You’ve created an artwork, got it photographed beautifully, framed tastefully and then sent it out onto the open calls to see what people think. Then that email lands, the one that says ‘no’. It can be really tough to process the rejection when you’ve given your all.

I’ve covered how to boost your chances of getting work into Open Calls and the importance of research and preparation here.

I’ve been privileged to work in a selector role for exhibitions and it was an eye-opening experience. Seeing the submission process from both sides has given me more perspective on the multiple rejections I receive each year. Here are a few of the reasons why excellent work doesn’t get selected for art shows:

Top Tip: Focus on exhibitions that are aligned with your practice. Sending three entries to an opportunity that fits is a better use of time and money then submitting three different entries to exhibitions that don’t quite match up.

You need a strong, resilient streak to be an artist. Whenever a rejection shakes your faith dig into that ferocious, fearless creative soul of yours. It may be surprising to learn that even established artists deal with rejection. Ultimately, there are so many reasons that a selector might say ‘no’ to excellent artwork. These are just five of them. Keep making work, keep sending it out into the world and above all keep the faith. I’d love to hear about your experiences on the roller coaster of Open Exhibitions, drop a comment below to tell me how you handle it.

REFERENCE LINKS

Advice on how to increase your chances in Open Calls

Images from Home – Canva

Links to artist opportunities in the UK (I am in no way affiliated with these organisations):

Artist Opportunities – Parker Harris

Home – a-n The Artists Information Company

Opportunities (artquest.org.uk)

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