Perfecting Your POSE:

Ways to Get People to Come to Your POSE

You’ve signed up, sorted your space, and your artwork is ready — now it’s time to make sure people come and see it!POSE is about more than opening your doors — it’s about connection, celebration, and sharing the joy of creativity across our city. Here are some simple but powerful ways to draw visitors to your venue and make your POSE weekend a truly uplifting experience.

Before the weekend

Each artist and venue will receive a POSE pack — complete with a poster, window, and other promotional (and necessary admin) materials to help make your space visible and inviting.

Display your poster early and share a photo of it on social media to let people know where you’ll be showing. ANY POSTS on your socials that you see, repost, interact and dont forget to make your own, then...

💡 Tip: Tag @poseportsmouth and use #POSE25 #poseportsmouth #CityArtsPortsmouth #SMMAP so we can amplify your posts!

1. Tell your story

People connect with people. Share what inspires you, what materials you use, or what they’ll see when they visit.Behind-the-scenes photos or short videos — of your workspace, tools, or process — help visitors feel part of your journey.

2. Make it easy to find you

Double-check your venue details on the POSE map and guidebook. Add a your sign, bunting, to guide people to your door.

3. Join forces

If there are other artists nearby, promote each other. Encourage visitors to make a mini trail — perhaps with a shared stamp card or simple giveaway. Collaboration builds buzz and strengthens creative connections.

4. Offer a taster

People love to see how art is made. Could you do a quick demo, display sketchbooks, or run a short talk? Even showing test pieces helps visitors engage and ask questions.

5. Create a free artwork

Make something small — a badge, postcard, clay token, or mini print — and photograph it somewhere near your venue. Post it on Instagram and invite people to find it! This playful act of generosity sparks curiosity, builds connection, and gives people a joyful reason to come looking for you. If you have more than one person at your venue, you can leave things out at different times of day and different days over the weekend to create interest.

6. Have a private view

In the week leading up to POSE, host a small private view for family, friends, and supporters. It’s a lovely way to celebrate your hard work, practise talking about your art, and start the weekend feeling confident. Those early visitors often share posts that spread excitement even further.

7. Invite personally

Nothing beats a personal invitation. Message friends, email your list, and share the event in local community groups. A simple “Come see what I’ve been making!” works wonders.

8. Create a “POSE moment”

Make your space memorable — set up a photo spot, a striking display, or something interactive. Encourage visitors to tag you in their posts to spread the word.

9. Keep a guest book

Leave out a notebook, comment cards, or a digital QR form so visitors can leave feedback and contact details. It’s a great way to capture comments, build a mailing list, and remember those lovely moments of connection after the weekend.

10. Keep it friendly

A warm welcome goes a long way. Greet people, share your story, and celebrate every interaction. POSE is an uplifting experience — a weekend to connect, inspire, and feel proud of what you’ve created.

Remember: POSE isn’t just about selling work — it’s about being part of something bigger. Every person who walks through your door is there to share in creativity, conversation, and community. Together, we make Portsmouth at the forefront of the arts.

With that in mind from 6-8pm on the Saturday the is a Performance art piece at the Round Tower and on the Friday from 4.45 to 6 (if you are available) Anna Barzotti is showing some film work at the Wedgewood rooms, Hunter Gatherer Closes at 8pm on the Friday and Saturday of POSE where there will be artwork on display after you have closed up for the day.