It is difficult to open an art gallery for people who love art.Constant sale of quality art to loyal collectors and their friends, along with an influx of new clientele, sustains most galleries.The gallery retains a portion of the sale and the artist gets the rest.Friends must be formed with investors, artists, collectors and the media.It is a career for a social, independent and business-minded person who is ready to carve out a place in an already bustling art market.If you have any of the above, you should create a business plan and be ready to work hard until your gallery becomes profitable.You can learn how to run an art gallery.
Step 1: Contacts can be developed in the art world.
These contacts should be in the town where your gallery will open and beyond.It can take years to cultivate through art school, art jobs and socializing in a gallery or museum.
Step 2: You want to start an art gallery if you are completely committed to art.
Many people believe that you must love what you do in order to be successful.Some months provide almost no income while others provide a lot.
Step 3: Decide who you want to sell your art to.
For example, contemporary, abstract, western, sculptors, prints, furniture or a mixture of different types.The gallery's art should be varied but have a driving theme behind your artistic decisions that attracts people to be repeat customers.If you want to run a charity, you can choose to be a non-profit gallery.If you are an artist yourself, you can form a collective gallery.It is possible to run a commercial art gallery that caters to low, middle or high price points.It's important that this is decided before you start looking for artists or funding.
Step 4: A detailed business plan is needed.
A business plan sets up the foundation of creating a successful, profitable business in 1 to 5 years, and it should include detailed steps on the artist plan, marketing plan and funding needed.
Step 5: If funding isn't already provided, look for it.
Your business plan, financial statements and commitment from artists will serve as ways to convince banks or business partners that you have a profitable plan.If you take on business partners that are linked to the art world, you can send them your way.
Step 6: Artists will make commitments to you.
You can either get advice from other dealers or put out an open call for submissions.The newer the artist is to the art world, the higher a percentage of the sale you will be able to receive.
Step 7: It's easy to find a gallery space in a popular location.
If you want to stay in a location where out-of-town visitors can easily find you, be prepared to pay a high rent.Marketing gallery show openings will benefit from a well-situated space.
Step 8: Hire people who are trustworthy.
Gallery employees should have an art education, contacts in the art world and experience in business or marketing.An art history or art administration degree is a must for the ideal employee.
Step 9: You should get good insurance and a security system for your gallery.
It's important that you're protected in case of theft or other damage.Proof of insurance is a requirement for artists to keep their work in a gallery.
Step 10: Don't quit your job right away.
In big cities, many gallerists run their gallery along with other jobs until it becomes profitable.When you can't be there, appoint a knowledgeable employee to look after the gallery and work hard to become a full-time employee.
Step 11: You can create an online presence.
Today's galleries need to have a website, social media accounts, and an email list in order to be successful.Your location and contact information can be found on an attractive website that lists your artists.
Step 12: Host regular art gallery shows.
To plan, market and execute shows that are attended by your clientele, use your contacts in the art world.Market using email blasts, art magazine ads, newspaper features, social media and printed invitations.
Step 13: Track sales, new acquisitions and artist percentages with a bookkeeping system.
If you are a small gallery or need to hire an accountant, you may be able to do this with software.
Step 14: Consider advertising in art magazines and buying booths at art fairs.
Booths and ad space expose you to new clients and help establish good relationships in the art world.You may be able to ask for monthly or annual features on your gallery shows if you advertise in art magazines.
Step 15: You should be prepared to cater to more than one kind of clientele.
If you're a frequent collector, you should keep a list of people who are given the first chance to buy new art.Market prints or less expensive art to visitors.
Step 16: Be friendly.
When someone walks through your door, you don't know if they are a collector or not.You give a good impression to potential clients if you are not snooty.