How to Get Your Art into a Gallery

Here are concrete tips drawn from our personal experiences getting into a gallery. We illustrate different strategies and actions you can take to get results.

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49 min. video

Video Walkthrough

Unsolicited submissions to galleries don’t work, there is no application process. (exception is a juried exhibition which is not the same thing)
The vast majority of the time, a connection with a gallery is made via an artist colleague.
Don’t assume that because you’re friends with an artist who shows at a gallery that it’s a good idea to ask them to recommend you, it can get awkward!
If you can, start by visiting and attending opening receptions at a local gallery, or one that is within reasonable driving distance.
Get a feel for how an opening works at a gallery, you can start by just lurking, without the pressure of needing to speak to anyone.
When you’re ready to start a conversation at an opening, ask the person about themselves, people love to talk about themselves.
Most artists who approach galleries haven’t done their research on whether that gallery is a good fit for the type of art they make.
Exhibiting with a gallery is more about finding a good fit and relationship than about how good your artwork is.

Look at the roster of artists the gallery exhibits, and ask yourself whether you fit into the style and media of those artists.
Use Instagram to research what types of galleries you may want to try to pursue relationships with.
Follow a gallery’s Instagram to see what their current shows are, and whether you are a good fit for them.
A gallery’s Instagram usually has more information compared to their website.
Leave thoughtful comments on the gallery’s Instagram, those types of comments really stand out.
Follow art critics, dealers, etc. who can give you insight into exhibitions in your area, or places you’d like to show.
Look at who those art critics, dealers follow on Instagram to find other people and galleries to follow.
Follow artists who have artwork that is similar to yours, and the types of careers you are striving for.
Look at those artists’ curriculum vitaes and see what galleries they showed with at the beginning of their careers.