Hey there, creative! I noticed that cool new collection you’ve spent months on is almost ready for that upcoming exhibit — it’s looking great!
But before you pack up your beautiful artwork, I know there’s just one more thing you need to check off your list: art exhibition insurance.
Sounds a bit drier than that paint I once left out overnight, right? It’s not that bad, though, trust me. It’s like wrapping your piece in bubble wrap for transport, except you’re wrapping your business in bubble wrap. Let me break it down a bit more for you.
Understanding the Importance of Exhibition Insurance for Artists
Think about your upcoming show and all the people who will be there. Now think about everything that could possibly go wrong when you get a bunch of people in one area:
- Someone may trip over part of your display, sending them crashing into another artist’s exhibit
- A close observer might be bumped by another person, causing them to fall forward and poke their eye on your sculpture
- The heat of the lights and the crowd might cause your resin finish to leave a residue on the gallery’s shelf
- A guest rushing to the bathroom accidentally knocks your pieces off display
- Someone breaks into the gallery overnight and swipes some of your handmade jewelry
- An unexpected storm rolls in while you’re at an outdoor event, and the wind sends your pop-up tent flying into the crowd
I could go on about the what-ifs, but sometimes the most unexpected twist of events really do occur. Venues don’t just ask for insurance because they’re being extra. They’re making sure everyone, including you, is covered in case something goes wrong (big or small).
What is Art Exhibition Insurance?
Art exhibition insurance is designed to protect you from claims of injuries or damages that may occur while you showcase and sell your artwork. It’s liability coverage that can pay for things like:
✔️ Medical bills
✔️ Legal fees
✔️ Repair costs
Here’s the catch: this is third-party coverage, meaning it protects others who might be impacted by your artwork or business. It’s not like the coverage you get for your home, car, or health.
While it won’t usually cover your personal stuff, you can add some first-party protection (like Theft & Damage Coverage) so your artwork is safe in case something happens.
Why is it Required by Venues?
From fine art fairs to local gallery shows, venues require insurance to shield themselves from liability. It’s the safety net that makes sure they aren’t financially responsible for things like accidents, damage, or even injuries that could happen while your art is on display.
3 Benefits of Having Exhibition Insurance for Artists
1. Protecting Your Artwork and Business
Your artwork is your livelihood — insurance helps protect your creative business, ensuring you’re not left empty-handed if something goes awry.
2. Meeting Venue Requirements
Most venues won’t let you showcase without proof of insurance. The right coverage lets you easily meet requirements and avoid last-minute stress.
3. Safeguarding Against Liability Risks
Injuries happen, folks. When accidents strike, liability coverage is there to lower or eliminate the out-of-pocket costs of a claim.
Who Needs Artist Event Insurance?
The most common artists who may be asked to carry insurance for an exhibit are:
⭐ Artists
⭐ Glassblowers
⭐ Jewelers
⭐ Potters
⭐ Sculptors
⭐ Woodworkers
This is an insurance blog, so of course, I want to say all artists need event insurance. But it’s true! No artist benefits from working uninsured; that’s a gamble with far too big a risk to take. One claim, and it could be game over for your business…
Common Art Show “Uh-Oh” Moments (and What Covers It)
Exhibitions can get pretty lively, and while you’re focused on showcasing, things can take an unexpected turn. Let’s look at a few situations where insurance can be a real lifesaver.
Accidents During Setup or Takedown
The excitement of setting up can sometimes lead to accidents. Maybe you’re moving a massive canvas, it slips from your hands, and breaks a window. The repairman has to put in a rush order for a new window pane to install it before the exhibit begins. Now the venue is asking you to pay for it all.
Claim: Property damage
Coverage: Damage to Rented Premises
✅ ACT Pro
✅ ACT Go
Damage to Artwork at the Event
Art can be fragile, and let’s face it — sometimes, people don’t understand personal space. A patron may lean in too close and tumble into your display, taking it out of the show and off the market. Now you’re scrambling to make something new to put out in its place.
Claim: Damage to artwork
Coverage: Theft & Damage Coverage (Inland Marine)
✅ ACT Pro
❌ ACT Go
Injuries to Attendees or Venue Staff
You’re running a power cord to your display to shine extra light on your work. During the show, the tape used to hold down the cord comes loose, and someone trips over it. They later tell you they broke their hip and were unable to work for weeks, and they want you to pay for their medical bills, lost wages, and upcoming physical therapy costs.
Claim: Bodily injury
Coverage: General Liability Insurance
✅ ACT Pro
✅ ACT Go
3 Must-Have Coverages Every Art Exhibitor Needs
1. General Liability Insurance
2. Theft & Damage Coverage (Inland Marine)
3. Product Liability Insurance
Choosing the Right Artist Insurance for Exhibitions
When it comes to protecting your creative business, not all insurance policies are created equal. Choosing the right insurance is like picking the perfect frame for your art: it should fit just right!
Here’s how to find the best artist event insurance policy before the big exhibition.
Understanding Your Specific Needs
Some artists sell their work through exhibitions, others simply showcase it or jury it. No matter how you exhibit, knowing what coverage you’ll need during your event is vital.
💭 Scenario 1: The Seller
If you’re there to sell your artwork, choose a policy that covers product liability and any potential risks tied to transactions.
⭐ Recommend Policy: ACT Pro
💭 Scenario 2: The Showcaser
If you’re displaying your work, get a policy that protects against accidents in the exhibit, theft, or damage to your piece.
⭐ Recommend Policy: ACT Pro + Theft & Damage Coverage
💭 Scenario 3: The Juried Artist
If you’re there to enter your work into a competition, consider a policy that covers the basics to get you in the door and protect yourself against common accidents.
⭐ Recommend Policy: ACT Go
Evaluating Policies and Providers
Not all art exhibitions are created equal, so why should your insurance be? When evaluating different policies, look for:
- General liability coverage: At a minimum, your policy should include this coverage
- Event coverage: Make sure the policy covers you for the length of your event (including the set up and take down time)
- Certificate of Insurance (COI): You’ll want to know if the company provides instant access to a COI (like ACT does!) so you can quickly show proof of coverage
- Additional Insureds (AIs): Many events will ask to be added to your policy as an AI, so be sure you can easily add AIs (they’re free and unlimited with ACT!)
- Provider reputation: Check reviews and ratings for the insurance provider — a solid reputation means better customer service
- Online claims filing: Being able to file a claim online means you could receive a payout faster, making claims as seamless and pain-free as possible
Look for policies that suit your event’s specific needs. Not all art exhibitions are the same, so make sure your policy fits the event you’re attending.
Questions to Ask Before Purchasing
Before you buy, take a moment to ensure you’re crystal clear on what’s covered. Here are a few key questions to make sure you know:
- What’s covered if my artwork is damaged at the event?
- Does my policy cover someone getting injured at my booth?
- What happens if my art gets lost in transit?
- Are there any exclusions for certain types of artwork or events?
Knowing these details ensures you’re not caught off guard if something goes wrong. Discover answers to these questions and more in our guide, What Does ACT Insurance Not Cover?
Your Peace of Mind? Priceless.
Choosing the Right Artist Insurance for Exhibitions
What is the Best Exhibition Insurance for Artists?
ACT Insurance offers the best exhibition insurance for artists. With ACT, you’ll get tailored coverage designed just for creatives like you. Whether you’re an established pro or a first-time exhibitor, our policies are here to keep your art and business safe.
What Does Artist Event Insurance Typically Cover?
Artist event insurance typically covers damages, injuries, losses, and occasionally theft — basically, just about everything that could go wrong!
The type of coverage you get depends on the policy you choose. ACT Go only covers injuries and damages that may happen during an event. ACT Pro also covers accidents caused by the pieces you sell, protects you even after the event is over, and offers the option to add coverage for theft and damage.
How Much Does Artist Insurance for Exhibitions Cost?
Artist insurance for exhibitions starts at just $24.25 a month with ACT Pro and $49 per event with ACT Go. Our flexible coverage ensures your business is protected without breaking the bank.
