Are you looking for looking at ways  in which you can get work exhibited other than with conventional art galleries?

Most artists seek progressively prestigious venues, but the point is, especially if you're starting to get the work in front of people. Every step counts!

Artists who take part in top-notch gallery shows are those whose CV shows a rising trajectory of substantial exhibitions at progressively more notable venues.

Taking advantage of alternative exhibition venues in your area is how you can attract the attention you're looking for.

I don't think you start with a place like the Tate Modern in London; a more realistic way to get going is your local art centre or different venues and work your way up.

If your work is good enough, it will eventually reach the right people.

An email to the gallery curators to say, "Hey, check out my latest work" without any recommendations is not going to take you far.

However, the director of your local art centre can call the gallery to recommend you.

Every exhibition opportunity is a good one. Shows, especially early in your career, are like little nuggets of gold, a little something that will have a long term effect on your art career.

They are worth doing.

View each exhibition as a tool for taking your career to the next level.

Here are some ideas to get you started. 

Your opportunities are limited only by your imagination: 

Galleries

Once you reach a particular stage in your career, the main focus often shifts to commercial galleries. These venues are usually higher on your career ladder because they are challenging to get your art into. Unlike alternative venues, commercial galleries aren't only out to fill their walls. They are out to build a strong reputation, a successful business, and to generate revenue. 

Art Fairs

Art fairs can be a great way to reach a large audience. Art fairs rent out a booth or a designated plot. Whichever the case, it is your responsibility to determine how to make the space's best use. You need to figure out if you need tables, portable walls or racks to display prints or cards. Depending on the location and reputation of the Art Fair, this can be a costly undertaking.

If you're starting out, I would recommend sharing a booth with another artist to split the costs.

Restaurants & Coffee Shops

Most traditional art critics don't review art in restaurants or bars. Still, plenty of other arts professionals encourage artists to place work in high-traffic places such as restaurants or bars. Consider this: your open studio might get 60 - 120 people to see your work, but a high-traffic restaurant in a hip area will have a much higher footfall each day. As with any space, research the bar or restaurant and make sure your work looks fantastic on its walls. 

Wine bars are more upscale than coffee shops. They typically get a refined clientele, which is ideal if it's your target demographic. 

Juried Shows 

Ther is also the option of showing in a juried exhibition. Juried shows are competitive group exhibitions. Consider the cost of participating, including application fee, insurance, travel expenses and shipping of artwork. Research shows to see if your work would fit and check if they have a good reputation. Ask yourself, does this show advance my career? Are there cash awards? Who has won them in the past?

Storefront Windows

Ever since the economy took a nosedive in 2008, there has been an increase in empty storefronts. It is depressing to walk through quaint little towns only to be greeted by vacant buildings and shops. This has given rise to many initiatives that include filling empty storefronts with work by local artists. 

Pop-Up Space 

There are many empty commercial spaces available in the current economy that provide opportunities for an artist to create exhibitions—websites like list available spaces and rental. Often, rentals can last from a weekend to a month, so it's up to you to decide what you want to achieve and how much you can invest.

Your Studio

Open studios are a great and easy way to show your work and invite people in to see it. Many studios consider opening their doors more than once a year to take advantage of the shopping season before Christmas, for example. You have full control of the event and can choose the dates that work best for you.

This also means that you are in charge of promoting your open studio and making sure your studio stands out.

Your Home Or Someone Else's Home

Use whatever you have at your disposal to show and sell your work. The "Home Gallery" arena began as a DIY effort many years ago and has turned into a legitimate space to exhibit work. Many artists and curators have successfully turned their home into a place to showcase new artists and try new concepts for high-quality, cutting-edge work.

Museums

Often, emerging artists don't think of museums because they seem like imposing formal institutions. However, museums can be more flexible than galleries and feature theme orientated group shows. So, there are opportunities to be found for artists seeking exhibition venues.

Co-ops Or Non-Profit Gallery 

There is strength in numbers, and artist co-ops and associations offer their members an opportunity to get together and enter the art world as a group. This can be an excellent alternative to forging your path alone, which can be overwhelming and lonely. 

A group of artists runs co-ops. Usually, members pay a monthly fee to cover rent and overhead on commercial exhibition space. In return, members have a consistent public space to show their work.

Every time you show your work is a great learning experience. But, remember that you're looking for opportunities that align with your objectives and will help you that will help you advance vertically on your career ladder,

Your goals determine what the best steps are for you. For example, if your focus is sales, museums aren't your best bet since they don't sell art. You would do better with art consultants or studio sales.

That's why I'm sharing this post because the more people there are who see your work, the more people there are to talk about it, love it, buy it, and collect it.

It's your art.