Art galleries offer a platform to artists which allows them to showcase their work and connect with audiences that may be interested in learning more about their artistic process or purchasing artworks from the artist. However, behind the scenes there is a lot of hard work that goes into running a successful art gallery. Some of these activities are more visible than others, but they all contribute to the success of a gallery and help it to fulfill its many different functions within the art world.
One of the most important tasks for art galleries is to act as a dealer for the artists that they represent, meaning that they take care of everything needed to get an artwork from the artist’s studio to a specific collection, be it public or private. This includes things like transportation, invoicing, monitoring the value of sold artworks (on the secondary market), and more. The gallery also takes responsibility for communication with the client and addressing any questions that might arise during the sales process.
In addition to this, galleries often collaborate with other organizations and institutions such as cultural centers, museums, biennials, salons, etc to present the artworks they represent to a wider audience. This can include scouting for new talent, as well as providing established artists with an opportunity to expand their reach.
Another way that galleries make money is by offering various professional services to the general public such as advisory services for home art, art installation, and investment services. This helps them to subsidize their commissions from the sale of artworks, while also expanding their portfolio and helping them to build their reputation in the art world.
When it comes to the actual exhibition of art, galleries often work with a variety of mediums from traditional to more contemporary ones. Paintings are one of the most common sightings, but you can often find sculptures, installation art, photography, and even experimental work in a gallery setting. The exhibitions themselves are carefully curated by the gallery and can be either solo exhibitions (a big highlight in an artist’s career) or duo or group exhibitions.
When it comes to the sales of artworks, galleries typically split the profit with the artist 50/50. This means that they are able to help their artists to build their reputation in the art world, which in turn grows the value of their works on the secondary market. Some galleries also provide a “try-before-you-buy” experience online with the use of website integrations such as ArtPlacer that allow potential buyers to see how an artwork will look in their own space. This is especially important for large, expensive pieces that require special care when shipping and handling. This helps to protect the integrity of the artworks and to ensure that a buyer is happy with their purchase.