In the art world, we often say that the work should speak for itself. While a breathtaking canvas or a masterful sculpture is undoubtedly your most powerful ambassador, professional representation requires a secondary set of tools to bridge the gap between the studio and the gallery. Chief among these is the Artist CV.
“CV” is short for curriculum vitae, which is really just a fancy way of saying a professional resume specifically tailored to your life as an artist. Unlike a standard job resume that focuses on your employment history, an artist CV focuses on your creative milestones: where you’ve shown, who has vetted your work, and how your career has evolved over time.
Think of your CV not as a mere list of dates, but as a map of your professional credibility. When a gallery owner or a serious collector looks at your record, they aren’t just looking for where you’ve been; they are looking for the narrative of your growth. However, many artists struggle with the “how” of this documentation—overthinking the formatting or, conversely, leaving out the vital details that signal professional experience.
Here is how to refine your exhibition history into a clear, compelling, and professional record.
The Hierarchy of Credibility
Before diving into the formatting, it is helpful to put the CV in its proper place. Your portfolio and your biography are your primary tools; they carry the emotional and aesthetic weight of your practice. The CV is a supporting document. Its job is to provide evidence of your activity and your standing in the art community.
While it may feel like a clerical task, a well-organized exhibition history acts as a “credibility booster.” It tells a gallery owner that you understand the industry’s standards and that other professionals have vetted your work.
Differentiating Your Exhibition History
One of the most common points of confusion is how to label different types of shows. Precision here is vital because different exhibitions carry different “weights” in the eyes of a professional. You should be direct and concise—there is no need to over-complicate the entry. Simply list the event and use parentheses or a dash to clarify the nature of the show.
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Juried Exhibitions: These are essential for building a resume, as they indicate your work was selected from a pool of applicants by a third-party judge. Simply list: Exhibition Name (Juried).
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Invitational Exhibits: These carry a high level of prestige because they imply that a curator or gallery sought you out specifically. Label these as: Exhibition Name (Invitational).
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Curated vs. Coordinated: If you played a dual role in an exhibition—such as organizing the logistics while also showing your work—it is worth noting. It demonstrates a high level of engagement with the community. A simple note like (Coordinated and Exhibited) suffices.
The Power of Conciseness
A common mistake is “padding” the CV with too much fluff or overly technical descriptions of how you got into a show. In reality, a gallery owner is scanning for names of venues, dates, and the caliber of the exhibition.
If you won an award, list it prominently within the exhibition entry. Beyond that, keep the formatting “clean.” Use a consistent structure (Date, Title, Venue, Location) and let the facts do the heavy lifting. If you are debating whether to include a minor detail about a show’s selection process, ask yourself: Does this add to my credibility, or does it clutter the page? When in doubt, choose clarity.
Managing Administrative Roles
Many artists serve their local arts organizations as directors, board members, or founders. While this shows incredible leadership, be careful how you list this on your record.
If you are organizing events, that experience is best listed under a “Professional Service” or “Related Experience” heading rather than mixed directly into your solo exhibition list. This ensures that when a curator looks at your “Exhibitions” section, they see your growth as a creator first, and your contributions as an advocate second.
The Accuracy of the Record
Finally, remember that the art world is smaller than it seems. Maintaining an honest and transparent CV is your best long-term strategy. Whether you were juried in, invited, or helped coordinate the event, stating it plainly builds a foundation of trust. That transparency, paired with a strong portfolio, is what ultimately opens the door to new representation and higher-tier opportunities.
How Do You Document Your Wins?
When you’re updating your professional records, what is the one area of your CV or portfolio that always feels the most challenging to “get right”? Do you find it difficult to categorize your local community involvements, or are you looking for better ways to highlight your awards?
Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re currently organizing your professional history.