For artists
How to Get Your Art into a Local Gallery
Getting your work into a local gallery is one of the fastest ways to build credibility as an artist, reach real buyers, and start earning consistent income from your art. But most artists approach it backwards — they email 30 galleries with the same generic message and wonder why no one responds.
Here's a step-by-step approach that actually works, based on how galleries really evaluate new artists.
1. Research Galleries Before You Approach Them
Not every gallery is a fit for your work, and applying to the wrong ones wastes your time and theirs. Before reaching out:
- Visit the gallery in person (or study its website and Instagram) and look at what they currently show. Style, medium, price point, and subject matter should feel like a natural fit.
- Check whether the gallery represents artists at your career stage. Some galleries only work with established names; others actively look for emerging talent.
- Note how they describe their curatorial focus. A gallery that says it specialises in "contemporary abstract work by regional artists" is telling you exactly what they want to see.
A shortlist of 8–10 well-matched galleries will get you further than a mass email to 50.
2. Build a Submission-Ready Portfolio
Most galleries will ask for a portfolio before they'll even meet with you. Yours should include:
- 10–15 of your strongest, most consistent pieces. Consistency in style or theme matters more than showing range — galleries want to know what they're selling.
- High-resolution images shot in good, even lighting with no shadows or glare. Phone photos are fine if the lighting is right; a professional shoot is better if you can afford one.
- A concise artist statement (150–250 words) that explains your work without over-explaining it. Avoid art-school jargon — write like you're talking to a curious collector, not a critic.
- A one-page CV listing past shows, press, residencies, or sales, even if it's short. Galleries want to see momentum, not just talent.
Need a CV? See our guide on how to write an artist CV.
3. Make the First Approach
Cold emails work better than cold walk-ins for most galleries, though smaller, independent spaces sometimes prefer an in-person introduction. Either way, keep your first message short:
- Who you are and where you're based
- One or two lines about your work and medium
- A link to your portfolio (a simple website or PDF — don't attach 15 separate image files)
- A clear, low-pressure ask: "I'd love the opportunity to be considered for a future show."
Avoid over-explaining your art in the email itself. The portfolio should do the talking.
4. Understand What Happens If They Say Yes
If a gallery is interested, they'll typically propose a consignment arrangement: they display and sell your work, take a commission (commonly 40–50%, sometimes less for emerging galleries), and pay you after the sale. Before agreeing, get clarity on:
- Commission percentage and payment timeline
- Who covers framing, shipping, and insurance
- Exclusivity — can you sell the same work through other galleries or online?
- How long the gallery will display the piece before it's returned if unsold
Get this in writing. A short consignment agreement protects both sides and is standard practice, not a sign of distrust. See how to track consignment agreements for what to look for.
5. Follow Up Without Being Pushy
If you don't hear back within 2–3 weeks, one polite follow-up is appropriate. If a gallery declines, ask if they'd be open to reviewing future work — many galleries pass on artists not because the work isn't good, but because it isn't right for their current program.
Rejection at this stage is common and rarely personal. Persistence with the right galleries, not volume with the wrong ones, is what gets artists represented.
FAQ
How many galleries should I apply to at once?
Start with 8–10 well-researched galleries rather than a mass submission. Quality of fit matters more than quantity.
Do I need gallery representation to sell my art?
No — many artists sell successfully online or direct-to-collector. But gallery representation adds credibility, access to serious collectors, and often higher price points than direct sales.
What commission do galleries typically take?
Most galleries take 40–50% commission on sales. It's often negotiable for emerging artists or smaller regional galleries.
Should I approach galleries in person or by email?
Email is standard for most galleries and respects their time. Smaller, independent galleries sometimes welcome an in-person introduction — check their preference on their website first.
Manage your gallery relationships in one place.
Aurelian gives artists a single view of consignments, sales, and payouts across every gallery they work with.