Gallery Representation

danny_bhoy

danny_bhoy

Suspended / Banned
Messages
3,894
Name
Danny
Edit My Images
No
Hi all,

I've received an email via my website from a gallery in New York that wants to show my work. I was highly sceptical at first but I've done some research and they seem the real deal. It's the Agora Gallery in Manhattan.

However, while looking them up on Google I found a few posts on other (inferior) photography forums stating that the gallery charge about $3000 for a years representation of your work and take 10% commission of any sales.

First and foremost I haven't got that kinda cash lying about so it's a non-starter. But I was wondering if that was common practice for galleries to charge to exhibit or host your work.

Cheers,

Danny.
 
Knowing a few guys over in the states from another forum there are some galleries out there that pursue this model, it's basically the same as vanity publishing, but for gallery representation. This model works for the gallery as they don't have the upfront risk, and the photographer can get a show when they might not otherwise be able to

The unsolicited approach is quite probably just a standard marketing tactic but they may actually be interested?
 
raathistle said:
Knowing a few guys over in the states from another forum there are some galleries out there that pursue this model, it's basically the same as vanity publishing, but for gallery representation. This model works for the gallery as they don't have the upfront risk, and the photographer can get a show when they might not otherwise be able to The unsolicited approach is quite probably just a standard marketing tactic but they may actually be interested?
Click to expand...

Thanks for that Chris.

As you say there's definitely minimal risk for the gallery as they get the money up front plus commission on sales. Great exposure for the artist though.
Love NY, been about 6 times now, so if I had a spare few grand just lying around I'd do it just for kicks :-)
 
raathistle said:
Knowing a few guys over in the states from another forum there are some galleries out there that pursue this model,
Click to expand...

London galleries do it as well.

It's not quite the same as vanity publishing because there is a genuine market for art out there and these galleries are usually respectable and established players in that market. Placing your work with them will put it in front of a group of buyers and patrons that frequent the gallery and have cash to spend. The work has to be good enough to compete, however. If it doesn't sell then you are indeed just fodder for the gallery's bottom line.
 
ChrisGilbert said:
London galleries do it as well. It's not quite the same as vanity publishing because there is a genuine market for art out there and these galleries are usually respectable and established players in that market. Placing your work with them will put it in front of a group of buyers and patrons that frequent the gallery and have cash to spend. The work has to be good enough to compete, however. If it doesn't sell then you are indeed just fodder for the gallery's bottom line.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info Chris.

I honestly don't think my work is gallery standard yet - so even if I had the money to pay up front I'd be afraid that, as you say, I wouldn't get a return.

It'd be a great excuse to coax the mrs into a trip to NYC though!! :-)
 
ChrisGilbert said:
I had a conversation with the Agora as well. They were actually quite a friendly bunch. I agree - NYC would be a nice gig. As would being a sufficiently respected an artist to make such a gig plausible :lol:
Click to expand...

Agreed, they sounded a really nice group of people.

Haha I had the Andy Warhol wig ready and everything :-)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top