Writing & StyleStyle guide
Are Exhibition Titles Italicized?
Exhibition-title treatment is style-specific rather than universal. UW–Madison italicizes art-exhibit titles, while the Australian Government Style Manual uses roman type for exhibition titles.
It depends on the style guide. Some styles italicize exhibition titles, while others use roman type.
Key details
Core Issuewhether the title of an art exhibition should be italicized
Registeracademic, edited, and style-governed writing
RuleStyle authorities differ: UW–Madison includes art-exhibit titles among titles it italicizes, while the Australian Government Style Manual uses roman type for exhibition titles.
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
Do not confuse an exhibition title with the title of an exhibition catalogue, which may be treated differently by the same style guide.
Further guidance
Recommendation
Use the convention required by your governing style guide; exhibition titles are not universally italicized.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Editorial Style Guide Index (opens in a new tab)University of Wisconsin–Madison · University house-style guidance that italicizes titles including brochures, pamphlets, and art exhibits.
- Works of art — Australian Government Style Manual (opens in a new tab)Australian Government Style Manual · Australian Government style guidance uses roman type for exhibition titles, providing a documented contrast with house styles that italicize exhibit titles.