An art gallery is a place where people can come to view and purchase works of art. It may also host events, such as artist talks or other educational activities. Some galleries specialize in a particular type of art, such as contemporary or ancient art. Others are more general and feature a range of art styles. Art galleries are often located in prestigious buildings, such as museums and other public buildings. Some are owned by the art gallery itself, while others are rented from private owners.
An important role of art galleries is to promote and build the careers of artists. This can be done by creating curated exhibition programs, providing marketing and promotional support, and selling artworks to collectors and institutions. The galleries may also manage the artists’ careers and monitor their progress. This can be especially helpful for emerging artists, as the gallery can help them establish a name for themselves in the art world.
Another function of art galleries is to set prices for the artists’ work. This is done by analyzing an artist’s curriculum (education, awards, publications, etc.), career, talent, and quality of the art. Galleries will usually negotiate a price with the artist, and then make that price available to all clients. The gallery will earn a commission on the sale of each artwork, which is split between the artist and the gallery.
It is important for an artist to understand how art galleries function in order to succeed. Some artists have misconceptions about the way galleries operate, and they assume that once they sign with a gallery, the gallery will automatically adopt them as part of its customer base and make a profit. This is not always the case, and it is important for artists to research the galleries they are interested in and find out their policies regarding new artists.
Many smaller art galleries are co-op galleries, where a group of artists works together to exhibit their art and promote it. These galleries usually charge a membership fee to help pay for the space and other expenses. These types of galleries are a great way for aspiring artists to get their foot in the door and eventually move on to larger art galleries.
The larger art galleries have a more established client base and are more selective about the artists they choose to represent. Getting a contract with one of these large galleries can be difficult, but there are ways to increase your chances of success. It is important to attend as many exhibitions and openings as possible, and to network with other artists, gallerists, and collectors. It is also a good idea to join an art association or club, as this will give you the opportunity to meet people who can help you get your work in front of more potential buyers.
Once an artist has signed a contract with a gallery, it is the responsibility of the art gallery to insure all purchased works and handle any shipping costs. The gallery will take care of invoicing, tracking sold artworks, and monitoring the value of the artwork on the secondary market.