Being an artist is about more than just creating art—it’s about sharing it with the world. But, as I’ve learned, showing your work in a gallery or exhibition space, especially in London, can be expensive. When I lived there, I quickly realised just how much it costs to rent a space:
Per Day: £300–£800
Per Week: £800–£3,500
It’s a lot! And now that I’m in the Peak District, far from the city, I’ve had to find creative ways to get my work out there.
Making My Own Space
Living in the countryside means fewer resources, but I’ve found a way to make it work. I turned my living room into an exhibition space—ripped the wallpaper, painted the walls white, and cleared out the furniture. It wasn’t a gallery, but it worked! Sometimes, you have to create your own opportunities, right?
Sadly, the one local art venue in Buxton just closed, which has me thinking even more about alternative ways to show my work.
Exploring Art Abroad: A Great Deal in Japan
I’ve also started considering international options. Why? Because sometimes it’s more affordable than renting in London. For example, last year I exhibited in Fukuoka, Japan. The exhibition space was a huge, beautiful gallery in the city centre for just £600! Add £450 for the flight (China Eastern had the greatest offer in December!), and the whole trip was still cheaper than an exhibition in London. The experience was incredible, and it opened my eyes to new possibilities for showing my work abroad.
How Can Emerging Artists Show Their Work?
Here are some ideas for those of us working on a budget:
Pop-Up Galleries: Rent for just a day or two, much more affordable.
Artist-Run Spaces: These are community-focused and often cheaper than commercial galleries. (But personally I found even many of these places are quite pricy...)
Non-Gallery Venues: Café? Bookstore? Anything can become an art space!
Online Exhibitions: Share your work worldwide without leaving home. Also I find Instagram Reels so useful to show my works, including creating process.
Grants & Subsidies: Research funding that can cover exhibition costs. I am on the way to look for these options seriously this year!
Creativity Knows No Boundaries
Whether you’re in a bustling city or a quiet village, there are ways to get your art into the world. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box—whether it's turning your living room into a gallery or exhibiting abroad, opportunities are everywhere if you’re willing to look!
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
How do you show your art? I'd love to hear how you navigate the challenges of exhibition space costs. Let’s share ideas and inspire each other!
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