Acceptance of their works of art in galleries - that's how it works

When you look at the diverse and colorful world of art , it may be difficult to believe that there is a consistent structure and order .

But that is exactly the case, especially if you take a closer look at functioning of art galleries There is an ecosystem here that is not easy to see at first glance. And yet it is particularly important for young artists and newcomers in the art scene to know this system and to make it usable.

After all, you want to make your oeuvre accessible to the world and also live on your own art - only a few paths lead past galleries here. So the sooner they get to know the relationships and mechanisms in the art trade, the more time, energy, money and, above all, they will save themselves.

Why is the representation in galleries so important for artists?

The presentation of your works in a gallery has several obvious advantages that can help your career as an artist considerably. Here are a few weighty advantages:

1. Increased visibility: A gallery offers an event location that will significantly increase its level of awareness both within and outside of your place of residence.
2. Salvant access to resources and premises: galleries not only offer physical places to present their work, but also access to a series of tools that are essential for their creative growth.
3. Networking options: With the connection to a gallery, you have new opportunities to network with collectors, artists and business partners.
4. Strengthened credibility: Cooperation with a well -known gallery helps you to strengthen your credibility in your next projects and applications, be it for scholarships or exhibitions.

You should choose the type of gallery with which you work with very carefully. Every gallery is unique; Therefore, the program and the motivation should be strongly influenced by this election against mirrors .

How do art galleries work?

The structure of the art world has always been determined and shaped by art galleries. Since then acting with art objects, there have also been agents and traders who have contact between artists and the prospect and process sales.

The gallery as a partner of the artists

When the media talks about art, it's usually about new record amounts at art auctions at Sotheby's or Christie's . But the gallery scene, of course, isn't just made up of the prominent, world-renowned giants we hear about in newspapers and on television. In fact, the gallery scene is a vast network of small and micro-businesses.

Gallery owners often have a business background or a degree in art history. Their passion and love for art objects ultimately led them to become gallery owners. Or they took over the gallery from their parents.

Gallerists are multitalented individuals : In addition to in-depth knowledge of art and art history, they must also possess a keen sense of direction, a business mind, outstanding sales skills, and psychological and social acumen to achieve long-term success. Frequent travel and networking are also part of the daily routine of a gallery owner.

Most gallery owners typically work with only a small number of artists, but they then develop and maintain close partnerships with them. Their fates are thus highly interdependent. This also explains the often strict selection process of galleries and, ultimately, the sometimes high hurdles for new artists when applying for admission.

In the selection of artists, the gallery owners also play a role in addition to the artist's potential, which is perceived individually.

The economic survival of a gallery often depends on the skillful selection of your artists. If you then take the fact that many galleries are only operated by one or a few people who in turn can only look after a small number of artists, then the difficulty for new artists becomes clear to get a place.

As a rule of thumb, you can state that galleries exhibit an artist about every two to three years in a solo exhibition and in group exhibitions as well as at trade fairs. Thanks to their relationship network, gallery owners also support exhibitions in public institutions. He also discusses the work with the artist, as well as his reception with experts, critics and collectors and conveys works to them.

Exactly at this point, gallery owners also differ fundamentally from art dealers who are mostly specialized in the sale of well -known works of art. A gallery owner usually builds up an artist, takes care of his progress and growing perception among those interested in art.

Art Basel the top destination for contemporary art exhibitions and the media-effective presentation of artworks in Europe . Participation can be considered a kind of award for artists and galleries, one that can boost their market value. Participation requires not only an excellent reputation, but also, and above all, the necessary cash. On average, a fair appearance costs at least 50,000 Swiss francs.

Younger and smaller galleries can usually not afford such an appearance and would have to be content with smaller trade fairs.

It is also a frequent - less noble - practice that emerging artists are often recruited by the small galleries that they have carefully converted and built up as soon as their star begins to rise. The large sharks in the pool grab the artists with potential after others have done the basic work for them. On the other hand, such moments are always a springboard for the artist, who climbs the next level on his way to fame and reputation.

The different types of art galleries

Like other companies, art galleries are defined via a certain clientele. The selection and presentation of works of art that meet the requirements and interests of this audience is the core task of the curator or gallery manager. Four basic types of art galleries are commercial, non-profit, producer and pop-up galleries.

Commercial art galleries sell the works of artists directly to their clientele. To do this, keep a commission (approx. 30–35 %) and artists benefit from stable income. Commercial galleries are connected to a buyer market and offer artists both a forum for sales and for exchange about current art trends.

non -profit art galleries are primarily dependent on contributions or financial support. Your program can focus on topics of cultural tourist value. Urban galleries that promote local talents also fall into this category. The promotion of cultural interaction and municipal art education is one of the core tasks of these galleries.

The temporary venues of the pop-up galleries , mostly empty shops or public areas, mark a third type. Depending on the organizer, they are carried out in close cooperation with interest associations and landlords. Pop-up galleries offer creative events and often take place flanking at festivals or art fairs.

While top galleries offer a stage in a small scale, even less well-known artists, you usually have to have already developed a name as an artist before turning to these galleries. This underlines the need to build up a network in the art scene and a strong artist branding approach .

Then there are the producer galleries . This special form is usually operated by the artists themselves or is closely connected to them. They tend to be located outside the borders of traditional galleries and focus on promoting the efforts of emerging artists.

Producer galleries offer a platform for exchange with an audience that appreciates art and often organize networking events that are crucial for the career development of the connected artists. At the same time, producer galleries serve as a platform for discourse on contemporary artistic forms of expression.

A few warning words about "Vanity galleries"

If a gallery makes contact, it can be quite exciting; But before you answer, you should stop briefly and check the gallery. Unfortunately, some galleries use newly discovered artists who are absolutely strive for more visibility.

These “vanity galleries” are legal companies that offer artists a contract for the issuance of their works for money. Since large galleries of transaction galleries such as vanity galleries evaluate negatively, the effort for the artist does not pay off in most cases and the relationship has no value to promote a professional artist career. It is therefore advisable to refrain from it.

If a gallery comes up to you, it makes sense to ask for a meeting with an already shown artist before signing to find out whether his experience is satisfied. Also read through all terms and conditions carefully to avoid unwanted financial constraints.

As soon as you know which exhibition option best suits you, you should create a list of galleries nearby that meet this description and thus create a strong, varied (online) presence for your work and yourself.

Is there a pre -drawn career ladder for artists?

If you follow the career of famous and much -noticed artists, you can a certain pattern - almost a kind of red thread , where there are apparently numerous artists on the way to the top.

So it often does not seem to be a random order, according to which emerging artists go from the exhibition to the exhibition, from gallery to gallery and from museum to museum. Nor is it a coincidence that certain artists always end up with the same renowned galleries, institutions and museums.

It can be derived from this that - similar to conventional careers - artists also go on a "career path", which they have shown to a certain extent, who brings them step by step, targeted and/or directed. This type of career ladder often takes place over the course of many years and sometimes over the entire life of an artist and beyond.

Celebrated stars in the art sky rarely appear completely out of nowhere overnight. And even then you can recognize a kind of law in its appearance in its apparently sudden success.

How do you convince a gallery of your art?

If you are a visual artist and also pursue the goal of being perceived with your work or being able to live on it, you have certainly asked yourself this question.

The selection process of galleries

At the beginning, focus on smaller galleries

In order to increase your own chances of recording in galleries, knowledge in their selection processes and patterns is essential.

So let's take a look at why the most renowned galleries have just decided on those artists that you are currently representing.

It will certainly not surprise you that you do not close a contract with every artist that taps your doors. It is not uncommon for you not even get an answer to your application, let alone a reason for the rejection. This applies in particular to very popular galleries and/or if the medium of contacting is emails, contact forms or messages on social media.

After all, they won't be the only aspirant. Quite the opposite. Sought -after galleries often receive significantly more inquiries than they can work on in a meaningful way.

So if you have not yet reached enough attention, awareness or can score with a special vita, then you should bake smaller rolls first. It makes sense to climb the head for rungs instead of breaking the bones when jumping.

It is not (only) about a favor

A second crucial aspect you should be aware of revolves around the quality and aesthetics of the works. Even if your art reaches a level of undeniable quality and you demonstrate a level of skill worthy of all praise, you may still be rejected by galleries.

This often leads to incomprehension among artists. In fact, gallery owners do not choose their protégés at all or at least not significantly according to their skills, quality or the radiance of their works. The quality of your works is only part of the puzzle. Other criteria must also be met so that they fit well into the portfolio of a gallery.

Your resume, career, reputation, critical and collector reception, experience, personality, achievements, honors and awards, standing in the art community, social media following and popularity, history of your art sales, prices at art auctions, the quality of your coverage in prestigious magazines and journals, and your overall profile online and in the online community all play a role in a gallerist's decision-making process. Depending on the gallery, this list of criteria can be considerably longer.

To get it in a nutshell: the best galleries exhibit the best artists. That's why they are the best galleries.

"But who are the best artists?" , maybe ask yourself now. They are the artists who were sometimes at the beginning. On the first rung of the ladder.

Since then, however, they have continuously worked with determination, persistence, focus, passion and a pinch of patience to the top.

Yes, it's about "work" . Every vita, however successful, always writes only line by line. And at some point there was only an empty leaf that was gradually described with hard work and hard work.

So it's about writing your own success story consistently and always step by step Everyone starts small. Build the castle of your success stone for stone and start with the foundation.

So make contact for contact, complete the exhibition for exhibition, gradually gain the favor of people you and your works better known. They impress and surprise curators and critics.

Show that you are able to meet and surpass expectations. Generate your first sales and apply to galleries and trade fairs. Get involved in artistic events and cultural events. Collect further contacts, and so on and so on.

It is important that you stay consistently and consistently on the ball. Do not expect any success overnight. Such excessive expectations only harm their drive and motivation. Persistence and hard work will pay off over the years. We humans often overestimate what we can move in a year. At the same time, however, we underestimate what we can move in 5 years.

In short: popular artists have developed their status hard for many years . And the point is that you went this path yourself. Galleries do not produce famous artists, they only support them.

What conclusion should you draw from it? Read out less to suddenly be “discovered” or that galleries do the work for you. The lion's share of the work must come from you. Concentrate on it!

Graduates of art academies and universities are ahead

Admittedly, prospective artists who have just graduated from an art academy or art college enjoy a competitive advantage over those creative people who have taken a completely different way or are still at the very beginning.

This applies above all to the beginning of the artistic career and can relativize itself at a later date.

Art students already build up a network of contact during their studies, stand in constant exchange with seasoned and recognized artists and fellow students and are often presented at an early stage galleries, critics, curators, collectors and other important representatives of the art scene.

This naturally gets to know the conventions and the fine, unwritten rules for a safe appearance in the wide world of art early. You also come into contact with the WHO IS WHO of the regional scene.

So of course, the artistic career has not become a sure -fire success, but at least you know which doors you can knock on when it is time.

As a young artist, you can take the race even without an academic background

The good news for all those who have not gone through an academic career with their art is that they can make this disadvantage more than to make up for. Last but not least, the newly created contact and networking options through the Internet and social media have contributed to this.

So if you are among the many artists who have acquired their skills outside of an academic environment or have taught their own skills, then their best chance is to immerse yourself in their local and regional art scene and become active on social media.

As soon as you feel ready to present your art in the world, you can use all the ways to network with representatives from art and culture.

The following activities are promising:

• Effort to be included in the e-mail distributor of galleries.
• Follow galleries on social media and interact with them.
• Take part in gallery openings.
• Visit exhibitions and talk to curators and gallery owners.
• Keep an eye out for open studios, artificial nights and similar events where there are contact options for other artists, gallery owners, collectors and artists.
• Openings, vernissages and art fairs are ideal for getting in touch with art representatives of all kinds.
• Stay on the ball! It is not enough with one or two efforts of this kind. Do not be discouraged if short -term successes do not want to occur. Sometimes you need staying power, patience and persistence will finally pay off.

Every beginning is difficult

This is how the vernacular speaks. But it is also said: "A magic lives in every beginning."

Own homepage, artist platforms online, social media, online communities & Co.

So if you are at the very beginning, you should concentrate your first walking tests with the world out there on the options on the Internet. Countless options are available for this today.

Start with a simple online business card. A number of easy website builder services like Wix, Pixpa, Jimdo, and others available for this. You don't need to spend a three- or four-figure sum, and a small homepage can be created relatively quickly. Present your profile and showcase your best work.

Then extend your range on the second train via social networks, media and online communities. Above all Instagram , TikTok , Pinterest, Facebook (especially Facebook groups), Twitter, Tumblr, Deviantart , ArtSation, Dribble, Redbubble, Behance and Flickr, which have proven themselves particularly well with artists.

But also themed, genre or medium-related platforms such as fotocommunity.de , 500px , fineartprint.de or unsplash for photographers.

Through presence and interaction on such platforms, you not only create attention for your art, but also offer a return channel for feedback, criticism, suggestions and feedback of all kinds. Certainly not every comment is useful, fair, helpful or fertilizing. Overall, however, you will benefit from this, if you allow it and do not take over critical statements personally.

Online galleries

Just a few years ago, major galleries were still hesitant about embracing the digital world . There were concerns that a presentation surface consisting solely of a horizontal and vertical array of pixels was insufficient for a work to develop its full impact and appeal. After all, we humans have multiple senses that need to be engaged when engaging with art, and proportions can only be conveyed to a limited extent on screen.

Then there is the fact that many works of art require a detailed explanation, classification and discussion that can only be achieved in a personal conversation with a gallery owner.

Nevertheless, traditional galleries have long since embraced the internet and expanded their exhibition space with a virtual dimension. A multitude of online art galleries have since been launched. A vast virtual market has emerged that perfectly complements the traditional gallery business.

Statista market analysis published in 2024, total online sales in the global art and antiques market increased by approximately seven percent in 2023 compared to the previous year. Overall, the value of online transactions in the global art and antiques market remained significantly higher than the figures reported before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, amounting to approximately $11.8 billion in 2023.

online art purchases occur in the price range of approximately EUR 1,500 to EUR 12,000. This clearly shows that art buyers have lost their hesitation about paying larger sums online.

The advantages of online galleries at a glance:

• Higher chance for young artists and newcomers to be taken in
• Salvan access to art for everyone - the elite hurdle of visiting stationary galleries is eliminated.
• Works of art can be viewed around the clock and in peace from home.
• It is usually easily possible to return art while not falling.
• In the event of a need for advice and the desire of a personal conversation with the gallery owner, there are numerous funds available-make a phone, online chat, email, personal appointment.
• Great fund for art collectors to discover aspiring young talents
• No long trips necessary to view works of art. Internationalization of the artificial offer.
• Wear to democratize art - a much larger number of contemporary artists get the chance to present themselves to a broad, partly global audience.
• The traditional gallery market is expanded profitably by the Internet and is not threatened by it. The fear of the drop in price on the art market has so far been unfounded.
• The digitization of art opens up completely new possibilities for galleries and art collectors alike.

A good example of a successful link between traditional and virtual gallery is the event start - the art makers . At the beginning of the 2000s it was launched by a group of Dresden artists and in 2005 they opened the producer gallery "Abstract Moments", especially with another group of artists, in 2005.

In the years afterwards, the gallery artist's artist base expanded considerably, so that soon not only art pictures, but also graphics, photographs and sculptures were part of the portfolio of event.

The core of the offer is probably the abstract painting - especially with acrylic paints. These two styles and techniques - acrylic painting and abstract art - complement each other magnificently. Both have their origin in the 20th century and are among the young people in art history.

The first pioneers of abstract art can be found Impressionists paintings abstract can be found in the works of the old masters Claude Monet , Edgar Degas, and Auguste Renoir, as well as Paul Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh . These artists gradually blurred the contours of representational art.

Do you also feel as an artist in the abstract at home? Then contacting the artists could be a promising option. In addition to the 15 permanent members, there are also numerous other friendly authors in the ranks of the art makers who always organize common exhibitions on art and painting.

Further strong producer galleries in Germany and Austria:

1. Kuntraum Munich : This producer gallery promotes contemporary art and offers young artists a room to present their works. Artists like Timm Ulrichs and Tanja Ostler have exhibited here.
2. Kunstverein Munich : Has encouraged artists like Katja Novitskova and Ryan Gander, both of whom are recognized for their innovative work.
3. K4 - Room for Contemporary Art (Düsseldorf) : This gallery supports the latest art practices and has supported artists like Anne Imhof, an internationally recognized artist who is known for her performative installations.
4. Kunstverein Göttingen : This gallery has a focus on contemporary art and supports artists such as Keren cytter, who is known for their cinematic work.
5. Croy Nielsen (Vienna, Austria) : This gallery in Vienna exhibits artists such as Hito Steyerl and Nairy Baghramian, who are internationally recognized for their critical and often politically charged work.

Offline - art marketing apart from digital media

At the same time, for your activities on the Internet, you should also look for ways and opportunities in the analog world to present your works as much as possible.

For the reasons already mentioned, the doors to galleries will usually remain closed, especially at the beginning of an artistic career. Therefore, you should first look for meaningful and realistic alternatives:

• Medical practices
• Sparkasse and banks
• Hotels
• Local company
• Newspaper editor
• Retail transactions
• Hairdressing salons
• Hospitals
• Social institutions
• Authorities and offices
• Cafés and restaurants
• Clubs and bars
• Tattoo studios
• Solariums
• Startups
• Fitness center
• Furniture houses and specialist retailers for interior design
• Fashion boutiques
• Community exhibitions with friendly artists
• Pop-up exhibitions

Of course, this list does not claim to be complete. With a little thinking, you will definitely think of many more places that are well suited for the exhibition of your works. You should only make sure that the exhibition locations fit you and your art. If in doubt, it is worth sleeping for another night.

It can also make sense to give one or the other work of a prominent person in their regional environment or to make them available on a loan. If such a person turns out to be a so -called influencer, then their awareness can increase.

Even more tips for your success as an emerging artist

Finally, we'd like to provide you with another short list of helpful and practical tips and advice. You can also consider this a kind of checklist or bucket list that you can work through gradually.

Don't you feel comfortable with a certain point? Then just let it out and go to the next point. Of course, it is always important that the strategy and the actions fit you as an artist and ultimately as a person.

1. Take a fundamental approach to promoting your work in as many ways as possible . Use a local and regional arts and events calendar, websites relevant to your art, social media, blogs, newspapers, magazines, and physical spaces and locations where artists meet or congregate. Making your art accessible to as many beginners as possible and continually expanding your fan base, supporters, and audience is crucial to your success.
2. Get to know the people in the art community who are most involved in your art. Take opportunities to meet these people or introduce yourself to them. But take it slow, give yourself plenty of time, don't rush it, and talk about whatever makes sense within the context of the conversation. Don't be too direct. Keep it casual. If the other person shows interest and asks about your art, that's great. If they don't, that's okay too. Save any kind of "hard" sales pitch for later. Top-notch relationships take time to develop.
3. Consider completing an internship or volunteering at local galleries and nonprofit organizations focused on art and culture. Ideally, this should involve art similar to yours, but it's not a requirement. Sometimes a winding path leads more reliably to the desired destination. Local museums are also excellent opportunities to volunteer and connect with interesting individuals who may be promising for your future artistic career. Volunteering in the local art scene enriches your career in many ways.
4. An internship or voluntary cooperation with an established artist whose art you like and respect you can also be extremely profitable.
5. Show yourself committed to your community . If you use artistic skills for the benefit of your community, you expand your reputation as an artist and most likely get unexpected ways to promote your work. Donate for local charity auctions, volunteer for events, teach as a guest artist at local schools and educational institutions, or get involved in community projects.
6. Another important aspect is relationship care to existing buyers . Your old customers know their work and have already proven enough interest. Marketing instruments such as newsletters, social media updates or even personal telephone calls can intensify or reactivate existing relationships.
7. Fuel your art with a strong website . In every industry, digital marketing is becoming increasingly relevant. It is no different in the art world. Online galleries such as B. Kunstplaza becomes the norm and offer a great platform to promote the awareness and reach of your art. So use online galleries to attract new collectors and art lovers. Kunstplaza online gallery is completely free of charge. Find out more here.
8. Update your website regularly , publish news and actively participate in social media. In short: keep your entire online profile up to date. After all, you do not know when a promising gallery owner or exhibition curator stops by. Nowadays, the short "online check" is pretty much the first thing someone is doing who is interested in their art and wants to know more about it. On this basis, he will make the decision whether he wants to get to know her personally or not.
9. Use your portfolio to present your art. When developing a strong artist portfolio, you should pursue two goals. You should be able to develop your brand and at the same time reproduce your art visually appealing.
10. Photo material should be excellently exposed, professionally executed and visually appealing.
11. Details such as size, media and titles used should be included as well as a brief description of the work. One of the most effective ways to arouse the interest of a potential buyer is to tell story behind the artwork
12. Your work should be accompanied by a self -confident biography . If you manage to attract a potential buyer to your work, he will almost always have an interest in the person behind art. Don't be afraid to share your personal story: your background, how your art has developed, what inspires you the most and what you hope that your art in the world can give.
13. Take part in art competitions . For the aspiring artist, art competitions offer one of the most effective and, above all, the most cost -effective ways to throw his hat in the ring in the art world. Art competitions are known for discovering remarkable emerging artists again and again. It was often the starting signal for a wonderful career as a artist. Winners of art competitions almost always benefit from extensive advertising measures by the organizing gallery or organization. In addition, you will give you any feedback that you receive new valuable insights and perspectives into your work and enables you to grow as an artist.

Basically, the more people potentially come into contact with their works, the better their chances that an interesting gallery will ultimately become aware of them.

Mund-to-mouth propaganda and personal recommendations are still the strongest marketing instruments. You will also find out how people react to their works. Keep an open ear for it and do not underestimate the power of informal pouring radio.

You wouldn't be the first artist whose little-known work is noticed in passing by an interested person. This person then tells a friend about it, who knows someone who makes art, and so on and so forth. And at the end of the message chain, there's a gallery owner who picks up the phone and dials your number.

To make it come, you first have to do your homework and spend energy and time. Start with the first stone.