Successful Fundraising Ideas for Groups and Clubs

Art Exhibit and Auction Fundraiser Idea

How to put on a successful art show fundraiser auction

Hosting an art exhibit and/or art show auction can be a really fun way to raise funds for your organization, especially if you live in an “artsy” community. The basic fundraising idea is to get local artists to donate one or more paintings or works of art to your cause, which you can either sell or auction off at your event. You will need to find local artists within your community who would be willing to donate some of their work in return for exposure. Shouldn’t be a problem as there are many local starving artists out there who will want to showcase their talent.

The great thing about an art exhibit and auction is that you can host it just about anywhere you can hang art on a wall. But if you really want to go all out, consider factors such as space, accessibility, lighting, and ambiance. Options may include art galleries, community centers, event spaces, or even outdoor venues. Negotiate rental fees or seek out venues willing to donate space for your fundraiser.

You’ll want to devote a good amount of time to curate a diverse selection of artwork for the exhibition, featuring pieces from local artists, art students, or community members. You can reach out to artists through open calls for submissions, local art associations, or personal connections. You may also want to consider having a them attend the art show to be available to meet and greet with attendees. Select artwork that aligns with the theme or purpose of your fundraiser and showcases a variety of styles and mediums. For example, all works could feature art focused only on nature and wildlife conservation, social justice, sports, community and diversity, mental health, technology, fantasy, or local history and heritage. Any category is fair game!

When promoting your event, utilize everything at your disposal including social media, email newsletters, press releases, flyers, and community calendars to spread the word. Be sure to create visually appealing promotional materials showcasing featured artwork and highlighting the purpose of the fundraiser. You’ll want to send out personal invitations to local media and community leaders as well.

Once you have your venue established and artists and artwork confirmed, you’ll want to coordinate logistics, including artwork delivery and installation, event setup, signage, and security. Ensure that the venue is equipped to display and showcase the artwork effectively. Arrange for additional amenities such as refreshments, seating, and audiovisual equipment as needed. You’ll also want to consider whether or not you will be needing to purchase event insurance.

Plan on hosting an opening reception to kick off the art exhibition and engage attendees. Offer refreshments, live music, artist meet-and-greets, and interactive activities to create a festive atmosphere. Consider offering raffle prizes, silent auctions, or other fundraising opportunities during the reception to generate additional revenue. In addition to making revenue off of the sale of art, you can also charge a small admission fee to help cover your food and drink costs.

Provide opportunities for attendees to purchase artwork during the art exhibition fundraiser. Set up a designated sales area or online platform where guests can browse and buy pieces from participating artists. Offer a variety of price points and payment options to accommodate different budgets. If you prefer to have an auction-style art show, you simply allow people to bid on individual works of art in a silent-auction format, or designate a specific amount of time towards the end of your event (after people have had enough time to browse) and conduct a live auction.