Having your work in a gallery can be essential for an artistic career. It can be the decisive factor between a hobby and a profession. No matter just how amazing and appealing your art is (and we’re confident that it is!), more often than not, galleries play a pivotal role in connecting artists with buyers and creating the encounters that make a sale happen.
But the process of getting your work into a gallery—whether for a single exhibition or as a represented artist—can be daunting and overwhelming.
Read on as we explore why it matters to have your art in a gallery and guide you through the process step-by-step.
Why Getting Your Art into a Gallery Matters
The key purpose of galleries is to connect art with those who want to buy it. So quite obviously, showing your work in an art gallery can be essential to make sales possible, earn an income from your art and transform a passion into a career.
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Increased visibility: Galleries provide significant exposure for artists and their workWhether in the physical space of the gallery, on their website or at international art fairs, galleries not only platform the artwork but do so exactly in the places that collectors seek out, tremendously increasing the chances of an encounter and a match.
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Enhanced credibility: The fact of being represented and having your work featured in exhibitions not only affords visibility but also lends credibility and reputation to an artist’s name. It is proof that you are an established artist or well on the way to becoming one, with your career on a solid track. Many collectors and art lovers feel more comfortable buying from an esteemed gallery than directly from the artist or online.
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Higher pricing: Galleries can often command higher prices for your work due to their established market presence and reputability. Therefore, although they take a commission, working with an art gallery often results in a higher income for you.
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Networking opportunities: Art galleries also offer many opportunities for networking and building relationships. You will have chances to meet other artists, dealers, curators and collectors at exhibition openings and other events. Such contacts and relationships can offer precious guidance, open new doors and provide a network of support.
For all these reasons, you might decide that this is the moment to start working with a gallery and boost your professional art career.
How Can I Get My Art in a Gallery
Though there is not one exact way of doing it right, there are common steps that definitely increase your chances of success.
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Prepare your portfolio: Select a few standout pieces rather than your entire collection to showcase your best work and artistic style.
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Build your online presence: Develop a strong social media following to demonstrate your art’s appeal and draw potential gallery interest.
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Define your own criteria: Identify your key priorities, such as commission splits, exhibition formats, and contract terms before approaching galleries.
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Research galleries: Investigate galleries online, network, and compile a list of potential candidates (yes, you are choosing them as much as they are choosing you), including their contacts and email addresses.
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Attend gallery events: Visit gallery openings and events to network, understand the gallery’s atmosphere, and make initial connections. Don’t pitch your work just yet, as this is not the space for it.
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Engage with galleries online: Follow galleries on social media, interact with their posts, join their email list and perhaps respond to a newsletter, and consider purchasing an artwork from them if you can afford it to build a relationship.
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Practice curating: Develop your own curatorial skills to not only understand the gallery’s perspective but also enhance your ability to present your work effectively.
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Prepare your submission: Collect your images, artist statement, biography, and resume. Organize these in a clear, accessible format, and include a few images directly in your email.
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Send your application: Email the decision-makers at the gallery, clearly explain why you’re a good fit, and ensure all links and attachments work properly.
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Follow up and persist: If you don’t receive a response, follow up after a week or two. If rejected, request feedback if possible, and continue building your portfolio for future submissions.
It’s perfectly normal not to receive positive responses right away. But the process is part of the practice and a great opportunity to refine how you present yourself and ‘sell’ your work. If you keep at it, chances are you find the perfect gallery match sooner rather than later.