Having your work in a professional gallery is a significant milestone. The path to gallery representation is often perceived as complex, but it is an achievable goal for those who approach it with a clear strategy. This requires a thoughtful approach to developing your work, preparing your materials, and understanding the art market.
Develop a Cohesive Body of Work
A gallery’s first impression is formed by your collection of work, so it is beneficial to present a cohesive body. This means compiling a series of 10 to 20 recent pieces connected by a consistent theme, style, or concept. This consistency demonstrates a clear artistic voice and a focused vision, which are qualities that galleries seek.
A disjointed collection can suggest a lack of direction. Galleries want to invest in an artist’s long-term potential, and a unified body of work signals that you are committed to a particular artistic inquiry. The work should be recent, created within the last one to two years, to reflect your current skill level and creative direction.
This focused collection helps the gallery envision how your work would look in an exhibition. When a gallerist can imagine your pieces hanging together in their space, they are more likely to see the commercial and critical potential. It shows that you understand how to curate your own work, which is a sign of professionalism.
Create Your Professional Materials
With a strong body of work ready, the next step is to assemble professional materials to present yourself effectively. These documents provide the context for your art, telling the story of who you are as an artist and what your work is about.
The foundation of your professional materials is a high-quality portfolio. A digital portfolio is standard, in the form of a clean website or a well-designed PDF. Your portfolio should feature your best pieces from your cohesive body of work, presented with high-resolution images and including titles, dimensions, medium, and year for each piece.
Complementing your portfolio is the artist statement, a concise text of 150 to 200 words that explains the “why” behind your art. You also need an artist CV, which is a comprehensive record of your artistic career, listing your:
- Exhibitions
- Educational background
- Awards or grants received
- Residencies
- Published articles or reviews of your work
Research and Target the Right Galleries
Submitting your work to galleries without a clear strategy is an inefficient approach. The key is to target galleries that are a good fit for your specific style, medium, and price point. This requires diligent research to identify galleries whose programs align with your artistic vision.
Begin by creating a list of potential galleries. Explore their websites, paying close attention to the artists they currently represent to understand the gallery’s aesthetic and focus. Visiting galleries in person is also a valuable part of the research process, as it allows you to experience the space and observe the quality of the exhibitions.
As you refine your list, consider the gallery’s location, reputation, and submission policies. Your goal is to create a target list of 5-10 galleries that represent a realistic fit for your work. This targeted approach increases your chances of making a meaningful connection.
Follow Gallery Submission Guidelines
Once you have identified your target galleries, follow their submission guidelines precisely. Failing to adhere to these instructions is one of the fastest ways to have your submission overlooked. These guidelines are designed to help the gallery manage the high volume of submissions they receive.
Galleries outline their submission procedures on their websites. Common methods include email submissions, online forms, or mail-in packets. Prepare your materials according to what each gallery prefers. Unsolicited walk-ins with a portfolio are almost universally discouraged and can be perceived as unprofessional.
When you submit your work, personalize your communication. Address the gallery director or owner by name. In your introductory message, briefly explain why you believe your work is a good fit for their specific program. This demonstrates that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in their gallery.
Build Relationships in the Art World
Parallel to the direct submission process is the long-term strategy of building relationships within the art community. Becoming a known member of your local art scene can open doors that might otherwise remain closed. Gallerists are more likely to take an interest in an artist they recognize.
Attend gallery openings, especially at the galleries you are targeting. This provides an opportunity to see the work they are showing, meet the gallery staff, and connect with other artists. Artist talks, panel discussions, and local art fairs are also good venues for networking. The goal is not to aggressively promote your work at these events, but to be a supportive and engaged presence.
In addition to in-person networking, maintaining a professional online presence is beneficial. A simple, well-curated website and a professional social media account can make it easy for gallerists to discover your work. By consistently sharing high-quality images of your art and engaging with the community online, you can build a following.
Understand the Business Side of Representation
When a gallery expresses interest in your work, the conversation will shift to the business aspects of representation. A basic understanding of the standard practices and agreements within the art world will enable you to navigate the conversation professionally.
Most galleries work on a consignment basis. This means the gallery will take possession of your artwork for a specified period to sell it, but you retain ownership until it is sold. The gallery is responsible for promoting the work and handling sales, and in return, takes a commission from the sale price. A 50/50 split is a common arrangement.
Before finalizing any agreement, have a written contract. This document protects both you and the gallery and provides a solid foundation for a professional relationship. It should clearly outline all terms of your partnership, including:
- The consignment period
- Commission rates
- Responsibilities for framing, shipping, and insurance
- The terms for payment