An art gallery is an establishment that houses and displays artworks by a variety of artists. Its primary purpose is to nurture visual artists and promote their work to the public, collectors, media, and institutions both locally and internationally. Galleries also manage a myriad of responsibilities such as providing exhibition space, paying for insurance and other business costs, advertising their artists’ work, attending expensive art fairs, hosting live events, and building an extensive online presence.
Many people have misconceptions about the way in which art galleries operate, including how they make money. Some believe that when an artist signs up with a gallery, it automatically adopts them as its own group of customers ready to buy their paintings at any price. While it’s true that some galleries have a loyal customer base, this is not the case for most galleries.
Galleries are essentially businesses and they earn their profit through commissions earned from the sale of art works. When an artist’s painting is sold, the gallery will split the proceeds evenly with the artist. This means that if the artwork is sold for $3,000, the gallery will take home $2,000. The rest of the money is used to cover other business expenses, such as printing the catalog for the show, drinks during the opening night, pedestals, and display cases, to name just a few.
Most art galleries have their own unique style and focus; some may specialize in a certain genre such as modern sculptures or oil paintings, while others may offer a broad range of styles and mediums. The size and location of the gallery will also play a role in how their business is run. Some galleries are located in historic homes or other buildings that were built to accommodate the gallery’s mission, while others rent out spaces for specific shows or on a permanent basis.
Art galleries often employ a team of professionals to manage the day-to-day operations. These employees include gallery directors, curators, and assistants. They may be specialized in a particular field of art or they might be graduates of a university with degrees in a subject such as fine arts, art history, and museum studies. They are also knowledgeable in the current market trends, art pricing and valuation, and have a strong network of resources they can use to help artists’ careers grow.
For artists who are interested in becoming part of a gallery, it is best to start small and build up their reputation through group shows with strategic objectives before applying to larger galleries. This will help them gain a better understanding of what the gallery expects from their artists and how they can deliver on these expectations. It is also a good idea to have a professional website that demonstrates the quality of the artist’s work and highlights their process, artist statement, portfolio, awards, and recognitions. A well-rounded online presence is critical in today’s highly competitive art gallery market. With a platform like ArtPlacer, galleries can even offer virtual exhibitions that replicate their physical spaces and provide immersive experiences for potential buyers.