Exhibition Fees: What They Are and How to Manage Them

Planning a show can feel like a maze of numbers. You hear terms like "venue hire," "installation fees," and "marketing costs" and wonder which ones you really need to pay. In simple terms, exhibition fees are the charges a gallery or event space asks you to cover so they can host your artwork. Understanding each part helps you budget better and avoid surprise invoices.

Common Types of Exhibition Fees

Venue hire. This is the basic cost of using the space. In the UK, a small community gallery might charge £200‑£500 for a weekend, while a larger commercial venue can run £1,000‑£3,000 for a week. Some places waive the fee if you agree to sell a certain number of pieces.

Installation and de‑installation. Moving heavy sculptures or large paintings needs extra hands and equipment. Galleries often charge per hour or offer a flat rate, typically £50‑£150 per day. If you bring your own crew, you can cut this cost.

Marketing and promotion. Many venues include basic publicity, but a targeted campaign—flyers, social media ads, press releases—usually costs extra. Expect anywhere from £100 for a simple online boost to £800 for a full‑scale media push.

Insurance. Protecting your work against damage or theft is essential. Policies are usually calculated as a percentage of the artwork’s value, often 1‑2% for the exhibition period.

Sales commission. If the gallery sells your pieces, they keep a commission, typically 30‑50% of the sale price. Some venues let you negotiate a lower rate if you bring a larger inventory.

How to Keep Costs Down

First, shop around. Not every space has the same fee structure, and many smaller venues are happy to negotiate if you have a compelling portfolio.

Second, bundle services. Ask if the venue can include installation or marketing in the venue hire price. A combined package often saves a few hundred pounds.

Third, consider a pop‑up or shared space. Using a coworking gallery or a community hall can cut venue fees dramatically. You might share the space with another artist and split costs.Fourth, DIY where you can. Designing your own flyers, handling your own installation, or promoting on social media yourself reduces external fees.

Finally, budget for unexpected expenses. Small hidden fees—like electricity for lighting or extra cleaning—can pop up. Adding a 10% contingency to your total budget keeps you safe.

At Renaissance Harmony Hub Agency, we help artists plan exhibitions from start to finish. We can negotiate venue deals, arrange affordable installation crews, and create promo material that fits a modest budget. Let us take the guesswork out of exhibition fees so you can focus on what you love—making art.

Bottom line: know what you’re paying for, compare options, and look for ways to bundle or do it yourself. With a clear budget, you’ll feel confident stepping into any gallery space.