Finding a Venue

When looking for a suitable place to hold an exhibition there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration. 

• The Geographical location & the relationship of this to the audience: The location of the exhibition is important as it needs to be easily accessible by the general public, preferably with decent transport links. It is also important that I can easily get to the site with the work to be exhibited. 
• Recognised venues, versus spaces without History: Obviously there are benefits of showing work in a recognised art space. Recognised spaces are usually in more convenient locations, with better transport links and due to having better funding can be maintained to a high standard with good lighting, clean walls and attentive staff. However the great thing about showing work in a space without History is the fact you can be part of something new and exciting, as well as being able to hold a more intimate private view. I personally prefer the idea of exhibiting work in a less known place. 
• Local Councils/Unusual Venues/Property Developers: Southwark Council are known to have been very accommodating to artists over recent years. Southwark Council have an Arts & Culture grant, offering funding to Southwark based organisations. Unusual venues such as the 'Frank's Cafe & Campari Bar' situated on the 7th floor of Peckham Multi-Story Car Park a temporary site from which you can eat, drink and view art, the only negative of this is that the site is only open from July-October. The 'economic downturn' in the UK has led to many shops being closed/disused meaning many great sites with exhibition potential are standing unused, getting in touch with local councils or property developers may lead to finding an exhibition space in a great location, that only needs a lick or two of paint. 
• Gaining press and successful documentation of the exhibition will convince prospective sponsors to back projects in the future: Setting up a date for a Private view and using the Exhibition as an opportunity to network and gain new contacts will hopefully result in a good turn out at the exhibition. Documenting the show through photography and inviting journalists to review the exhibition may also be a positive thing to consider in the planning of a private view/exhibition.