Art Exhibition Sponsorship: How to Get Sponsors for Your Arts Showcase

Art exhibitions aren’t just a way to display an artist’s work and make sales — they’re also an opportunity for your community to engage with contemporary art and artists. However, planning a successful exhibition includes scouting for a venue, catering, beverages, and other vendors, which can rack up the event’s bill. Securing art exhibition sponsorship will help cover these costs.

We’ve created a one-stop guide to help you narrow down potential sponsors, approach them, pitch your event, and land the sponsorship deals you need.

How to find sponsors for your art exhibition

Sponsorship isn't just about money. Consider different types of sponsorships that benefit your event and help build relationships with other organizations.

The four main types of event sponsorship are:

• Financial sponsorship — provides capital to purchase what you need for your event
• Media sponsorship — also involves providing capital, specifically for advertising or other media coverage to promote an event
• In-kind sponsorships — provide goods or services in return for those your organization can offer
• Promotional partnerships — a company may provide either cash or goods to have their product promoted during the event

Identify potential sponsors relevant to your exhibition theme

When exploring the most suitable sponsors, look for organizations with a common audience. There's an advantage to reaching out to potential sponsors you have a relationship with, but try attracting other sponsors whose values align with yours.

Consider organizations known to support the arts, or whose products and services attract the type of person you want to see at your exhibition. Create a list of your ideal sponsorships.

For example, Clinton Art Society sponsors many exhibitions throughout the year like the Winter Members Exhibition series, which they sponsor every year.

Narrow down your list based on how good of a fit they are. For example, if your exhibition focuses on environmental art, you might look for sponsors in the sustainability sector, such as eco-friendly product companies or ecological nonprofits.

Aligning your exhibition theme with a sponsor's mission or values increases the likelihood of securing their support. Prune your list further based on how good of a fit they are.

Some types of event sponsors include:

• Beverage suppliers to provide drinks, particularly for opening night when you want to draw the biggest crowd
• Art publications interested in covering your event for their journal or website
• Catering companies to provide food and/or serving staff
• Galleries that donate venue space for your exhibition
• Museums tied to the art world — they can provide several sponsorship options, including venue space or promotional partnerships
• Printing shops that provide prints of the exhibition's original artwork to sell to attendees in exchange for promoting their brand
• Art supply stores that provide materials you need for staging the exhibition or capital in exchange for promotion. It's likely many attendees are other artists or aspiring artists — a demographic art supply stores want to reach!
• Large corporations looking for opportunities to support the arts and demonstrate their capacity for philanthropy
• Other local businesses can provide space, goods, or financial sponsorship. Why not partner with local businesses to make the exhibition a community event?

Collaborate with fellow artists to share sponsorship leads

Teaming up with fellow artists can be a game-changer when securing sponsorships. By joining forces, you can share valuable information, contacts, and experiences leading to new opportunities.

Think of it as creating a supportive network where everyone benefits from collective resources. 

Start by reaching out to artists whose work complements yours. Arrange informal meetings or join local artist groups to discuss potential sponsors and share leads. This collaborative approach broadens your network and enhances your visibility within the art community. 

Another effective strategy is to collaborate on group exhibitions or art events. These larger projects are often more attractive to sponsors because they offer greater exposure and impact. When pitching to potential sponsors, emphasize the diverse audience and extended reach your collective project will achieve. 

Don't burn the bridges once you've secured a sponsor. Continue to support your fellow artists by promoting their work and sharing new opportunities. This cooperative spirit can lead to long-lasting professional relationships and a thriving artistic community.

Use social media to attract sponsors

Social media offers powerful tools for attracting sponsors. Begin by consistently showcasing your artwork, highlighting your unique style and past exhibitions. Utilize platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to network with potential sponsors and engage with their content. 

• Showcase your artwork consistently to highlight your unique style and past exhibitions.
• Utilize social media platforms to network with potential sponsors.
• Engage with the content of potential sponsors and fellows artists to build relationships.
• Share behind-the-scenes glimpses and progress updates to build anticipation.
• Use targeted hashtags relevant to your niche to reach a broader audience.
• Collaborate with micro-influencers or fellow artists to amplify your reach.
• Engage with comments and messages promptly to foster a vibrant online community.

How to approach potential sponsors

Once you have a list of suitable sponsors for your art event, you may think it’s time to reach out. But before you hit send, take these steps for successful art exhibition sponsorship.

1. Do your research

Making a good first impression is crucial, so come to sponsors informed and prepared. Some quick research can reveal if the companies have sponsored art exhibitions or similar events in the past. This information also helps determine the most appealing sponsorship package for the company.

For instance, if there are a lot of past examples of a company providing financial sponsorship rather than in-kind sponsorship, you’ll want to approach them with financial opportunities.

If you don’t reach the correct person immediately, your message might take a long time in email limbo. Use LinkedIn to find the sponsorship point person at each organization and contact them directly.

2. Create your pitch deck

Before connecting with potential sponsors, create a pitch deck to promote your event. This deck should be a cleanly presented sales brochure for the art exhibition. It can be a hard copy brochure or digital, but it should be well-designed and have a clear, informative copy.

Details to cover in the deck include:

• When and where your exhibition will take place, together with info about your artist(s)
• Data demonstrating why a potential sponsor should want to work with you, such as demographic information and sales numbers
• High-quality media — think images or video clips from previous exhibitions or the artists’ work to give sponsors an idea of what to expect
• Sponsorship package options, which we’ll cover below
• What’s in it for them — access to potential customers? Data? Promotion?
• Dates and timelines, including hard dates by which you’ll need sponsorship deals finalized or when you’ll need to receive goods, finances, or promotional images/copy

3. Define your sponsorship proposal

Your specific art exhibition sponsorship proposal should outline what you'd like from this potential sponsor and what you'd like to provide in return. These details will differ depending on the type of sponsorship package — you’ll want to offer a variety of these and different price points.

Consider different tiers or levels of sponsorship with increasing commitments on the part of both you and the sponsor.

Here's a concise overview of typical sponsorship levels:​

1. Gold level: This top-tier sponsorship provides the highest level of benefits, such as prominent logo placement, opportunities to address attendees, and extensive promotional features. ​

2. Silver level: Mid-tier sponsors receive substantial benefits, including brand profiling in event materials, moderate logo visibility, and participation in select event activities. ​

3. Bronze level: Entry-level sponsors gain essential benefits, like smaller logo placements, limited social media mentions, and access to networking events.

Sponsorship levels allow you to work with all caliber of sponsors. Some who may not have the budget to provide a lot of capital or goods could still form mutually beneficial relationships.

4. Meet with your potential sponsor

When you reach out to your contact at a potential sponsorship organization, offer to set up a face-to-face meeting to discuss details. This allows you to sell your event, and you’ll want to have everything in place to “wow” them.

Present your pitch deck at the meeting, customized to suit the potential sponsor’s needs. Leave a copy of your brochure or deck behind for them to review. Ask them about their goals and note any questions they might have. Be sure to send relevant information in a timely fashion.

5. Expect to follow up

You’re busy putting your event together, but your potential sponsors have a lot going on, too. Expect to follow up with your sponsorship contact to determine their decision. 

Consider asking them when they would prefer to hear from you after your initial meeting or letting them know they can expect to hear from you within a specific time frame.

Remember: just because you don’t hear from a potential sponsor immediately doesn’t mean they’re not interested.

Here are a few event sponsorship letter templates you can use to communicate with potential sponsors.

Create a compelling sponsorship proposal

A well-structured and thoughtful sponsorship proposal showcases your exhibition and builds a compelling case for why investing in your art is an excellent opportunity for potential sponsors. Keep it professional yet passionate to convey your enthusiasm and commitment.

Here’s how to structure your proposal to captivate potential sponsors:

• Compelling introduction: Start with an engaging introduction that highlights the uniqueness and significance of your exhibition. Explain what sets your art event apart and why it matters to the community and the art world.
• Articulate your goals: Clearly define the objectives of your exhibition. Whether it's showcasing emerging artists, celebrating a particular art movement, or addressing social issues through art, your goals should resonate with the potential sponsor's values and mission.
• Detail the target audience: Provide a thorough description of your audience. Who will attend your exhibition? Include demographics, interests, and anticipated attendance numbers. This information will help sponsors understand who will see their brand and engage with their message.
• Outline sponsorship benefits: Offer tangible benefits your potential sponsor will receive. This might include brand exposure through various channels (social media, press releases, event programs), opportunities for audience engagement, and alignment with a culturally vibrant event. Highlight any exclusive perks for higher-level sponsors.
• Provide sponsorship tiers: Create different sponsorship levels, such as Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Each tier should have specific benefits to give potential sponsors options and align with their budget and marketing goals.
• Call to action: Finish with a strong call to action. Be clear about the next steps you want the potential sponsor to take, whether scheduling a meeting, calling you, or visiting your website.

Present the benefits of sponsorship to prospective partners

When you contact prospective sponsors, clearly outlining the benefits of sponsorship can significantly enhance your chances of securing their support. To make a persuasive case, communicate the benefits of art exhibition sponsorship in your pitch deck and sponsorship proposal.

Remember, the goal is to create a win-win situation where both parties see substantial value in the partnership.

Here are some compelling benefits to highlight: 

• Enhanced brand visibility: Sponsoring an art exhibition provides companies with substantial visibility. Their brand can be showcased through various marketing materials, such as event posters, brochures, social media posts, and press releases. 
• Targeted reach: Art exhibitions often attract diverse and engaged audiences. Sponsorship offers companies an opportunity to connect with potential customers who may have a keen interest in their products or services. 
• Community engagement: Being associated with art and culture initiatives can significantly enhance a company's community involvement profile. It showcases their commitment to supporting local artists and cultural enrichment. 
• Networking opportunities: Through event sponsorship, businesses can network with other sponsors, artists, and attendees. This can lead to potential collaborations and valuable business relationships. 
• Positive brand association: Associating a company's brand with art and cultural events can enhance its reputation. It reflects positively on the company's brand, portraying it as socially responsible and culturally engaged. 
• Exclusive access: Offering sponsors exclusive benefits, such as VIP access to the exhibition, private viewings, or meet-and-greet opportunities with artists, can be a significant lure. These exclusive experiences can provide a memorable and engaging connection to the event. 

Securing sponsorship is a fantastic achievement, but it's just the beginning. To make the most of these partnerships, it's essential to engage sponsors thoughtfully throughout your exhibition, ensuring they feel valued and part of the experience.

Involve sponsors in the event

Making your sponsors feel valued and integral to your exhibition's success is crucial. Sponsors who are meaningfully engaged contribute to the current project and are more likely to support future initiatives. Let's explore some strategies to engage your sponsors effectively.

Acknowledge sponsors publicly 

Recognition of your sponsors goes a long way in making them feel appreciated. During your exhibition, make sure to prominently display their logos on all promotional materials, banners, and social media platforms.  

For example, AL-Tru.org uses their Instagram to give shoutout to their sponsors for each event.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AL-Tru (@al_tru_org)

A special shout-out during opening night speeches and in your exhibition catalog can also highlight their support.

Offer exclusive experiences 

You can offer your sponsors a unique experience by providing VIP tours, private viewings, or special networking events. These exclusive engagements show your appreciation and allow them to see firsthand the impact of their support on your project. 

Make them part of the experience

Encourage sponsors to actively engage with your visitors. This could be facilitated through sponsor-led workshops, talks, or interactive installations. By becoming part of the content, sponsors can create memorable experiences that reinforce their brand's presence and connection with the art community. 

Keep them in the know 

Keep your sponsors in the loop about the progress and success of the exhibition. Send regular updates through newsletters, social media posts, or personal messages, highlighting milestones and visitor impact statistics. Let them see the direct results of their contribution. 

Share post-exhibition report and seek feedback 

Collect and share data that demonstrates the impact of their sponsorship. This could include visitor numbers, media coverage, social media engagement, and other metrics highlighting the exhibition's success. 

Providing tangible evidence of their contribution's effectiveness can validate their investment and encourage future support.

Seek feedback from your sponsors to understand their experience and expectations. Conducting surveys or having candid conversations can provide valuable insights into how you can improve the partnership. Showing you value their input and are willing to adjust can strengthen the relationship.

Attendee contact information is easily accessible via Eventbrite Organizer app. You can use this information with other insights to connect with attendees through email and social media.

Nurture long-term relationships with sponsors

Maintaining and nurturing long-term relationships with sponsors is an ongoing endeavor that requires consistent effort and communication. Here's how you can ensure your sponsors remain engaged and supportive for future exhibitions:

Express gratitude: Always thank your sponsors after each event. A personal thank-you note or message can go a long way in making sponsors feel valued and appreciated. Highlight specific ways their contribution made a difference. 

Provide value beyond the initial event: Your relationship with sponsors should continue once the exhibition is over. Offer them continued exposure through your social media channels, website, or newsletters. Share their stories or collaborations to strengthen the relationship. 

Ask for feedback: Invite sponsors to give feedback on their experience working with you. Understanding their perspectives can help refine future proposals and demonstrate that you value their input, fostering a sense of partnership. 

Attend their events: If your sponsors host events or activities, try to attend. This shows genuine interest in their work and builds a reciprocal relationship. 

Regular communication: Keep sponsors updated about upcoming projects or exhibitions and how they might be involved. Offer them an exclusive first look at your new works or plans before public release. Encourage collaboration on new initiatives or projects to keep the relationship dynamic and mutually beneficial.

Annual reports: Prepare an annual report summarizing all your exhibitions and the impact sponsors had. Include metrics showing increased exposure or other benefits sponsors gained from their involvement. 

Celebrate milestones together: Whether it's an anniversary of the partnership or achieving a significant goal, celebrating these milestones together can strengthen bonds. Send a special gift or plan an event to show your appreciation. 

Use past successes to attract new sponsors

Your past exhibition successes can serve as powerful tools to entice new sponsors. Highlighting previous achievements builds credibility and demonstrates the potential value sponsors can gain from partnering with you. Here are some practical strategies to effectively use your past success: 

• Share success stories: Include anecdotes and testimonials from previous sponsors or attendees. Positive feedback can illustrate the impact and reach of your exhibitions.
• Provide metrics: Offer quantitative data such as attendance numbers, social media engagement, press coverage, and sales figures. These metrics can underscore the visibility and success of your past events.
• Visual highlights: Use photographs and videos from previous exhibitions to create a visual narrative. Highlight moments that capture the essence and energy of your events.
• Case studies: Develop detailed case studies showcasing how past sponsors benefitted from their involvement. Include specifics on brand exposure, audience interaction, and any direct business benefits they received.
• Media coverage: Share any media exposure your past exhibitions received. Articles, interviews, or television segments can add significant value to your pitch.

By leveraging your past exhibition successes in these ways, you can present a compelling case to potential sponsors. Illustrate how their support can lead to mutual benefits and help elevate future exhibitions to new heights.

Turn sponsorship rejections into opportunities

Facing sponsorship rejections can be disheartening, but see each one as a growth opportunity. Seek feedback to understand their reasons and refine your approach accordingly. Maintain a positive demeanor during follow-ups, expressing appreciation and keeping the door open for future collaborations. 

Focus on building relationships rather than ending communication. Share regular updates about your work and engage with sponsors at relevant exhibitions. Personal connections can make a difference. 

Broaden your perspective by exploring new sponsors or alternative funding options like crowdfunding, grants, or local business partnerships. Rejections can guide you towards more aligned opportunities.

Find your sponsors

Now you’ve got all the event sponsorship knowledge you need, it’s time to start identifying and securing sponsors for your next art exhibition. Create a free event page with Eventbrite today to start selling tickets.