This document outlines a practical guide for artists seeking exhibitions in public galleries, emphasizing the importance of creating a three-year plan that includes skills development, networking, proposal writing, and identifying funding sources. It provides examples of goals and strategies for securing exhibitions, and advises on the elements of a proposal, including the necessary materials and documentation. The document also lists resources and bibliographies for further information on the topic.

1. Approaching public galleries Pippa Little, Curator

2. “ it would be terrific if, … a gallery owner saw one of your paintings and offered you a showing. In this fantasy, critics and collectors discover you. That’s it… You’re written about in Time magazine by Robert Hughes. You are invited to show at the Whitney Biennial.” Molly Barnes

3. Approaching public galleries Select Write a three year plan Skills to develop Research (what do they offer) Network Remember galleries programme in advance

4. Proposal writing Mission statement Identify funding sources Get proposal guidelines Budget CV Visual materials Timeline Covering letter

5. Select Limerick has the following publicly funded galleries Limerick City Gallery of Art Hunt Museum Printmakers Belltable Arts Centre Bourne Vincent Gallery-UL

6. LCGA mission statement to provide artists with the opportunity to experiment, develop and above all display their work; Neva Elliott, 2005

7. Write a 3 year plan Short and long term goals Example Put together exhibition in local library Apply for County Council artists bursary Apply for Arts Council Travel Award Have solo exhibition by 2010

8. Break into goals, strategy, deadlines Goal exhibition in local library Strategy Approach librarian Fundraise from local businesses Get press coverage Invite curator from arts centre to open the exhibition Deadline 6 months

9. Skills to develop Proposal writing Teaching Computing, database management, word, Photoshop Project management Press releases Negotiation

10. Tips Think of Ireland as a whole Use open submissions strategically Spend time preparing application forms and proposals Rejection and success is all part of the process Use Visual Artists Ireland

11. What do galleries offer Publicity mail out database postage private view invitations preparing the press release advertising inclusion on web site

12. What do galleries offer Exhibiting transport Installation (technicians) space production costs catalogue Insurance invigilation

13. Network Do not drop in on spec Phone and find out about exhibition policy and open submissions Sign up to the mailing list Attend openings Get to know staff and add them to your mailing list Good quality post cards for minor correspondence

14. Alternative Networking Can you meet for another reason (research, transport advice, voluntary) Can you invite the curator to open an exhibition of your work Do any of your colleagues know the curator Look out for staff changes What about the education or lecture programme?

15. Proposal writing The screening process

16. Why write a proposal To plan your project To manage your project To fundraise for your project

17. Goals and objectives Define broad project goals, then identify objectives Goal To publish a one off art book Objective Select five artists to contribute

18. Mission statement Example Cabinet 's hybrid sensibility merges the popular appeal of an arts periodical, the visually engaging style of a design magazine, and the in-depth exploration of a scholarly journal…. a valuable sourcebook…for a wide range of readers, from artists and designers to scientists and historians. inIVA creates exhibitions, publications, multimedia, education and research projects, designed to bring the work of artists from culturally-diverse backgrounds to the attention of the widest possible public.

19. Identify funding sources Arts Council- Bursaries Award, Projects New Work, Projects Once Off, Commissions, Travel and Training Awards, Small Festivals Local Council CREATE (Artist in the Community) Culture Ireland Heritage Council Galleries CAFE Publications / Clann Credo Irish Fundraising Handbook, 5th edition, 2003-2004

20. Get Proposal Guidelines Read thoroughly Constantly refer to guidelines Check the following Deadlines Eligibility Accompanying material Funding goals and priorities Evaluation process and criteria

21. Contents

22. Budget What do you need? Matching funding Quotes In kind support Timetable of payment schedules

23. CV Up to date Include things that are relevant Remove things if they are not Skills based (if you are running a project) Exhibition based (if you are applying for a bursary)

24. Visual materials Use a photographer Don’t send slides unless specified Do send CD with contact sheet Name your images on CD Give title, medium and date Make sure they are in a compatible format Label ALL accompanying material

25. Timetable

26. Press coverage

27. Covering letter Address to a real person (find out on internet or phone) Explain why your work might be suitable for the venue/programme Keep to one page

28. Submission checklist Requested number of copies Copy to file Be sure to include required documentation

29. Summary Approaching public galleries Select Write 3 year plan Research Network Proposal writing Mission statement Funding sources Budget CV Visual materials Covering letter

30. Bibliography Barnes, M., How to get Hung: A Practical Guide for Emerging Artists , Journey Editions, 1994. Denvir, B., & Gray, H., Making Art Pay , Phaidon, 1989. http://www.a-n.co.uk/cgi-bin/db2www.exe/home.d2w/input?textonly=0 http:// www.cpb.org/grants/grantwriting.html http://www.artscouncil.ie/ http://www.create-ireland.ie/ www.cultureireland.gov.ie . http:// www.cabinetmagazine.org /information/ http://www.iniva.org/general/index