An art gallery is a room or a building in which visual arts are displayed. In the modern sense, a gallery is a space in which art is shown to an audience and often also sold. The word derives from the Latin galleria, meaning “narrow walkway”. The first galleries in the modern sense were constructed in the mid-15th century, but the term was not widely used until the mid-16th century. The gallery may also refer to a passage of any length along the side of a building, especially a ship.
As an exhibition venue, the gallery serves as a mediator between the artist and collector, taking care of all the details that go into an art show, from transporting artworks to invoicing. The gallery will take a 50/50 share of all sales during an exhibition, although some galleries prefer to keep more control over the sale of their artists’ work and will retain ownership of the artworks.
The gallery will help their artists find the right art buyers by connecting them with prospective collectors, and by promoting the works through various channels. This includes attending art fairs, where the gallery will promote their artists internationally, or through collaboration with other galleries or prestigious institutions.
It is important for a gallery to have a strong online presence to reach a large audience of art enthusiasts and potential clients. This includes social media accounts, a website, and the use of creative content to showcase the artists they represent. It is important for the gallery to have a clear vision and story when creating their content, and to remain consistent in its messaging.
Many people have preconceived ideas about what a gallery is and does. They think of it as a place to display and sell artworks, or as an elite space where privileged individuals spend money they don’t really have. This is a common perception, and one that many galleries are working hard to change.
In fact, a commercial art gallery is one of the oldest forms of business in New York City and represents a unique niche within our culture that values creativity and expression. It is a hybrid of a storefront and a salon, serving as the anchor of a largely unregulated market and providing a vital platform for artistic expression.
As an institution that exists to serve the artist community, it is essential that a gallery has a solid understanding of its role in this ecosystem and the value of supporting artists with their careers. By establishing a strong foundation for their artists, galleries are able to foster long-lasting relationships and contribute to the growth of contemporary art. This is a win for all parties involved. The gallery gains loyal clientele and visibility, and the artist gains the opportunity to pursue their own vision with the support of a dedicated team of professionals behind them. Achieving this is a delicate balance, but one that is worth striving for.