Check with your state arts council for published guidelines. Check out the
nearest Lawyers for the Arts (chapters in Chicago, New York, San Francisco;
elsewhere?)
Because exhibits are legal issues, find appropriate books, publications by Tad
Crawford. As a standard of excellence by which other competitions/exhibitions
should be measured (in my not so humble opinion) get information on the New
York State Bird Competition. They will send prospectus. As for your lighting
problem; "a learning experience." Negotiate and put in writing everything that
is expected--make up a form if you must, listing  $ responsibilities for
receptions, invitations, announcements in media (print, TV, radio; when, how
often, etc.) hours of exhibit, as well as post-exhibit responsibilities such
as sales generated by the show, etc. Hope this helps.