Expert: DJ Murphy - 1/18/2008

Question
Hi D J Murphy,

Could you please let me know how art agentw work, and also how they go about helping new artists get valuabe exposure to the industry (if this does in fact happen?)

Many thanks,
Davina, United Kingdom

Answer
Hello Davina,

In the U.S., an "agent" could either be an art dealer or a gallery [owner/director].  The arrangements vary by agent and artist. Basically the agent promotes the work of the artist for a percentage of sales [10% to 20%] and either shares the cost of advertising or the agent pays 100%.  Most galleries here have a 50/50 split on sales with artists in an exhibition.  I charge 20% for art work that is sold after the exhibit is concluded...if I make a referral to that artist.  The key to good representation is the written contract between artist and agent.  Like most fields of endeavor...there are sleazy people in the art world.

Your best bet would be to try and access a magazine called "Art Calendar" here is their website address:
http://artcalendar.com/home.asp   They have featured articles on this subject.

All the best,

dj murphy
www.galleryonemain.com