How to Find Gallery Representation

As a budding artist looking to gain more exposure for your work, one of the best things you can do is find gallery representation. However, in the fiercely competitive art world, this can be a daunting and difficult task. Making matters worse, there are many predatory, so-called vanity galleries that target young and inexperienced artists looking to exhibit their work in a big city. By following the steps below, you will be well on your way to a satisfying career in the art world.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. If you have not earned at least a Bachelor of Fine Art degree, it is essential for you to do so. Few galleries take completely self taught artists seriously. In addition, an art degree will give you the opportunity to make connections with professors who themselves are artists.
2. Once you have had several solo shows at your school, exhibited in juried exhibitions and in other venues, go back and revise your Curriculum Vitae, which should list every exhibition in which you have participated. Make sure it looks polished, professional and neat.
3. If you have not written an artist statement, do so. Begin by noting down all of your artistic goals and ideas. This is a difficult exercise, but try to approach it in a relaxed manner. An artist statement is not a formal essay, and can be written in what ever format you choose. In fact, it is not unusual for artists to write their artist statements in poem format.
4. Organize the best quality images of your work on a high resolution DVD or in slides. Be sure to carefully label each file or slide with your name, the title, the date of the work and the medium.
5. Once you have all of your necessary materials organized, begin searching for galleries that suit your style of artwork. Remember to be honest with yourself. If a gallery only works with mid-career and established artists, and you are just starting out, it is not the best fit for you.
6. Call galleries to see if they are currently accepting new artists. If they are, politely ask if you may send them some of your materials. As many galleries are inundated with unsolicited artist applications, they will appreciate this courtesy.
7. Schedule a meeting with a gallery director to discuss your work. If they are interested in representing you, make sure you understand their policies, and obtain a copy of their artist contracts and consignment agreements. You should also use this time to find out if you are expected to cover any costs, such as framing of artwork, for exhibitions.
8. After carefully reviewing the contracts and talking with other artists represented by the gallery about their experiences, sign with the gallery and begin exhibiting your work.

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