfect your press release, leverage the right distribution channels, and prepare for a successful exhibition opening.
Press Release Examples Across Several Industries
Finally, here are some tips and training to help you write an amazing press release:
Additional Press Release Resources
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Directory of Examples & Templates
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What is a Press Release?
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Click for Press Release Template & Format (including a blank press release example)
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Click to Learn How to Format a Press Release (+ Free Template and 80+ Examples)
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Click to Learn How to Write a Press Release
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Click to Learn How to Submit a Press Release
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To Write a Press Release Yourself or Not?
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80+ Example Press Releases
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Of course, you could always have us write and distribute your release — starting at a special combination price for new customers. Click here – Press Release Writing
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