Your first exhibition will probably be a group exhibition

• What is the date of the hanging is and how much time is allocated to do it. (It always takes longer than you think)
• What is the system of hanging – hooks, chains, plastic rods and ask if they provide everything (then take extra hooks!).
• How it works and if the chain/rod lies flush on the wall – ask for photos. If it is away from the wall it's difficult to get the frames to lie flat
• Ask to see the space in advance – what colour is the wall/panel
• The amount of space you are allotted, where is your area and who are your neighbours (what sort of style/media are they displaying – a good organizer will not place artists with very similar styles next to one another)
• Any hanging issues they had in the past
• Is a ladder necessary/provided and how many artist will be using it at the same time?
• Lighting can make or break an exhibition – ask who will mount the lights, how many you will have and when they will put the lights up.
• Is a small table and chair provided or should you bring your own
• Is there space for an easel with an extra painting?
• Are flyers provided if so when will you receive them, what sort of advertising do they do?
• Who will provide the drinks and snacks at the opening?
• Obviously this is also the time to discuss the financial arrangements. This varies considerably, some exhibition organisers ask for a fixed amount and no commission, others ask for both, sometimes it's FREE! Some galleries ask for a large percentage (be sure to ask how many people are on their mailing list and how many usually visit the show). Group exhibitions are a great idea for more inexperienced artists (the more artists exhibiting the more visitors they are likely to attract)