The best exhibitions are often those that have an organizing idea and clear point of view. Solo exhibitions or those presenting two or three artists, simplify the Curator’s task because artworks created by the same artist are likely to suggest connections between the works. Large group exhibitions that include scores of artists represent a Curator’s most substantial challenge. Here are some tips to assist you in showcasing your selected art works to their best advantage:

• If you will be hanging art works by multiple artists in many different styles, sizes and media, try to identify over-arching themes and hang the works accordingly. To clarify your curatorial perspective, consider inventing subtitles for various sections of your exhibition that help communicate the different themes.
• If no over-arching themes are evident, you can group art works by subject matter, size, and art technique.
• If your show includes prizes, you may want to display the winners together.

A diagram of available exhibit spaces can be found in the Exhibit Space and Hanging System pdf.

Display of sculptures may be approved on a case-by-case basis.

The Poway Center for the Performing Arts has an art hanging system utilizing wires with adjustable hooks (please see details in the Exhibit Space and Hanging System pdf).

To ensure the artwork hangs properly, it is imperative that the artists prepare frames as follows:

• Prepare the wooden frame wires with eyehooks and wire that is approximately an inch and a half to two inches from the top of the frame using at least one-eighth inch eyehooks or larger. The hole on the eyehooks should be parallel to the ceiling.
• Prepare metal frames by adjusting the hooks to the top of the channel of the frame

PCPA Staff will work with you upon selection to determine the load-in/load-out date. You are required to have staff assistance for the art exhibit load-in for a minimum of 2 hours at $23 per hour. Should your group require additional staff assistance or assistance for the load-out, a fee of $23 per hour will be assessed. 

Create labels on a computer by printing them on clear label stock that can apply easily to the PCPA’s white walls. We have had success with: Avery 15663 Clear, Easy Peel Shipping labels and Avery 58163 Repositionable Shipping labels. All labels look best at the same level on the wall. Here is the standard format for labels:

• Artist name
• Title and Date 
• Medium & size of artwork in inches
• Price info (if any) 
• You may also include more information about the artwork or artist if so desired (e.g. contact info)

We post your art exhibition on our website ( www.powaycenter.com ), using the brief description and photo of your art you provide to us. Photo must be in JPEG format, landscape orientation, 800pixels x 600pixels (4:3).

• We advertise your exhibit on our social media accounts (Facebook and Instagram).
• You may provide business cards, postcards and/or brochures explaining the exhibit. These items will be placed on the lobby kiosk shelf designated for art exhibit information. Please be sure to provide contact information for person handling your artwork sales. 
• We suggest you share art gallery viewing hours with your patrons (these hours are posted on our website). 

Art Gallery viewing hours (Closed Sunday, Monday, and major Holidays):
Tuesday-Thursday: 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Friday: 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
*Performances may affect gallery hours. Refer to powaycenter.com for current schedule.

• Please advise your patrons they will need a free, temporary parking pass when visiting the exhibit Tuesday through Friday, until 2:00 p.m. They should pick-up a parking pass from the Administrative Office before parking. To do so, park at the green curb (loading zone on Titan Way), come into the lobby and into the office to get the pass, and then park in the parking lot located at the back of the building.

 Absolutely! Group or individual artists exhibiting at the PCPA agree to collect and report all applicable sales tax on any artwork sold. Sold artwork must remain on the wall until load-out.

Applicant, for themselves and the above-named group and all members thereof, agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the City, its officers, officials, employees, and agents from and against all claims, damages, losses, and expenses arising out of Applicant’s use of the PCPA, including (but not limited to) injuries (including death), illness (including but not limited to any and all claims relating to COVID-19), damages and losses to, or sustained by, Applicant for themselves and the above-named group; and violations of local ordinances, or state or federal laws and regulations (including those arising from claims of discrimination and compliance with state and local COVID-19 regulations and other related protocols and/or requirements). Applicant agrees that it is solely responsible for compliance with all application of COVID-19 regulations, protocols and other requirements. Expenses could include attorney fees arising out of Applicant’s use of the PCPA; damages for the failure to provide for such safety and welfare for the Applicant and the above-named group and all members thereof; or involvement with the Exhibition described herein, caused in whole or in part by any negligent act or omission of the Applicant, for themselves and the above-named group and all members thereof.