A gallery is a space in which artworks are displayed. It can be a physical space or an online one. Some galleries showcase the work of contemporary artists, while others focus on historical or traditional art. The purpose of a gallery is to encourage and support art and artists. It also helps promote the works to collectors, media, and the general public.
In the art world, a gallery is usually run by an experienced artist or art dealer. This person is responsible for hiring staff, arranging the exhibitions, and selling and distributing artworks. They also help the artists in their careers and build up their resumes. In addition, galleries also act as the middlemen between the artist and art market. They take care of the transportation, invoicing, and communication with the art collectors. Typically, they split the sales turnover 50-50 with the artists.
A person who owns a gallery can be an independent contractor, self-employed, or employed by another business or organization. In some cases, the gallery is run as a non-profit organization and receives support from grants or donations. Other times, the gallery is operated by a museum or other cultural institution and is funded through admissions, ticket sales, and membership fees.
Historically, a gallery was any long covered passage along a wall, and was first used in this sense in the mid-15th century. More recently, it has been used to describe an area in a building that holds an exhibition or collection of artworks. A virtual gallery is an online space that displays the work of artists and curators, and can be accessed by people all over the world.
When creating a gallery, it is important to have clear descriptions of the work that will be shown. This will make it easier for people to understand the art and its meaning. A gallery should also be organized in a way that is easy to navigate. It should also include a short biography of the artist and information about their career.
The best gallery descriptions are written with a reader in mind. It is important to avoid using vague, “creative” forms of writing like poems or stream-of-consciousness rants. These types of writing can alienate readers and may not be appropriate for a gallery description.
If you are unsure about how to write a gallery description, ask your curator or a knowledgeable friend for advice. Then, try to incorporate your own experiences and feelings into the description. This will help you to create a more compelling and interesting story about the artwork.
When submitting art to a gallery, it is usually best to provide a complete portfolio of the work that you would like to exhibit. This can be a physical folder of printed images, a thumbdrive of digital files, or a link to an online portfolio. Depending on the gallery’s preference, it is best to send a maximum of 20 pieces. You should also be prepared to discuss the work in more detail when the gallery requests it.