Galleries

Key Facts About Art Galleries: 

• Commercial Focus: The most common type, commercial galleries represent artists, manage sales, and build careers. 

• Types of Galleries: 

• Commercial: Focuses on selling art and promoting artists. 

• Mega Galleries: Huge, global operations with multiple locations. 

• Artist-Run: Created by artists to showcase their work. 

• Vanity Galleries: Charge fees to exhibit and are generally not recommended for artists. 

• The 50% Commission: Galleries commonly take a 50% commission, which covers their operating expenses and marketing. 

• Significance: Showing at a respected gallery is a major milestone, often leading to reviews in publications. 

• History: The term originated in the Renaissance, referring to long, narrow rooms in houses for walking and displaying art. 

• Public Galleries: Often run as museums, focusing on educational exhibition rather than commercial sales. 

• Relationship to Artists: Galleries often provide curated, professional support and connections to collectors. 

• Alternatives: Exhibition spaces allow artists to rent space to show work, but do not provide the same level of representation.