Group exhibitions can be competitive to get into and usually charge an entry fee. A juror or multiple jurors look at what everyone has submitted online and then lets you know if you’ve been accepted, and which piece(s) are in. There are so many factors that come into play: how many works will fit into the exhibit area, was the entry criteria followed, did your entry support the theme of the show... To me, however, a lot depends upon the eye and feeling of the juror(s). Usually, once a show is hung, the juror(s) come and see the selected artworks to determine who gets awards. Having managed many group shows I’m often hearing “it looks so different from the entry” and “it’s smaller or larger than what I thought”… It’s the in personal viewing that ultimately lets the juror connect to the work. What grabs them emotionally? Is it the color, composition, technique, message, overall presentation, etc.? This is where the process can be so subjective. There is not a single criteria the jurors are looking for. I’ve been rejected multiple times and it’s part of being an artist. But there are reasons I like a group show. It’s exposure! I’m getting my work to an audience and physical location that has never seen my work. It’s also a boost to the ego especially if it’s a more competitive exhibition.
I am on the board of the Chicago Alliance of Visual Artists and we host multiple exhibits in the Chicago metro area every year. Some are juried to get in and there are awards for most of the shows. I’m also on the board of the North Shore Art League. Their shows are not juried nor provide awards. All member works are usually accepted, unless we run out of space. The best part, both provide opportunities to get your work out there and that’s what I appreciate most.