If you’re a new or emerging artist wondering how to get your art noticed by more people, especially outside of Instagram’s ever-changing algorithm, I want to share a special experience that brought some magic into my art journey—getting my rainbow cat artwork featured in a massive public art show in the heart of Barcelona, thanks to a wonderful platform called ExpoMetro.
As a cat-loving surface pattern designer just starting to build visibility, being part of this colourful, inclusive, and inspiring collective exhibition has been a milestone moment. Whether you’re a fellow artist, illustrator, or designer looking for creative opportunities to share your work, I hope this post will inspire you to explore alternative paths to exposure—and maybe even try ExpoMetro yourself.
what is expometro?
ExpoMetro is a global movement with a clear mission: to make art accessible to everyone by turning outdoor public spaces into giant interactive art shows.
They do this by creating monumental billboards filled with collective artworks, a tapestry made up of individual pieces submitted by artists from around the world. These exhibitions are then displayed in iconic locations—from the New York subway to Paris, London, Berlin, Monaco, and most recently, Barcelona.
It’s a refreshing and powerful concept:
🌍 Anyone can apply.
🖼 The result is a diverse, vibrant artwork made up of hundreds of pieces.
🚏 The billboard becomes a gallery that thousands of passersby can enjoy.
🧑🎨 It creates real-world, tangible exposure for artists of all levels.
Best of all? ExpoMetro celebrates artistic diversity, making space for all styles and voices. Whether your work is abstract, traditional, digital, or whimsical (like my rainbow cats!), there’s a place for you.
Why I Joined the ExpoMetro Barcelona Show
I first stumbled across ExpoMetro through a social media post. I’d been searching for unique art exhibitions for emerging artists and ways to gain more exposure and get my art noticed outside of Etsy or the usual art marketplaces. The idea of participating in a giant art billboard in the middle of Barcelona instantly caught my attention.
The cause also felt meaningful. ExpoMetro isn’t just about visibility—it’s about unity, accessibility, and putting art back where it belongs: in the public eye. I loved that it didn’t require a portfolio review, expensive fees, or industry connections—just a piece of art and a passion to share it with the world.
The artwork I chose for the ExpoMetro billboard is especially close to my heart. It’s a painting of my own ragdoll cat, Sia, peacefully perched on a vibrant rainbow. Woven into the rainbow are uplifting messages of love, equality, and LGBTQ+ acceptance. I created it to celebrate the many beautiful forms that love and identity can take, and to spread a little colour and joy to anyone who sees it. It felt like the perfect fit for an event that champions artistic freedom, positivity, and inclusivity.
You can also find this artwork in my shop as a greeting card, sticker, and wall art print—a way to bring this message of love into your home or send it to someone who needs it.
So I submitted my rainbow cat artwork, which celebrates joy, inclusivity, and colour. Within a few clicks, I was in.
💡 There is a fee to participate, which helps fund the printing and marketing of the billboard. The smallest square is 25 cm x 25 cm and costs €49, which includes your place on the artwork, your profile, links, and promotion. You can also pay more to reserve a larger space or a more prominent position on the board. In my opinion, it’s a great value for the visibility and professional boost it offers.
What Happened After I Submitted My Art
Once I uploaded my piece, I was invited to create a public artist profile, complete with a short bio, links to my website (ronniekovacs.com), and social media handles. This was such a thoughtful touch, because it meant anyone viewing the exhibition—online or in person—could instantly find out more about me and my work.
I didn’t expect much else, but then something surprising happened…
Artists from around the world, whose work was also featured on the same board, started reaching out to say hello. We chatted on Instagram and exchanged encouragement and tips. It was such a warm and affirming experience—connecting with like-minded creatives who are equally passionate about art, cats, colour, and storytelling. That sense of community made the whole thing even more special.
The Collective Artwork Concept
ExpoMetro exhibitions are essentially giant collaborative mosaics. Each artist’s work becomes a “tile” in a large patchwork artwork displayed on a billboard measuring several metres high. It’s playful, meaningful, and visually stunning.
Some benefits I didn’t realise at first:
- You can submit multiple artworks in different sizes.
- You’re included in the online version of the billboard, which stays live all year.
- The whole collective artwork is minted as an NFT, meaning it exists permanently on the blockchain.
- If the NFT is sold or resold, artists receive a revenue share.
So not only is this a high-visibility opportunity, it’s also a modern, forward-thinking way of exhibiting—bridging traditional public art with digital permanence and income potential.
Why This Matters for New Artists
When you’re early in your art career, visibility can feel like an uphill battle. You’re likely juggling your day job (like I am), posting on social media, creating new work, and trying to figure out what resonates. And while platforms like Etsy or Instagram are great, they also come with noise, algorithms, and comparison fatigue.
What I love about ExpoMetro is that it:
- Offers genuine exposure in the real world (not just digital likes)
- Helps you build credibility by being part of an international exhibition
- Makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger—a movement that celebrates diverse art from all walks of life
- Encourages connection with other artists and creatives around the globe
It’s also incredibly empowering to know that my art is out there in Barcelona, on a giant board, being seen by thousands of people every day. That feeling is hard to put into words, but it gave me a burst of confidence and energy that I’m now channelling into new projects.
Tips If You’re Thinking of Participating in ExpoMetro
If this has sparked your curiosity, here are some quick tips based on my experience:
- Choose a Piece That Feels Like You: ExpoMetro celebrates authenticity and individuality. Pick a piece that reflects your style and message. For me, that was my rainbow cat art—colourful, joyful, and full of feline charm.
- Take Time With Your Artist Profile: Don’t skip the artist profile setup! It’s your chance to link to your website, Etsy shop, Instagram, or portfolio. Think of it like a mini digital business card.
- Reach Out to Fellow Artists: One of the unexpected joys of this experience was connecting with others on the board. Don’t be shy—comment, message, and celebrate their work too. You never know where those connections may lead.
- Share the Exhibition on Your Channels: Once your art is live, let your community know! Sharing photos of the billboard, your spot in the collage, and the online version can help build your visibility even more.
- Think Long-Term: While the physical billboard may only be up for a few weeks, your artwork stays accessible online year-round, and the NFT gives it a life beyond the event. It’s a gift that keeps giving.
- Attend the Exhibition Party (If You Can!): If you’re able to travel to the city where the event takes place, ExpoMetro hosts a pre-event artist gathering, where you can be photographed next to the billboard and meet other participating artists in person. It’s a lovely way to celebrate the moment and make real-life connections.
Final Thoughts: Art Belongs in the World
I’ve always believed that art should be joyful, playful, and accessible. Seeing my artwork out in the world—on a billboard in Barcelona—reminded me why I started this creative path in the first place. To connect, to delight, and to make something that might brighten someone’s day.
If you’re looking for exposure opportunities for artists, or wondering how to get your first real-world exhibition experience without galleries or gatekeepers, I wholeheartedly recommend checking out ExpoMetro. It’s more than just a billboard—it’s a celebration of artistic voices across the globe, and I’m so grateful to be part of it.
If you end up participating, please send me a message—I’d love to see your work up there too!
And if you enjoyed this blog post, I invite you to join my tiny corner of the world wide web and sign up to my newsletter. You’ll be the first to know about future posts, discounts and let you take a sneak peek at new collections to come.
With love and rainbow cats,
Ronnie
