Choose a theme for your exhibition

Exhibition concept
This is the heart of the proposal where you explain the importance of the story you wish to tell. This is where you should clarify the questions you will answer through your exhibition. Think about the kind of artwork you would like to show. Would you like to include work by established artists or would you prefer to show artwork produced in the community, perhaps by service user groups? Would you like to include information displays alongside the artwork? How about historical artefacts? Once you have decided on your approach try to stick to it as a strong and clear point of view can elevate a simple display to an interpretive, engaging exhibition.



Exhibition title
Be creative in your main title. Remember that the title must communicate the central theme of the exhibition, attract viewer attention from a distance and draw them to the exhibit. A title may be in two parts with the first word(s) carrying the theme of the exhibit and the second phrase being the hook to pique the visitor's curiosity. A creative title will also make good copy for public relations use and will help to attract media coverage.
 

Audience consultation
What would your audience like to see? Test your ideas out by talking to other local people, your friends, fellow committee members, local youth leaders and other local groups. Bear in mind that responses may be rather conservative and you certainly won’t get a consensus. Don’t only target groups which you think have an interest in mental health issues. For example, local schools might be interested in bringing students along as part of their Citizenship curriculum.