An art gallery is a place where people can see different types of artwork. It is a great way to learn about the history of art and how it has changed over time. It is also a good place to see new artists and their work. You can also find out about different techniques that have been used in the past. Many people enjoy visiting art galleries because it can make them feel happy and relaxed.
The main role of an art gallery is to promote and sell art. It does this by displaying works from multiple artists in one place at the same time. The gallery also provides information about each piece of art and how it was created. This makes it easy for visitors to understand what the artist was trying to say.
Art galleries are often run by people who are passionate about art. They may have studied it at university or worked in the industry for some time. They will also have a good understanding of the market for art and how it is changing. They will also know how to promote their gallery and its artists.
In addition to selling art, galleries may also offer a range of professional services for both individual and corporate clients. These services can include advisory, installation, and consultancy services. They may also be involved in art investment and the secondary art market.
To make money, art galleries usually charge a commission on the sales of artworks. They also have a number of other revenue streams including sponsorship, event production and art workshops. Some galleries also run educational programs to encourage people to engage with the arts.
When choosing which artists to represent, a gallery will typically look for those who fit its vision, mission and style. It will then promote them and their work to attract the best collectors, curators and critics. The artist will be paid a percentage of the turnover and all of the artworks remain their property throughout the process.
A gallery will generally build a portfolio of carefully curated artists that it has committed to long-term collaborations with. These are called represented artists, whereas those who collaborate with the gallery for a specific exhibition are referred to as exhibited artists.
Aside from representing and promoting the artists, the gallery will often also produce and organize in-person and online exhibitions. This is a labor-intensive process that involves studio visits, selection and curating of artworks, preparation of press releases, writing of exhibition texts, sourcing and commissioning of additional artworks, and the planning, scheduling, and production of live events to introduce the public, media, and collectors to its artists and their work. Many galleries also have an extensive online program that is enriched with videos, interviews, 3D virtual tours and texts for the benefit of viewers who cannot visit the physical space.