In an era of social media, email newsletters, and online event platforms, you might be wondering: Do artists still need press releases? The short answer is yes—but not for the same reasons as a decade ago.

A press release is still a useful tool, especially when you’re participating in a local or regional exhibition, festival, or open studio. Community newspapers, arts blogs, and event calendars often rely on outside submissions to fill space. A clear, concise press release makes it easy for them to include you—without having to dig for details.

But let’s face it: most artists didn’t get into this profession because they love writing marketing copy. And even for those who don’t mind writing, it can be hard to know where to begin.

Why a Press Release Still Works

Here’s what a press release can do:

• Get your event listed in local publications

• Provide material for social media and email announcements

• Make it easier for event organizers to promote you

• Help you present your art career professionally

You don’t need to send anything by mail. These days, email is the default. But formatting and clarity still matter.

What to Include

A simple press release follows this structure:

Headline
Keep it direct:
“Landscape Painter Featured at Sunset Gallery, July 12–Aug 3”

Optional Subheading
Add a detail or hook:
“Opening night includes artist meet-and-greet and refreshments”

Main Body
Two or three short paragraphs covering:

• What the event is

• Who’s involved (you and any other artists)

• Where and when it takes place

• What people can expect

• Whether it’s free or ticketed

Artist Bio / Boilerplate
Wrap up with a 2–3 sentence artist bio and your website or contact info.

Writing It Yourself—Or Getting Help

You can absolutely write a press release on your own. It doesn’t need to be flashy—just clear and informative. But if you’d like a little help, there are tools that can take the pressure off.

One option I often recommend is the Freeform Writer feature in Theobot—a writing assistant we developed specifically for artists. It’s designed to guide you through writing tasks like artwork descriptions, bios, and press releases, by asking a few simple questions about your event and then generating a draft you can edit or use as-is.

You start by entering a brief prompt—something like:

“I have a solo show opening July 12 in Santa Fe at the Main Street Gallery. I’ll be showing six new abstract landscapes. There’s a reception that night from 6 to 9pm. Help me write a press release for the event”

Theobot will walk you through follow-up questions, then assemble the press release in standard format with your details. Even if you don’t use the result word-for-word, it can be a helpful jumpstart.

Where to Send It

Think locally and regionally. Good targets include:

• Local newspapers and arts magazines

• City “what’s happening” newsletters

• Gallery or arts council websites

• Local event calendars and blogs

• Any organization connected to the event

Most outlets have a specific email or submission form for press releases—check their websites and follow any formatting requests they provide.

In Summary

A press release may feel like a throwback, but it’s still one of the simplest ways to help the right people talk about your work. Whether you use a writing assistant like Theobot or type it out yourself, the goal is the same: make it easy for someone else to share your story.

If you have a show coming up, take the time to put something together—you’ll be glad you did.