An art gallery is a place where paintings, sculptures and other works of visual art can be seen. They can be owned by individuals, institutions or museums and are intended to be enjoyed and appreciated by the public.
Art galleries also collect and care for significant works of art, ensuring that they are preserved and kept safe for the future. This means that they can be available to the public to see and study for generations to come. Art galleries are a vital part of the cultural landscape of any community, helping to bring people together to learn more about the world around them and appreciate the importance of art in everyday life.
Many successful artists credit art galleries with providing crucial support at an early stage in their careers. For example, it was a New York gallery owner who first showed Mark Rothko’s work in 1945, giving the artist a much-needed boost to his career. Gallery owners and supervisors are there to help visitors with their questions or concerns, so don’t hesitate to ask if you need assistance.
While some galleries focus on promoting the work of living artists, others specialise in particular art genres or styles. For example, a gallery might promote only abstract or contemporary paintings, or artworks on paper, or masters of the 20th century. The portfolio of artists that the gallery commits to represent is carefully curated and consists of long-term collaborations. These artists are called represented artists, whereas those that have collaborated with the gallery for one specific exhibition are referred to as exhibited artists.
The majority of art galleries make their money by generating a percentage of the sales of the artworks that they display. They also offer a variety of professional services within the art context, including advisory services open to the public, and purchase and sale services in the secondary market.
Some galleries operate as not-for-profit organisations. This allows them to accept a lower commission from the sale of artworks and may not charge entry fees. These organisations are usually more open to showing unpopular or controversial works.
An art gallery will need to have business insurance in order to cover the value of the artworks that it displays, the structures and contents of the building itself as well as any staff. The coverage that a gallery takes out should be tailored to the unique risks and requirements of its operation.
An important point to remember when visiting an art gallery is that you should not touch any of the artworks on display. This is because the handling of these items can change how they look and can damage them. If you feel the need to take a closer look at an artwork, you can do so outside of the gallery or request a private viewing. Also, it’s generally not advisable to bring food or drink into the gallery because they can spill and cause damage.