A often serves as an intermediary between artists and the public, curating exhibitions, building relationships with collectors, presenting works at fairs, and managing the practical aspects of sales, packaging, and shipping.
Understanding the relationship
When an artist begins working with a gallery, the collaboration is usually formalized through a written agreement. This may be called a , a , or simply an artist-gallery contract, depending on the gallery’s structure and the depth of the relationship. What matters most is not the title of the document, but what it regulates.
An agreement typically explains:
how the gallery will represent or promote your work (for example, exclusively, non-exclusively, permanently, or for a limited period or project);
who owns the work and whether the gallery works on consignment or buys the work from you;
commission rates and the handling of sales, discounts, payment timelines, and reporting duties;
what happens to unsold artworks, including storage, insurance, and return procedures;
who is responsible for costs such as framing, shipping, photography, and marketing;
how and when your artworks can be exhibited, both physically and online.
Having these points in writing is essential. It protects you from misunderstandings and allows you to focus on your creative work rather than administrative uncertainties. Whenever possible, seek feedback from a lawyer, an artists’ association, or a trusted mentor, particularly if the agreement includes exclusivity or long-term obligations.
Explore our topic on Agreements and Arrangements.
Galleries vary widely in size, focus, and approach. Artist-run or community spaces often offer early-career opportunities, allowing artists to experiment, test new ideas, and present work within supportive local networks. Mid-size and commercial galleries offer more structured programming and access to collectors. At the highest end, international “blue-chip” galleries operate globally and shape major trends in the art market, typically working with artists who already have significant recognition.
There is no single “right” type of gallery; the best fit is the one that aligns with your artistic goals, values, and stage of development. In some regions, gallery infrastructure is still developing, and formal representation may be less available; artists in these contexts often rely more on artist-run spaces, direct sales, or international opportunities to reach audiences.
Sales, trust, and professional practice
A healthy artist-gallery relationship rests on mutual effort and trust. Galleries invest time and resources into promoting the artist’s work. This includes organizing openings, producing catalogues or press materials, presenting works at fairs, and sharing them online. Trust also means transparency: artists should expect records of all sales, timely accounting, and clear information about prices, discounts, and clients. Both artist and gallery contribute to the success of the work.
Contemporary gallery practices increasingly emphasize to protect artists and uphold professional integrity. Galleries often adhere to codes such as those established by the Art Dealers Association of America (ADAA) in New York, United States, or the Federation of European Art Galleries Associations (FEAGA) in Brussels, Belgium. Similar frameworks exist in other regions, including Australia, where codes of practice have been developed by national and state-based bodies, such as the National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) and public gallery associations at the state level. These ethical standards guide galleries to act honestly in transactions, avoid conflicts of interest, and respect artists’ rights.
Nonetheless, artists should exercise reasonable due diligence before entering into agreements with galleries or dealers. This may include checking the gallery’s professional track record, reputation within the art community, and basic compliance practices (such as accounting transparency or anti-money laundering obligations), as well as being attentive to any publicly known disputes or complaints of a serious nature.
Ask yourself: Does this gallery truly align with my vision? Are the terms of collaboration clear and balanced? Is communication open and constructive? Will this relationship support both my artistic practice and my career development?
Credit image: Oat_Phawat