The art gallery is a space for the exhibition of artworks and the organization of artistic events. It may also be a place where artists can learn and develop their skills. Depending on the type of gallery, it may be dedicated to a specific kind of art or focus on the work of certain artists. The most important function of the art gallery is to connect the artist and the market, guiding the artist through the process of becoming an established professional artist.
The art market can be a difficult one to break into, so working with a gallery is an essential step toward success for many artists. The gallery acts as a sort of mentor, guiding the artist through the art scene and providing invaluable advice to help them succeed. Many of these galleries specialize in a certain segment of the art industry, such as modernist paintings or antiquities. This allows them to become experts in the field and provide valuable advice to their clients.
In addition to promoting and selling the works of their artists, galleries take on the role of their dealer by taking care of all aspects of the sale and distribution of artworks. This includes defining the price of the art, communicating with collectors and ensuring that the correct value is being maintained on the secondary markets.
Another part of the gallery’s job is to collaborate with artists to curate a collection of works to be displayed in an exhibition. The gallery takes care of all the logistical details of the exhibition including transportation, insurance, supervision, installation, print work, invitations, press interest and opening and closing events. The gallery will also take on the responsibility of invoicing and keeping track of sold works to ensure that each artist is receiving their share of the turnover.
Galleries may also offer advisory services to the public, assisting them in the purchase and installation of artworks into their homes. They may also offer investment services and buy and sell artworks on the secondary markets. They might also have an educational program or workshops that promote art to the public.
Some of the larger galleries may have an onsite library where they can provide research materials to interested parties. They also often have apps that allow visitors to access their collections while visiting the gallery. Those that aren’t able to make it in person can often still see their collections online through sites such as Art UK.
Some galleries charge a fee for the privilege of exhibiting their works in their spaces. These fees are used to cover the costs of marketing, staffing and other operating expenses. In addition, these galleries may have to pay rent to the owner of the property where they are located. If a gallery is successful, they may even turn a profit. As such, they must be careful to balance their responsibilities to the artists with the financial demands of running the business.