I have already written about my Exhibition at An Crubh 21-26 October 2019 but wanted to focus here on the advertising marketing and meeting people interested in my work. The exhibition formed part of my strategy to get my name and work in the public domain and to gain brand recognition.
Before the event I advertised my exhibition through a large number of posters displayed in shops, post offices, hotels and colleges in Broadford, Kyleakin, Kyle of Lochalsh and the Sleat Peninsula (where the exhibition was being held).
Poster distributed widely across the local area 10 days before the event
I used social media to advertise my exhibition as follows:
Announcement to Isle of Skye Facebook group
Further Facebook activity
The venue An Crubh also advertised the exhibition on Facebook.
I had an article published in the Skye Times two weeks before the exhibition too:
Article in Skye Times – 8 October 2019
Article in Skye Times – 8 October 2019
During the event I monitored footfall through the café and more specifically those that chose to have a look at my images. Through the six days I received over 500 visitors to my exhibition many engaging with me about my work. Over thirty people made comments in my feedback book and many more gave me verbal feedback.
One of the significant successes of the week is that I believe I have started to generate a community of followers. A significant number asked to be put on my mailing list to hear about future exhibitions. In this regard I have set up a Mailchimp account linked to my website in order to stay in touch with my followers. Since the exhibition I have engaged with all the people that purchased images. One of them has sent me a copy of their print hanging in their house:
By any measure, the exhibition has been a success. The footfall has been high and visitors have been informed and engaged. I have sold a significant amount of work with orders coming in following the exhibition too. I have already booked the same venue for two exhibitions in May and September 2020 to continue the raising of my profile among local people on the Isle of Skye.
