Getting the word out

01. You don't need a PR agency

Most independent artists promote their shows alone. That's fine. You don't need a budget or a strategy deck. You need a short list of things to do, and the discipline to actually do them.

02. Two weeks before opening

• Make sure your Plaarts listing is live with strong images and a clear description. This is your home base. Everything else links back here.
• Post on Instagram. One strong image, not a carousel. Tag the venue and your neighbourhood. Say what the show is about in two sentences.
• Send a short email to your personal network. Not a mass mail. A genuine note to friends, fellow artists, and people who've supported your work. Include the date, the venue, and a link to your Plaarts listing.
• Tell the venue. Make sure they're sharing the listing on their own channels too.

03. Opening week

• Post a reminder on Instagram stories the day before and the morning of. Stories are where last-minute plans get made.
• If there's an opening event, mention the time and that it's free (if it is). People are more likely to come if they know they can just drop in.
• After the opening, share a photo from the night: the room with people in it, not an empty gallery. Tag the people who came.

04. During the run

• Post when something happens: a visitor leaves a review, you rearrange the space, you hit a milestone. Real moments beat polished content.
• Share your Plaarts listing link when people ask about the show. It has all the details in one place: opening hours, directions, images.
• If the show is closing soon, say so. 'Last weekend to see this' is a powerful motivator.