Expert: Patti - 8/14/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi D J Murphy,

Can you please explain how a meeting with a curator/gallery manager is conducted when they are interestedin working with a new artist?

Many thanks,
Davina

ANSWER: Hi Davina,

When you meet with the manager gallery/curator you will be expected to show examples of your work. Images can be on disk, but if you don't have that, slides or a small printed portfolio works -- anything they can file away.

If you get accepted into a gallery, always have a contract. Galleries sell your work for you and take a cut, hence they are an agent, not a buyer. Ensure this cut is clearly specified in the contract. It's usually pretty steep, 20-50%, however, galleries want your work to be expensive because the more you make, the more they make. Thoroughly read any contract you sign, as it may stipulate that you may show and sell work exclusively through that gallery.

If your work isn't suitable for this one gallery, they may be able to refer you to another gallery. Even if your work doesn't end up hanging on their walls, they can help you out. If  if you leave them with a disk or other promotional material, they will be able to refer people to you.

Persistence pays off, you may want to approach the same gallery several times over a few years.

This video has lots of helpful information on getting into a gallery:

http://www.expertvillage.com/video/29634_self-taught-artist-gallery.htm

Best of luck!

Patti

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Many thanks for your quick response Patti.

I have been introduced to the gallery by an art agent/agency. The art agency has a relationship with the gallery and the gallery likes the artist's work, that means that as well as the galleries cut, the art agency also takes a cut right?

Best,Davina

Answer
Hi Davina,


Yes, you are correct.
Your agent will take a cut of whatever is paid to you, but I can't tell you what that might be, since I haven't seen your agreement. Agent fees can be anywhere from 10-30 percent.

This fee should be spelt out in your contract. If you have a question as to what the fee is, contact your agent.

Best of luck,

Patti