As with any business arrangement, what an art venue agrees to take care for your exhibition will depend on the type of venue.
While non-art venues might leave everything up to the artist, there are certain things you should expect from any art venue. Everything should be discussed and agreed upon in an official signed contract. Here are some things to consider …
The Venue's Responsibilities for Your Art Exhibition Read
As an exhibiting artist, you have key responsibilities regardless of where you show and sell your art.
Never assume that venues (art galleries, nonprofit spaces, co-ops) will do all of the work for you. They have much on their minds and can’t give you their full attention.
Here’s a list of things to think about.
The Artist's Responsibilities for Any Exhibition Read
A lot of artists say they’d like to work with interior designers, but few artists have been able to crack the code for doing so. Carol MacConnell is one of them. In this episode, we discuss her income streams, how she, as an artist who is legally deaf, navigates conversations, and how she finds, nurtures, and works with interior designers.
You’ll also hear me plead my case for contracts. Always.
Have you ever been so focused on a goal you thought was right for you that you missed opportunities that might have been better?
You just knew that this one direction was the path you needed to take. And you might have ignored that it wasn’t working or didn’t feel like the right fit. Adele Sypesteyn discusses adjustments she has made to her art business over the years.
Leaving Gallery Representation to Reach More Art Buyers with Adele Sypesteyn (163) Read
Artists crave validation by others. You want your work to be appreciated. This is perfectly normal. You wouldn’t be human if you didn’t.
All of that validation adds to your credibility and must begin in the studio. Ultimately, you need to understand that your work is valid by the mere fact it exists. Outside validation is more likely to come after you find self-validation.
The Art Biz ep. 129: Seeking Validation and Earning Credibility as an Artist Read
If you’ve ever wanted to shoot the breeze with a gallerist, this one’s for you.
You’ll hear how Jeremy views an artist’s professionalism, what he thinks of online platforms, and how he taught himself art history (and why that was important to him). He also shares the 3 qualities he looks for in artists he represents.
Qualities Galleries Are Looking For in Their Artists with Jeremy Tessmer (ep. 123) Read
Most people enjoy their visits to art centers and museums without much thought as to how the art got into those spaces in the first place.
Who decides on what to show and when to show it?
Who selects which works of art are next to one another and where to put the labels on the wall or a pedestal on the floor?
Who is the lucky dog who has the the ultimate say on the color to paint the walls?
All of these decisions, and more, fall under the purview of curators in those non-profit spaces.
The way we promote, sell, and buy art is rapidly changing, but there are still many good reasons to consider gallery representation.
Here’s a list to remind you of the upside of working with a gallery. . . .
A gallerist acts as your agent. A good gallery will be your advocate and business partner. They will work to manage your career and help you raise your status and prices.
Why Artists Should Embrace Galleries Read
Sales from your art gallery are not what you expected or need them to be.
They sold a lot of your work at one point, but sales have dropped off significantly in the past couple of years—especially during the pandemic.
So what now? Do you ask for your work to be returned?
Not quite! Before you take such drastic measures, do the hard, but professional thing. Talk.
Opening a dialogue is your first course of action, but I don’t want to get ahead of myself. First things first.
The conversation you have with your gallerist about slow sales depends on the answers to a number of questions.
How long have they have represented you?
How much work have they sold for you in the past?
What are the terms of your agreement with the gallery?
What is the nature of your past relationship?
What is the current state of the gallery’s business? How has it been affected by the pandemic?
What is the demand for your work outside of their venue?
Based on how you respond to the questions above, consider 2 options for opening a conversation about slow sales from the art gallery.
How To Discuss Slow Sales with Your Art Gallery Read
Exhibition proposals sound formal and intimidating, but they don’t have to be. This outline for writing an exhibition proposal is easy to follow and will help you gain confidence in proposing art shows to a variety of exhibit venues.
When you ask to show your art at a venue, you need to be very clear about what you are offering. People don’t often say Yes to vague offers.
Think about what ties the work together. This is your curatorial thesis – your big idea. Writing it out, as you’ll see below, helps you find the clarity you need.
Before sitting down to write your exhibition proposal, ask the venue if they have a particular exhibition proposal format they prefer. If they do, follow their instructions. If they don’t have specific guidelines, you’ll have to compile an exhibition proposal for yourself.
The details of your proposal will vary depending on whether you’re proposing a show at a coffee shop, a pop-up space, or a nonprofit gallery. You will have to judge what is appropriate for your situation.
Here are major components you’ll include.
Personalize your cover letter with the correct name and spelling of the manager, exhibitions director, or curator. It’s much nicer to show you have done your homework than to start off with a generic To Whom It May Concern salutation.
I like to begin cover letters with an acknowledgement that I know something about the recipient. You could compliment them on a recent exhibition or say that you’ve been reading about them. You should also mention anyone you know who is associated with the venue – a patron, board member, or artist.
Thank the recipient for considering your proposal.
The meat of your proposal is a document that outlines the particulars of the exhibition.
What To Include In An Art Exhibition Proposal Read
Sent every week or two. Includes new articles, available programs, and episodes of The Art Biz podcast.
28 Prompts to Shape Your Marketing Message
Get clarity for your bio, statement, media pitches, social media posts, conversations, …
Your Background . Your Approach & Process . Your Audience & Impact . Your Vision & Voice
Free with opt-in.
*You will also receive updates about new podcasts, blog posts, and programs. Opt out anytime.
