How to Host Art in Your Business — A Complete Guide

If you run a cafe, restaurant, retail shop, wine bar, or any business with wall space, you already have the raw material for something meaningful. Local art on your walls changes the way people experience your space. It gives them a reason to look up, to linger, to come back and see what has changed.

This guide covers how to bring local art into your business — from finding artists to handling logistics.

Why host art

The practical benefits are straightforward. Art makes a space more interesting, and interesting spaces attract attention. Your walls become a conversation starter. Regulars notice when the art changes. People take photos. The experience of visiting your business becomes richer.

But the deeper value is community. When you host a local artist's work, you are saying something about your business — that you care about the neighbourhood, that you support the people who live and create near you. That signal matters. It builds goodwill that no advertising campaign can replicate.

It also costs nothing. The artist provides the work. You provide the wall. The art stays for an agreed period — typically one to three months — and then rotates, keeping your space fresh without any effort or expense on your part.

Choosing the right art for your space

Not all art suits all spaces, and that is a good thing. The goal is not to fill a wall but to find work that feels like it belongs there.

Consider your environment. What is the lighting like? What colours dominate the room? Is the space busy and energetic, or calm and intimate? A bright, airy brunch cafe suits different art than a moody evening bar.

Think about your walls. How much wall space do you have? Is it one large wall or several smaller sections? Are there competing visual elements nearby — menus, signage, shelving? Art needs room to breathe.

Match the mood, not the medium. You do not need to be an art expert to know what feels right. Trust your instinct. If a piece makes you think "yes, that belongs here," it probably does. The medium matters less than the overall feeling.

Ask your team. The people who work in your space every day often have a strong sense of what would work. Include them in the process.

Finding artists

There are several ways to connect with local artists.

Walk your neighbourhood. Talk to other business owners who display art. Visit studios and artist markets. Melbourne's creative community is well-connected, and word of mouth is powerful.

Check local art collectives and associations. Many suburbs have artist networks or open studios programs. These are good places to find artists who are actively looking for exhibition opportunities.

Use a platform. Services like Herehood are specifically designed to connect businesses with local artists. You create a space profile — photos of your walls, information about your vibe and aesthetic — and the platform recommends artists whose work suits your space. This can save considerable time, particularly if you are not embedded in the local art scene.

Post on community boards. Local Facebook groups, community noticeboards, and neighbourhood forums often have artists looking for exhibition space.

Logistics to sort out

Once you have found an artist whose work you want to display, there are a few practical things to agree on before the art goes up.

Duration. How long will the art stay? One to three months is typical for most spaces. Shorter periods mean more variety; longer periods mean less administrative effort.

Hanging method. Who provides the hanging hardware? Who does the actual hanging? Most artists will bring their own hooks and wire, but you should discuss this in advance. Some walls may need specific fixings. If your space has heritage restrictions, make that clear from the start.

Insurance. This is worth discussing explicitly. Is the artwork covered by your business insurance while on display? If not, does the artist have their own coverage? In many cases, the artist assumes risk for their own work, but clarity prevents problems.

Sales. If a visitor wants to purchase a piece, how does the sale work? Some artists handle sales directly. Platforms like Herehood handle sales through QR codes placed next to each artwork — the visitor scans the code, purchases through the online gallery, and the artist keeps approximately 90% of the sale price. Having a clear sales process means your staff do not need to negotiate prices or handle money.

Signage. A small card next to each artwork with the artist's name, the title, medium, and a way to learn more (website, QR code, or social handle) is standard practice. The artist usually provides these.

Removal and rotation. When the exhibition period ends, who coordinates the changeover? If you are rotating through multiple artists, having a simple calendar helps.

Making it work day to day

Brief your team. Make sure everyone who works in your space knows about the art, who the artist is, and how to direct enquiries. Staff who can say "this is by a local artist called Sarah, she's based in Northcote" create a much better experience than staff who shrug.

Protect the work. Position artwork away from direct sunlight, high-traffic pinch points, and any areas where it might be accidentally knocked or splashed. Common sense goes a long way.

Promote it. Take a photo when the new art goes up. Post it on social media. Tag the artist. Mention it in your newsletter. The artist will often share and tag your business in return — free, authentic cross-promotion.

Ask for feedback. Do your regulars notice the art? Do they comment on it? This information is valuable for choosing future artists and understanding what resonates in your space.

Getting started with Herehood

If you want a straightforward way to bring local art into your space, Herehood handles the process for you. You create a free space profile, and we recommend artists whose work suits your environment. There is no cost to host art, no long-term commitment, and no administration beyond hanging and enjoying the work.

For businesses that want a more curated experience, we offer optional matchmaking services starting at $49, where we review your space and provide tailored artist recommendations. But the free pathway works well for most spaces.

Art on your walls is not a business expense. It is a community contribution that happens to make your space more beautiful and your visitors more engaged. The best time to start is whenever you are ready.

Create your free space profile on Herehood | Browse our community of artists | Learn more about how Herehood works