AboutDJ Murphy Expertise Artist for more than 35 years...current art gallery owner, served on Arts Councils...have many contacts in the art world...can be resource for artists trying to get exhibited...common questions about pricing, submissions, insurance, etc. Long time artist, art gallery owner, consultant. If I don't know the answer to your question....I will tell you!!
Expert: DJ Murphy Date: 1/18/2008 Subject: Art Agents / Agencies
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.
