Exhibition economics — what an emerging-market show actually costs
18 March 2026

Exhibition economics — what an emerging-market show actually costs

A 20-piece solo in Nairobi or Accra runs USD 18,000–25,000 once shipping, install, opening and PR are counted. Here's the line-item.

Crating and freight (continental): USD 4,500. Install crew, hardware, paint: USD 2,200. Opening night catering and beverage: USD 1,800. PR retainer and digital ads: USD 3,500. Catalogue print run of 250: USD 4,200. The artist's transport and accommodation: USD 1,800. Contingency: USD 2,000.

Total: roughly USD 20,000 before the first work sells. Sustainable galleries plan their hit-rate around this number; un-sustainable ones plan around hope.

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