An art gallery is a business that serves to nurture visual artists, promote their work and establish them in the professional art world both locally and internationally. It also manages exhibition space, provides administrative and curatorial staff, secures insurance, invests in and participates in a myriad of expensive art fairs, and works tirelessly to develop and expand their artists’ careers.
Art galleries usually acquire funds through commissions earned from the sale of artworks. However, they may also offer various other professional services within the art context such as advisory services to the public for advice on home art, art installation and investment services.
In addition, they often provide facilities to allow people to experience art by organizing events such as art talks and lectures and by showcasing works in conjunction with other institutions. These events help to raise awareness and appreciation for art in the community.
Aside from the main purpose of art galleries, they also serve as a hub for artists to meet and collaborate with one another. This is particularly true for smaller art galleries that are independent of any museum or commercial establishment and are often run by individual artists. This gives artists the opportunity to learn from other artists and also to build their own networks.
The process of getting into a large art gallery is different for every artist, but the key to success is having an outstanding body of work with proven credentials that show a clear artistic direction and consistent quality. This includes previous shows in established galleries, a strong online presence, a high-quality portfolio and a track record of sales.
In some cases, it is possible to find a gallery to represent you without any prior gallery showings or formal art training. However, you should be aware of the risks involved in this type of arrangement and always research galleries carefully to make sure they are reputable. A good place to start is by visiting local galleries and asking fellow artists about their experiences with them.
An alternative to traditional art galleries is the co-op gallery. These are typically run by a group of artists who pool their resources and efforts to showcase their art, promote each other’s work and occasionally offer lectures and other services for the community. In exchange, they usually charge a membership fee to cover the cost of the space and some of the services. They may also charge a commission on sales, but this should be taken into account when setting prices for your work as it will influence how much you ultimately sell it for.