Press Releases

Different from an invitation, a press release contains background information about the artist, the work, and the show. It is targeted to members of the press who may want to check out, write about, or even review your show. That having said, you can also send your press release to clients, gallerists, curators, or anyone you think might be interested in knowing more about your work.

What should the press release include?
  1. Media Contact
    • This is the first line of the press release.  It should be in small text and will look like this: Media contact: Ellen Mueller, Ellen@EllenMueller.com
    • This is another great reason to get yourself a professional email address asap!
  2. Title of the Press Release
    • This is the largest text on the press release and goes immediately after the media contact. Here’s an example:
      “Book of Enid” at the Centre Gallery
    • Try to keep it short and catchy!
  3. Subhead
    • This adds detail and clarification to the title. For example:
      Featuring Drawings of Ellen Mueller and her Collaborators

  4. First Paragraph
    • Start with the name of the city/town the exhibit is occurring in, followed by the state and a hyphen. For example:
      TAMPA, FL –
    • Next, the first sentence should answer the Who (your name or the name of the group of artists showing), What (name of the show), Where (name of the venue), and When (day/date/year/time). For example:
      Ellen Mueller is exhibiting her latest work, the “Book Of Enid,” along with works by collaborators at the Centre Gallery, April 4-15, 2011.
    • If there is a reception, it should be mentioned in the second sentence. For example:
      A reception will be held Friday, April 8, 2011, 7-9pm.
    • The remainder of the paragraph should give the exact location, hours, any costs or special features. If it is free, say so! If there will be refreshments, say so! This is what brings people in the door. For example:
      Centre Gallery is the University of South Florida’s student-run gallery located in room 2700 on the second floor of USF’s Marshall Student Center. Gallery hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Admission is free.
       
  5. Second Paragraph
    • The second paragraph describes the show briefly and enticingly. If there are any adult-content warnings, they should be listed here. If it is a group show, this is where you would list the names of the artists. This portion of your press release should essentially be an artist statement for the show, and should be clear, concise, and informative. You want this part to be readable and engaging. You might include a short mention about you (the artist), stating where you are from, where you went to school, and listing a few of your more prominent exhibitions or achievements.  If it is a group show, you will leave that out.  For example:
      The “Book of Enid,” follows the narrative of Enid, a time traveller attempting to stop a violent conflict after it has already occurred.  Supplementing the imagery of the book will be drawings and trading cards created by collaborators.
  6. Call Out Box
    • The call out box comes after the second paragraph and summarizes the most important facts about the show. For example:
    • Centre Gallery Presents: ”Book of Enid”
      Cost: FreeDate/Time: Friday, April 8, 2011, 7:00 – 9:00 PMLocation:
      Centre Gallery at University of South Florida
      Marshall Student Centre, Room 2700
      4202 E. Fowler Ave, Tampa FL 33620Facebook Event: http://tinyurl.com/BOEreceptionMedia Contact: Ellen Mueller, Ellen@EllenMueller.com
  7. Promotional Images
    • Here you need to state, Promotional images available for download at:” followed by links to a web-sized image and a print-sized image. For example:
      Promotional images available for download at:http://tinyurl.com/CentreBOEweb(web quality)http://tinyurl.com/CentreBOEprint

      (print quality)

  8. Finalize
    • To show the press release is over, type ###.
    • View this PDF as an example.