Every exhibition will have, and should inform artists of their selection process and any special criteria for selection. It is important to fully understand how the process works, as it can vary considerably from one exhibition to another.
Often the judging or selection panel is comprised of major stakeholders in the organization putting on the event. Other times the panel will be selected from professionals working in various capacities within the art world, curators, gallery owners, art critics etc.
Once you are certain that your work meets the requirements relating to medium or subject matter you can then try to see how your work will meet the broader criteria of the panel. Most curators or judges are inclined to a particular style or type of work, a little research into past shows they have curated or been involved with may give you insight into their preferences.
Some exhibitions judge the work solely on artistic merit of the work submitted while others may include review of the artist’s statement and/or CV in the judging process.In either case it is critical that your work be of a standard suitable to the exhibition and that it be well presented. If the work is judged from a digital image make sure it is of a high quality. Your work must stand out among hundreds, sometimes thousands of other pieces, if the judge has to struggle to see the work it will be at a severe disadvantage.
Having observed the selection process as an exhibition director I think it is also important to remind artists that even among professionals the judging of an Open Exhibition is by and large a subjective process. If your work is not chosen it may be that it didn’t fit in with the overall curatorial selection, it may also be that it didn’t touch or inspire that particular set of individuals.
Open Exhibition 