Month 07
Solo exhibition checklist: 49 points to succeed in 2026
In 30 seconds
A successful solo exhibition requires at least 6 months of preparation. 49 points divided into 5 phases: D-180 conception, D-90 logistics, D-30 mobilization, D-7 finalization, D+1 follow-up. 80% of artists neglect phases D-180 and D+1, which ruins results. An exhibition following this checklist converts 30 to 50% of artworks on average in 4 weeks.
Why 49 points are necessary
I have accompanied about thirty solo exhibitions of loriginal artists in 5 years. Those that succeed leave nothing to chance.
Those that flop always neglect 8-15 critical points. The difference between 35% and 5% in sales is not due to the artworks themselves, but to the rigor of execution.
Phase D-180, conception (12 points)
Selection of the 12-25 artworks for the show, validation of dimensions with the venue, contract signature (duration, commission, insurance), definition of theme/title, first draft of press release, reverse calendar, estimated budget, calendar validation vs other events, choice of opening hours (Thursday 5PM-8PM is optimal), identification of 5-10 VIPs, photographer booking, pricing strategy.
Phase D-90, logistical preparation (14 points)
Artwork insurance, specialized transport, hanging plan, label production (see artwork labels), poster, hashtags, 3-5 Instagram teasers, media list, physical invitation card, high-resolution photography of the main artwork, caterer, sales team, pre-printed order forms, payment system.
Phase D-30, mobilization (12 points)
Physical invitations (D-30 to D-21), email (3 sequences D-30, D-14, D-3), press release to media (D-21), media follow-ups (D-14), social media announcement (D-21, D-14, D-7, D-1), Facebook event (D-21), VIP confirmation by call, VIP pre-reservation, final hanging validation, sound and light test, team briefing, caterer confirmation.
Phase D-7, finalization (8 points)
Hanging (D-2 or D-1), label and press kit installation, lighting test for each artwork, buyer opening kit preparation, charging phones and photo equipment, final sales script briefing, sleep and physical preparation, opening speech 3-5 minutes max.
Phase D and D+1 (3 points)
Arrival 90 mins before opening, active selling and collecting interested parties' contact info, D+1 personalized thank yous to the 10-15 serious prospects.
The 5 mistakes that sink an art opening
- Mistake 1, underestimating preparation time. Organizing in 2 months is suicidal. 6 months minimum.
- Mistake 2, neglecting personalized VIP invitations. Group email vs phone call: totally different ratios.
- Mistake 3, forgetting post-opening follow-up. Many sales materialize in the 14 days after, not on the opening night.
- Mistake 4, mismanaging the sales moment. Nobody in charge of the conversation, no order forms ready.
- Mistake 5, not documenting visually. Opening night photos are marketing assets for 2-3 years.
FAQ
Minimum time to organize an opening?
12 weeks minimum if you take shortcuts. 6 months is the professional standard.
Should you pay a curator for a solo show?
Not mandatory if you are represented by a gallery. Recommended for artist-run centers or institutions.
How to manage a major unforeseen event (damaged artwork, late caterer)?
Plan B documented in advance, team informed, generous time margins.