How to Open an Art Gallery

How to Open an Art Gallery How to Open an Art Gallery Art galleries are similar to small businesses to a certain extent. In most cases, the gallerys purpose is to sell art and to keep the gallery in business. However, it is one business where the customer doesnt mind price increases. In fact, its good news for an art collector when the prices of an artists work increase, as this signifies the artwork is becoming more valuable in the art market. To open an art gallery, you will need certain things at the beginning: Potential art collectors if it is a commercial galleryA stable of artistsPassion for both art and businessA consistent vision of your brandLike any small business start-up, youll need a business planA gallery site in a prime locationEnough capital to cover a few months operating costsTenacity and patience Art Collectors As with starting up any small business, you must know your market first. Many art gallery owners began first with a list of potential clients. Knowing a handful of people you can sell artwork to will help you get your business off the ground. As you develop good relationships with your collectors, they will then introduce you to their friends and associates and this will help to establish your art gallery. As word-of-mouth grows, so will your business. If your gallery is not a commercial one, but rather an experimental showcase, you will need to have alternative sources of funding, such as art grants. Other skills include learning about artwork dimension.   Artists The art world wouldnt exist if it were not for artists. To open up a successful art gallery, you will need to begin with a strong roster of artists. Since art is highly subjective, a large part of your selection is based on personal taste and intuition. Some galleries chose their artists by location, theme, style or trend, to name a few. For example, some galleries will only show landscape paintings or exhibit artists who live in the same city. The possibilities are endless. However, the key to success is knowing that you have specific collectors (individual or corporate) you can sell the artwork to. Art and Business Know-How Besides being knowledgeable about running a small business, it is imperative to also be passionate about art. A lukewarm salesperson is hardly successful in sales. If you are just starting out, visit as many art galleries as you can and talk to the gallery directors and sales staff. Better yet, get a job in an art gallery first, to gain first-hand experience of how a gallery operates. As you acquire the necessary knowledge for running a successful gallery, you will then have the confidence to establish your own art gallery. Location As with any business, location is key. If your gallery is in a heavily trafficked popular tourist area, you will have great opportunities to sell the work of the local artists. If your gallery is located in an art center, then you have more chances to gain the attention of the art world cognoscenti. Some gallery owners may even forego an actual site and maintain a virtual gallery on the internet. Capital Every business needs start-up money. Initial costs include the rental of the space, the necessary equipment for running a business and exhibiting art, and hiring staff. Other factors to consider include the monthly operating costs. Networking The word used in the art world is schmooze, which means to network. Artists, critics, and art dealers all need to make connections and broaden their art networks. Attending gallery and museum openings is imperative. Visiting art fairs and biennials during the opening press previews is the ultimate time for networking. Have your business cards, artist catalogs and postcards ready to hand out as you walk around schmoozing. Whenever one of your artists is in an exhibition, be sure to stand near the artwork to provide more information and to arrange studio visits with those potential contacts. Maintaining good relationships with art critics who can write about your artists is also a good way to generate interest in your gallery. So be sure you can provide ample text and images to the critic or journalist. Tenacity and Patience Running a gallery in most cases takes a period of time to establish, so being patient is key to building a steady business.