Can you submit art to a gallery? Yes, you can! This guide will show you how. It covers everything from finding the right gallery to making sure your work is ready. We’ll also discuss how to approach galleries, what to include in your art portfolio submission, and what to expect regarding gallery representation and consignment agreements.
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Finding the Right Gallery
Choosing the right gallery is the first big step. Not all galleries are a good fit for every artist. Think about your art style, your goals, and the type of audience you want to reach.
Researching Galleries
- Style Alignment: Look for galleries that show art similar to yours. If you paint abstract landscapes, don’t focus on galleries that only show hyperrealistic portraits.
- Gallery Reputation: Is the gallery well-respected in the art community? Do they have a good track record of selling art?
- Exhibition History: What kind of shows has the gallery hosted? Are they solo exhibitions, group shows, or themed exhibitions? This can tell you a lot about their focus.
- Location: Consider if the gallery’s location makes sense for your target audience. Is it in an area with foot traffic or a strong art scene?
- Artist Roster: Who currently exhibits with the gallery? Do you see artists whose work resonates with yours or whom you admire?
Types of Galleries
- Commercial Galleries: These galleries sell art and typically take a commission on sales. They often focus on representing artists and building their careers.
- Non-Profit Galleries/Art Centers: These often focus on showcasing emerging artists, experimental work, or community-focused projects. They may not sell art directly or take a smaller commission.
- University Galleries: Often exhibit student work, faculty work, and curated shows featuring professional artists.
- Alternative Spaces: These can include pop-up galleries, cafes, or even online platforms. They are often more accessible for emerging artists.
Deciphering Gallery Submission Guidelines
Every gallery has its own set of rules. It’s crucial to read and follow these carefully. Ignoring them is one of the quickest ways to get your submission rejected.
What to Look For in Guidelines
- Submission Method: Do they accept online submissions, email, mail, or in-person drop-offs?
- What to Submit: Usually, they will ask for images of your work, your artist statement, your resume or CV, and sometimes a proposal for a specific exhibition.
- Image Requirements: This is critical. They’ll specify file formats (JPEG, PNG), resolution, and how many images to include. Poor quality images can make your best work look bad.
- Deadlines: Mark these in your calendar! Missing a deadline means missing your chance.
- Exhibition Focus: Some galleries have specific calls for art for upcoming shows. Make sure your work fits the theme.
- Commission/Fees: Understand their commission structure for sales and if there are any upfront fees.
How to Find Submission Guidelines
- Gallery Website: This is the primary place. Look for sections like “Submissions,” “For Artists,” “Opportunities,” or “Contact.”
- Email the Gallery: If you can’t find them online, send a polite inquiry asking about their submission process.
- Art Platforms and Websites: Websites like Artwork Archive, Canvas & Page, or local arts council sites often list art exhibition opportunities.
Preparing Your Artwork for Submission
Your artwork is the star of the show. It needs to be presented in its best possible light.
Selecting Your Best Work
- Quality Over Quantity: Choose your strongest pieces. It’s better to submit 3-5 outstanding works than 10 mediocre ones.
- Consistency: Show a consistent style or theme. This helps the curator grasp your artistic vision.
- Relevance: If you’re applying for a specific exhibition, ensure your selected works fit the theme.
- Current Work: Submit pieces that represent your most recent artistic development.
Documenting Your Artwork
High-quality documentation is non-negotiable.
- Photography:
- Lighting: Use even, natural light. Avoid harsh shadows or glare. A light tent can be helpful.
- Focus: Ensure the artwork is in sharp focus.
- Color Accuracy: The photo should accurately represent the colors of your artwork.
- Framing: Show the artwork as you would exhibit it, including the frame if it’s an integral part of the piece.
- Detail Shots: For textured or intricate work, include close-up details.
- Scale Shots: Sometimes, showing the artwork in situ (e.g., on a wall) helps convey its size.
- Resolution and File Size: Follow the gallery’s guidelines for image resolution (usually 300 dpi for print, but online submissions might prefer smaller file sizes, like 72 dpi at a specific pixel dimension). Save files as JPEGs or TIFFs.
- Naming Files: Use a clear naming convention, such as “YourName_ArtworkTitle_Dimensions_Medium.jpg”.
Preparing Your Artist Statement and Resume
These documents provide context for your work.
- Artist Statement:
- Purpose: Explain your artistic process, inspirations, and the concepts behind your work.
- Tone: Be professional yet personal.
- Length: Keep it concise, typically 150-300 words.
- Focus: Connect it to the specific body of work you are submitting.
- Resume/CV (Curriculum Vitae):
- Content: Include your education, exhibitions (solo and group), awards, grants, residencies, and publications.
- Format: Keep it clean and easy to read. Chronological order is standard.
- Relevance: Highlight experience relevant to gallery representation.
Pricing Your Artwork for Galleries
Pricing is a sensitive topic, but essential for commercial galleries.
Factors to Consider
- Material Costs: The cost of your supplies.
- Time Investment: How long did it take to create the piece?
- Your Experience Level: Emerging artists may price differently than established ones.
- Gallery Commission: Remember the gallery will take a percentage (usually 40-60%).
- Market Value: Research prices of artists with similar styles, career stages, and mediums.
- Size: Larger pieces generally command higher prices.
- Medium: Some mediums (e.g., bronze sculpture) are inherently more expensive to produce.
Common Pricing Formulas (Examples)
These are starting points, not strict rules.
- Formula 1 (Time & Materials): (Hourly Rate x Hours Spent) + Material Costs = Base Price. Then, add a markup for your artistic value.
- Formula 2 (Simple Markup): (Material Costs x 2 or 3) + Your Labor = Base Price.
- Formula 3 (Gallery Focused): Decide on your retail price first, then factor in the gallery’s commission to determine your net price.
- Example: If you want to sell a piece for $2,000 retail, and the gallery takes 50%, your net price is $1,000. You would then price the artwork at $2,000.
Table: Pricing Artwork Example
| Artwork Factor | Details | Calculated Price |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Canvas, paints, varnish | $150 |
| Time | 40 hours @ $30/hour | $1,200 |
| Subtotal (Cost Basis) | $1,350 | |
| Artist Value/Markup | (e.g., 100% of cost basis) | $1,350 |
| Your Net Price | $2,700 | |
| Gallery Commission | 50% of Retail Price | $2,700 |
| Retail Price | (Your Net Price + Gallery Commission) | $5,400 |
Note: This is a simplified example. Actual pricing involves market research and negotiation.
How to Approach Galleries for Representation
Approaching a gallery requires professionalism and a strategic mindset.
The Initial Contact
- Follow Submission Guidelines: As stressed before, adhere strictly to what the gallery requests.
- Personalized Approach: Avoid generic mass emails. Show you’ve researched the gallery and explain why your work would be a good fit.
- Keep it Concise: Galleries are busy. Get straight to the point.
- Professional Email: Use a professional email address. Proofread everything for typos and grammatical errors.
What to Include in Your Initial Inquiry
- Subject Line: Make it clear and informative, e.g., “Artist Submission: [Your Name] – [Artwork Title]” or “Inquiry Regarding Representation: [Your Name]”.
- Salutation: Address the submission contact or gallery director by name if possible.
- Brief Introduction: Introduce yourself and your artistic focus.
- Link to Online Portfolio: Provide a link to your professional website or a curated online portfolio.
- Attached Documents (if requested): Include your CV, artist statement, and a few representative images, strictly following their guidelines.
- Call to Action: Clearly state what you are hoping for – perhaps an invitation to submit a full portfolio or a meeting.
- Professional Closing: “Sincerely,” or “Best regards,” followed by your name and contact information.
What NOT to Do
- Drop Off Unannounced: Never show up at a gallery without an appointment or prior arrangement.
- Send Physical Portfolios Unless Requested: Most galleries prefer digital submissions.
- Be Pushy or Demanding: Professionalism and patience are key.
- Lie or Exaggerate: Be honest about your experience and achievements.
- Send Work That Isn’t Ready: Only submit your best, most finished pieces.
Understanding Gallery Representation
Gallery representation means a gallery has agreed to actively promote and sell your artwork.
What Representation Entails
- Exhibition Opportunities: You’ll likely be offered a solo show or included in group exhibitions.
- Marketing and Promotion: The gallery will promote your work to their client base, through social media, press releases, and art fairs.
- Sales and Client Management: They handle sales inquiries, negotiations, and client relationships.
- Logistics: Often, they assist with shipping and framing.
The Art Consignment Agreement
If a gallery agrees to represent you or exhibit your work, you’ll likely sign a consignment agreement. This is a legally binding contract.
Key Elements of a Consignment Agreement
- Consignment Period: How long the gallery will have your artwork.
- Commission Rate: The percentage the gallery takes from sales.
- Payment Terms: When and how you will be paid after a sale.
- Insurance: Who is responsible for insuring the artwork while it’s in the gallery’s possession.
- Return of Unsold Work: The process for retrieving unsold pieces at the end of the consignment period.
- Exclusivity: Whether the gallery has exclusive rights to sell your work in a specific territory.
- Marketing and Display: Agreements on how the artwork will be displayed and promoted.
- Retail Price: Agreement on the final selling price of the artwork.
Table: Key Consignment Agreement Clauses
| Clause | Description | Artist Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Consignment Period | Duration the gallery holds the artwork. | Ensure it’s long enough for sales but not so long that it prevents you from exhibiting elsewhere. |
| Commission Rate | Percentage the gallery earns from sales (typically 40-60%). | Negotiate the best rate possible. Understand what services the commission covers (marketing, framing, etc.). |
| Payment Terms | When you receive payment after a sale (e.g., 30 days post-sale). | Clarify the payment schedule. Ask for details about how sales are tracked and reported. |
| Insurance | Who covers damage or loss while artwork is in the gallery’s care. | Confirm the gallery has adequate insurance. Ask to see proof if necessary. |
| Return of Artwork | Conditions and timeframe for getting unsold work back. | Arrange for pick-up or shipping details. Ensure the gallery handles it with care. |
| Exclusivity | Gallery’s sole right to sell your work in a defined area or for a period. | Consider the implications for your career. Non-exclusive agreements offer more flexibility. |
| Pricing | Agreed-upon retail price for the artwork. | Ensure the price reflects your net needs and the gallery’s commission, and is consistent with your market value. |
| Marketing & Display | How the gallery will promote and present your work. | Discuss expectations for solo shows, group exhibitions, and online promotion. |
Open Calls for Artists
Open calls are a great way for artists to find art exhibition opportunities. These are typically juried shows or themed exhibitions where artists can submit work.
Finding Open Calls
- Online Platforms: Websites like CallForEntry.org, Artwork Archive, The Art Guide, and local arts councils often list open calls.
- Art Magazines and Blogs: Many publications feature upcoming exhibition opportunities.
- Gallery Websites: Some galleries regularly host open calls for specific themed shows.
- Social Media: Follow galleries and art organizations on social media for announcements.
Preparing for Open Calls
- Read the Prospectus Carefully: Just like gallery submission guidelines, open calls have specific requirements. Pay close attention to themes, media, deadlines, and entry fees.
- Curate Your Submission: Choose your strongest, most relevant pieces.
- Professional Presentation: Ensure your images and supporting documents are flawless.
- Entry Fees: Budget for entry fees, as they are common for juried shows.
Building a Relationship with Galleries
Getting gallery representation is often a long-term process. Building relationships is key.
Nurturing Connections
- Attend Gallery Openings: Show support for the galleries you admire and the artists they represent.
- Engage on Social Media: Follow galleries and comment thoughtfully on their posts.
- Be Patient: The art world moves at its own pace. Don’t get discouraged by initial rejections.
- Continue Creating: The best way to impress a gallery is by consistently producing strong, evolving work.
- Network: Connect with other artists, curators, and art professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How many images should I submit when applying to a gallery?
A1: Always check the gallery’s specific submission guidelines. Typically, galleries ask for 5-10 high-quality images of your most recent and relevant work. Some may request detail shots as well.
Q2: What if I don’t have professional photos of my artwork?
A2: High-quality documentation is crucial. If you can’t afford professional photography, invest in learning how to take good photos yourself using natural light and a decent camera or smartphone. Look for tutorials online. Ensure your images are well-lit, in focus, and color-accurate.
Q3: Should I include framed or unframed work in my submission?
A3: Submit your artwork as you intend it to be displayed. If your work is typically shown unframed, submit images of unframed pieces. If framing is essential to the presentation, include it in your photos and mention framing details in your submission.
Q4: How long does it take to hear back from a gallery?
A4: Response times vary greatly. Some galleries may take several weeks or even months to respond. If the guidelines provide a timeframe for a response, respect that. If no timeframe is given, a polite follow-up after 6-8 weeks might be appropriate, but avoid excessive follow-ups.
Q5: What is an artist portfolio submission?
A5: An artist portfolio submission is the curated collection of your artwork, artist statement, and resume that you present to a gallery or other art professional. It serves as a visual representation of your artistic capabilities and career.
Q6: What is gallery representation?
A6: Gallery representation means a gallery has agreed to actively promote, exhibit, and sell your artwork. This often involves a contractual agreement and can lead to more consistent exhibition and sales opportunities.
Q7: What is an art consignment agreement?
A7: An art consignment agreement is a legal contract between an artist and a gallery. It outlines the terms under which the gallery will sell the artist’s work, including commission rates, payment schedules, insurance responsibilities, and the duration of the consignment.
Q8: How do I price artwork for galleries?
A8: Pricing involves considering material costs, time, your experience level, market value of similar artists, and the gallery’s commission (typically 40-60%). It’s a balance between valuing your work and making it accessible to the gallery’s clientele. Research is key.
Q9: What should I include in an artist statement for submission?
A9: Your artist statement should concisely explain your artistic concepts, inspirations, and process. It provides context for your work and should be tailored to the specific exhibition or gallery you’re applying to, highlighting how your art aligns with their focus.