An art gallery is an art space that acts as a hub for showcasing and selling artworks. It also provides administrative support, marketing, representation to artists and relationships with customers. An art gallery may have an established client base or scout and promote the work of emerging artists, either way, it is involved in the overall development of an artist’s career from showcasing their work to establishing their reputation as a professional artist.
An upscale art gallery will usually have a wide range of clients from private collectors to corporate collections. It will also have a strong online presence to engage new audiences and expand its client base globally. The online presence requires the development of a website and specific communication strategies that cater to the interests of the art market audience.
A well-established art gallery will often have a number of relationships with other cultural institutions such as museums, biennials, and salons. This helps to increase the reach and value of the works exhibited in its space. This relationship-building will also help to foster a stronger network for the gallery and its artists.
In addition to promoting and selling the art that it represents, an art gallery is also a place where the general public can visit and view the exhibited artworks for free. This can create an intimate experience for the viewer and build a connection between the art and their daily lives. It can also be a place for discussion and reflection.
One of the most important things that a gallery does is to establish the pricing for artwork. This is based on the artist’s curriculum, previous exhibitions, publications and sales history as well as the overall quality of the artwork. In addition to setting prices, galleries also manage the transportation and invoicing of artworks as well as keeping track of sold works and their values on the secondary market.
Many artists make the mistake of thinking that when they sign with a gallery, it will automatically adopt them as a group of regular customers ready to purchase their work. This could not be more inaccurate. Gallery owners are looking for the best of the best to represent them in their space and it is up to the artist to showcase their strongest works in a compelling way.
While it is important for artists to understand the role that an art gallery plays in showcasing and selling their work, it is also important for them to know that there are alternatives to working with a traditional art gallery. Some of these alternatives include alternative art spaces, non-profit venues, and no-fee juried competitions.
When submitting work to a gallery, it is essential that the art be professionally prepared. This includes a clear artist statement that outlines the purpose and process behind the work. It is also important that the artwork is clearly labeled with a description of the work and any additional information such as the materials used or brushstroke techniques. The clarity of the description can help to convey a deeper meaning and connect with potential buyers.