How to Write a Press Release for your Exhibit

Notify the press about upcoming art exhibits and events. They provide info to arts calendars and invite critics to discuss your work. The press release answers questions about who, what, where and when?

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. At the top of your press release, state the following information in list form in this order:
   
   Date of press release
   Name of exhibit/performance
   Name of artist(s) or "a group show of # artists"
   Exhibition curator, (if applicable)
   Name of Gallery
   Date of the exhibit
   Reception time and date (if applicable)
   
   Use bold letters or caps.
2. Write something interesting and engaging for the body of the release. The first 2 sentences are the most important, you have to hook the viewers to make them want to know more.
3. The first paragraph should summarize the event.
4. The second paragraph points out the important aspects of your work and may be condensed from your artist's statement.
5. You may also include other paragraphs with optional information such as...
   
   listings of professional accomplishments
   your other important exhibits
   major collections your art is included in
   comparisons of your art to other artists
   qoutes from published reviews of your work
   Anything else of significance
6. All press releases conclude with the following:
   
   Address with directions and parking info if needed
   Gallery hours for exhibition
   Name and phone of contact person for more info
   Ticket Prices (if applicable)
   Phone Number to call of complimentary press tickets if you are charging admission.

Tips & Warnings

• a press release is 1-2 pages long, all double spaced
• have short paragraphs for easy reading
• factual info at beginning should be made easy to read at a glance, using larger font, CAPS, bold letters or underline
• This is not a personal statement, always refer to yourself in the third person
• Print out on high quality paper
• may include an image of work, high quality color print or photo quality computer printout.
• Mail via first-class
• send to all appropriate newspapers, local weeklies, free papers, art publications, university papers, radio stations and online art listings.
• You can also hand deliver release to smaller publications.
• Keep the layout clean and easy to read.