A gallery is a business that offers exhibition space to artists and sells artworks on their behalf. They typically take a 50 percent commission on all sales, but they also put time and money into promoting art for their clients. In this way, they work to help artists grow and sustain their careers while they benefit from the opportunity to sell art.
Artists often get into galleries through recommendations from other artists. These recommendations are usually based on the work that artists have already done in the past or on the reputation of the art. Galleries may also find new artists by researching art fairs, visiting websites, and looking at social media. Some galleries specialize in a specific segment of the art world, such as contemporary photography or sculpture.
Once a gallery selects an artist, they will work with that artist on a long-term basis. They will promote, exhibit, and sell the artist’s work to build their reputation as well as the artist’s. Those that work with a gallery on a long-term basis are called represented artists, while those that work with the gallery for one exhibition are referred to as exhibited artists.
If you want to be represented by a gallery, it is important to research and follow their submission policies. Most galleries, especially in the high-end fine art market, have strict submission requirements and policies.
Look for the gallery’s “artist submissions” page on their website or a link to it in an info/about/contact section. Most galleries get inundated with dozens of artists’ submissions each week, so be sure to stand out from the crowd.
When submitting, keep the email short and to the point. Gallerists are busy, and if your email is overly wordy or lengthy, it will most likely get buried. Instead, try to capture their attention by highlighting a unique aspect of your work in the first sentence or paragraph.
While it’s important to have a strong website and an active social media presence, it is not necessary for getting into a gallery. In fact, many galleries are open to working with artists who do not have a website, but who have an active social media presence. It’s also a good idea to join an art organization or attend artsy events in the community to meet other artists and potential gallery contacts.
Once you have landed a spot at a gallery, it’s crucial to do your part in promoting your work. This will ensure that your work gets in front of as many potential buyers as possible. You can do this by mentioning the gallery in your Instagram bio, including the information in your website’s About page, and posting about the exhibitions in which you participate. This will increase your visibility, which could eventually lead to more sales. It will also be helpful if you can include the name of a collector who has purchased your work from the gallery. This will provide credibility and give the buyer confidence that they are making a purchase from a reputable source.