A gallery is a space, either online or as a physical location, where art works are offered and displayed. Typically, galleries display contemporary artworks, but some also specialise in specific art genres or topics.
A lot of the work that a gallery does is based on supporting its artists. This can include scouting for opportunities to showcase their art in exhibitions outside the gallery, such as at other art venues or in cultural institutions or museums. Galleries also help their artists with their marketing, taking care of things like catalogue creation and print work. They can also assist their artists with book publishing when the time comes, as well as organising and executing media events to boost visibility and sales.
Many galleries work closely with their represented artists, helping them to create a body of work that is cohesive and consistent in style. This is often called a portfolio. Some galleries collaborate with artists for a long period of time, a relationship they refer to as their represented artist status, whereas others may only work with an artist for a single exhibition, which is referred to as the exhibited artist status.
Creating a narrative around your gallery and its work is an effective way to stand out from other art dealers and engage a wider audience on social media platforms. Using your story to communicate the reasons why you are a unique and important part of the art scene can strengthen the bond between you and your followers, ultimately leading to conversions, such as clicks or ticket purchases. Using your voice and personality to tell your story is especially effective, as it allows you to stand out from other art galleries who might be competing with you for the same audience.
Some galleries also collaborate with artist estates, acquiring art that has already been sold once (either to another gallery or at an auction) and then selling it again at a higher price to make a profit. This is a common practice for established and reputable art dealers, but less so for emerging and newer galleries.
A gallery is also often a place where art students or aspiring artists can conduct private exhibitions. This can be a great opportunity for artists to promote their work and learn from other established artists in the field. In addition, it can be a great way to gain a wider audience for their artwork, as it can be difficult to find a good audience on social media channels alone.