Northstowe Art Show – Try it. Show it. Share it.

Everything you need to know to get started with exhibitions.

This summer, Northstowe Arts is partnering with South Cambridgeshire District Council to launch something new — a friendly, local art show that’s open to everyone. You don’t need to be a “professional artist”. You don’t need to have studied art. You don’t even need to feel confident (yet).

However you enjoy being creative — whether you doodle, paint, build, sew, take photos, scribble with your kids or just make things because it feels good — this is for you.

The Northstowe Art Show is about giving people the chance to try something creative, share it with others, and feel proud of what they’ve made. No pressure. No judgement. Just a space to have a go.

If the idea of exhibiting your work feels exciting but mysterious, here’s a simple guide to help take the unknown out of it — for the Northstowe Art Show or any exhibition you might join in the future.

Applying

Every exhibition will have slightly different ways to apply, but they all ask for similar things. Here’s what you’ll usually need:

• Your name and contact details

• Your website or social media links (if you have them — not essential!)

• Information about each piece: title, size (and weight if it’s 3D), medium, and maybe the year it was made

• A photo of each piece you’re submitting

For Northstowe Art Show, there’s a simple form (online or paper) with all this covered.

Some exhibitions might also ask for an artist statement or bio (we’ll explain those below), or a list of past exhibitions. If they ask for an artist CV, that just means putting this info into a document, with any art training or qualifications listed (don’t worry if you haven’t got any!).

Taking Photos of Your Work

Photos are how organisers see your work before it's on display — they don’t need to be perfect, but they should be clear.

• Use natural, even light (not direct sunlight).

• A plain background works best.

• For wall pieces: hang it on a flat wall, photograph it straight-on.

• For 3D pieces: use a large sheet of paper or fabric that curves behind the work for a clean backdrop.

Take a few photos from different angles so you can pick your favourite. It’s also a great way to keep a record of what you’ve made.

Writing an Artist Statement or Bio

Sometimes you’ll be asked for a short artist bio or statement.

• A statement is about your work — what it’s about, why you make it.

• A bio is about you — how you came to art, what inspires you.

You don’t need fancy words. Just write simply and honestly. Tell your story — what brought you to making, what you love about it, and anything you’d like people to know when they look at your work.

Getting Your Work Ready to Exhibit

When exhibitions ask for work to be “ready to hang,” they mean it needs to arrive in a way that’s safe and easy to display.

• Wall pieces should have string or hooks already attached.

• 3D pieces may need a plinth (some exhibitions provide these — check in advance).

• If your piece needs an unusual way to display it, just chat to the organiser to make sure it can be done safely.

Drop-Off and Collection

Before applying, make sure you can get your work to and from the venue on the listed dates — and that you’re happy with the location!

Label your work clearly, and keep a note of what you’ve submitted. When you drop it off, it’ll often be checked over and logged. You’ll usually be asked to unwrap it, and take your packaging away with you — so don’t forget to bring it back when you collect your piece later!

Promoting the Show

Most exhibitions will promote the event, but it really helps if you can share it too. A post on social media saying you’re taking part is brilliant — and you can reuse the photos you took for your application.

You might also get a digital flyer or invitations to share. And of course, inviting your friends and family along is a lovely way to build the buzz.

Open vs Themed Exhibitions

• Open exhibitions let you submit anything you like.

• Themed exhibitions ask for work inspired by a particular idea — but the theme is usually broad and open to interpretation.

Group or Solo Shows

Most exhibitions are group shows — lots of artists showing together. These are a great way to get started. You only need to submit a few pieces and you benefit from shared promotion and experience.

A solo show is where one artist shows a whole collection. These are less common and tend to be offered to artists with more experience, but they’re something to aim for as your confidence grows.

Do You Need Insurance?

If you exhibit regularly, it’s worth looking into insurance — especially for public liability (in case anything happens during the show) and product insurance (in case of loss or damage).

Some artist membership organisations include this, such as:

• a-n (The Artists Information Company)

• Artist Union England

• Craft Potters Association (for ceramics)

Check the details, especially the excess — if most of your work is under £200, and the excess is £200, it might not be the right fit.

Do You Need to Be There?

Not always. At the Northstowe Art Show, we’ll be there to take care of everything, so you don’t need to be on hand.

But for events like art fairs, you’ll usually need to be present at your stall. For gallery shows, it’s optional unless you’re stewarding. That said, being there can be a lovely chance to chat with visitors and see their reactions to your work — and sometimes that personal connection can lead to a sale.

What About Pricing and Commission?

You don’t need to worry about this for Northstowe Art Show as it’s not a selling exhibition — but if you show your work elsewhere, it’s helpful to understand how it works.

Start with the costs:

• Materials, framing, studio time, etc.

• How long it took you to make (and what you’d like to earn per hour)
  Then think about what feels fair. Would you feel sad or happy to see it go at that price?

Next, consider commission. Most galleries take a percentage of any sales — often 33%. If you want to receive £100 for a piece, add 50% and list it at £150 to cover commission.

Always check what the exhibition takes, and include that in the selling price you list.

Finding Future Exhibitions

Once you’ve had a go, you might want to try again!

Keep an eye on local events like Northstowe Art Show or Cambridge Open Studios. You can also sign up to mailing lists for galleries you like, or follow them on social media. Websites like a-n, CuratorSpace, and OLIST list artist opportunities too — from exhibitions to residencies and commissions.

And finally…

Exhibiting your work isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being proud of what you’ve created and brave enough to share it. Every artist was a beginner once. Every exhibition is a chance to learn something new, meet like-minded people, and take a step forward in your creative journey.

So go on — give it a go. You never know what doors it might open.

This project is supported by the Homes England Community Activation Fund which is administered by South Cambridgeshire District Council. Our aim is to make creativity accessible for everyone, whether you’ve never done anything like this before, you’re just getting back into it or you’ve been doing it for years.