Next, the biggest source of friction between owner and artist can be over space, so here’s Golden rule number two: Block out everyone’s space in advance.

Have your artists round for a cup of coffee one morning – individually or en masse – and clarify what space they’ll want/need. If you’re in the lounge and it has three ‘hangable’ walls and you’ve decided to take one for yourself then there are two more to fill. Now, this is your choice as home owner; do you want one artist with work on both walls or do you want two artists taking a wall each? It’s your house, you decide. Then, over that cup of coffee tell the artists what you had in mind. If they sound at all hesitant about being able to fill the space you’ve offered them, be wary, because that means they probably can’t. Usually, though, you’ll find the problem is the other way round – an artist will want more space that you’re willing to give them. Find out why is my advice here. If it’s to put up a large back catalogue, ask yourself how happy you’ll be with that. If it’s the back catalogue of an artist who sells well, then why not? If it’s the back catalogue of an artist who is still trying to sell work that they’ve been exhibiting for years, then say no. If it hasn’t sold before, it’s not likely to do so now. Always remember; it’s your house, your exhibition. The same blocking out applies to
3-D artists as well. Take special note of table and display case sizes (especially height), making sure there’s clearance for people to walk around a 3D display. With all that sorted out in advance, come installation day, all will run much more smoothly.

Golden rule number three: Make it as simple as possible.

That’s an ‘apply to everything’ rule. Keep your artist layouts simple, your paperwork clear, your signs and labels big and easy to read. You want to make the experience, for artist and visitor alike, easy and enjoyable - simplicity and clarity make for good bedfellows in this respect.