Audiences & Buyers Need You To Plan

You’ll learn why audiences need to see promotions months ahead to plan their participation and how being featured by respected organisations can boost trust.

It is Easier Than You Think

Most importantly, you’ll discover that this process is far more manageable than it may seem—it’s all about staying organised, breaking down tasks, and having a clear goal in mind. Whether you’re an artist or a group, success comes from clarity and a well-structured approach.

Hosting and running events for and by artists and creative organisations, such as art and craft groups, art societies, and artist collectives, is vital for fostering growth and sustainability within the arts community.

Part 2 is all about setting up your website properly so your buyers, supporters, followers and audience can all easily find all of your event news on your website. 

5. Grow Skills with Arts and Crafts Events

Lastly, these events promote skill development, providing a space for artists to learn from each other, attend workshops, and exchange ideas, which leads to artistic innovation and growth.

In essence, these events are fundamental to nurturing our Tasmanian arts and crafts ecosystem.

7 Types of Arts and Crafts Events

Artists and creative organisations, such as art and craft groups, art societies, and artist collectives, can organise various events to engage their members and the wider public, fostering creativity and building networks.

Here are seven key event types they can run:

1. Exhibitions

Exhibitions are essential for artists to showcase and sell their work, whether as solo shows or group displays.

These events provide opportunities for exposure and sales, while also allowing artists to engage with new audiences, collectors, and curators.

2. Art Retreats

Art retreats offer immersive experiences, often in scenic or remote locations, where artists can focus on their practice away from daily distractions.

These retreats provide time for experimentation, collaboration, and skill development in a supportive environment, allowing participants to return refreshed and inspired.

3. Workshops and Classes

Hosting workshops and classes enables artists to share their skills with the community.

These hands-on events cover various disciplines, such as painting, ceramics, or printmaking, offering participants the chance to learn new techniques while providing a valuable income stream for the artist.

4. Pop-up Shops in Empty Shop Spaces

Temporary retail spaces in vacant shops offer artists a direct way to sell their work in high-traffic areas.

Pop-up shops generate excitement, attract new audiences, and provide an opportunity to test markets and sell directly without gallery fees.

They do require very effective marketing, an excellent newsletter and a strong social media presence.

5. Makers and Artist Talks at Arts and Crafts Events

These events offer insight into an artist’s practice, allowing the public to learn more about their inspirations, methods, and journey.

Artist talks foster deeper connections between creators and their audience, encouraging greater engagement with the work.

6. Collaborative Projects for Your Arts and Crafts Events

Joint creative projects allow artists to work together on a common theme or outcome, often involving public participation.

These projects build camaraderie and foster innovation by combining different skills and perspectives.

7. Open Studio Trails

These events invite the public into artists’ working spaces, providing an intimate look at the creative process.

Open studio trails often form part of larger community events, encouraging visitors to meet artists, purchase work directly, and gain a deeper understanding of how art is made.

These diverse event formats help strengthen the arts community while promoting creativity and public engagement.

2. Feature in popular arts and craft newsletters

Partner with other arts organisations like Art Trails Tasmania and local groups that already have established audiences.

Being featured in their newsletters can introduce your event to new, interested art lovers.

You want to make sure that the newsletter has good open rates, eg. 30% or more and that they have the right cross over audience for you, such as arts and crafts supporters.

3. Organic and paid social media posts

Utilise platforms like Facebook and Instagram to share visually engaging content.

Organic posts build rapport with your followers, while paid posts with targeted ads can reach wider, relevant audiences.

Use event hashtags and geotags to increase discoverability.

4. Blog stories about your arts and crafts events

Write engaging stories about the event’s background, the makers and artists involved, or behind-the-scenes insights. These stories can provide depth and context, increasing audience interest and anticipation.

Look to having your stories told on related blogs. The Art Trails Tasmania member Event News stories are an example of this happening.

5. Collaborative promotion on social media for your arts and crafts events

Ask other relevant Facebook and Instagram pages with a similar audience to promote your event.

This collaboration can greatly extend your reach and credibility within the community.

Art Trails Tasmania promotes via event news stories the arts and crafts events of members across our social media profiles and newsletters.

Look for other organisations, projects or groups who also have similar supportive strategies.

6. Send out press releases about your arts and crafts events

Engaging local media through press releases is a traditional but effective method.

Reach out to local newspapers, arts blogs, and radio stations to get your event featured in arts sections or event listings.

Each time Art Trails Tasmania has been interviewed by ABC Radio Tasmania there has been a boost to visitors.

7. Share your arts and crafts events news respectfully in Facebook groups

Many art and craft-focused Facebook groups allow event promotion, but be considerate of group rules and ensure the posts are relevant and valuable to the group members.

Art Trails Tasmania regularly shares event news stories via a range of Facebook groups and the key is to do it will the group’s rules in mind and in a way that engages with their audience.

It is no use blasting out your event story and burning bridges. What you want is a long term, good and healthy relationship with the groups.

8. Leverage influencers and promote your arts and crafts events

Partner with local arts influencers, bloggers or communities who can help promote your event through their channels, offering their audience a personal recommendation.

You are looking for those who will celebrate what you are doing to the right audience, ie. arts and crafts supporters, at an affordable price ($150+ per blog story is common), with the right content that you have say over.

9. Collaborate with local businesses

Partner with cafés, galleries, or shops to display flyers or posters, creating a physical presence in spaces frequented by potential attendees.

By using a combination of digital and in-person promotion, you can reach a diverse and engaged audience.

The Power of Consistency and Planning for Your Arts and Crafts Events Success

Consistency and forward planning are vital for successful event promotion within the arts community. 

By creating an event calendar for 6-12 months ahead, artists and creative organisations can ensure they are prepared, organised, and can strategically build anticipation over time.

One key reason for long-term planning is that your audience often needs to see promotions well in advance. 

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