For the Artist Seeking Exhibitions and Representation

Important Editor's Note: Before sending any materials to a gallery please check their policy. Although we attempt to list current selection policies they often change without notice.

For an artist the task of approaching New York City’s myriad exhibition spaces can be overwhelming. This online resource has been designed with you in mind. It will save you time and money in your search for exposure, recognition and income – to give you more time to devote to your creative process. It sheds light on a complex subject that has been plagued by secrecy and myths due to a lack of concrete, factual information – until now.

Whether you are an art student or an established artist, this resource demystifies the gallery system. As Matthew Deleget, of the New York Foundation for the Arts, stated: “It is invaluable to any visual artist seeking to gain access to New York City’s galleries.”

Since the First Edition of the book The Complete Guide to New York Art Galleries was published in 1995, many artists from around the world have reported success stories from using it. This new, expanded online resource contains more than 1,000 exhibition opportunities that are available to artists, whatever your style, age, career level, or origin. The detailed profiles serve to prepare you with essential information including the dealers’ professional background, their focus/mission, their methods of selecting artists, direction on how and when to approach them, and any gallery fees and other requirements. Its aim is to help you take the first step toward building partnerships with key individuals in the art world.

Please note that all of the information contained in this directory is subject to change; the charm of New York City is its constant state of flux. Our vigorous efforts to obtain, confirm, and update the information is an ongoing process. Updates will be made regularly and new galleries will be added, so please visit often.

If you should find any of the information contained here to be incorrect or incomplete please notify us by mail or email. If you represent a gallery or are a private dealer that is not included, please let us know. There is no charge for the galleries to be included here.

Artists: How to Approach New York Art Galleries
If you are an artist seeking New York City gallery representation you are probably aware that thousands of other artists from around the globe share your aspiration. Although many of you find the idea of approaching New York art galleries an intimidating prospect many galleries enjoy discovering new artists and contributing to their growing reputations. Try to imagine, however, the abundance of unsolicited materials, visits, phone calls and e-mails they receive from artists competing to get their attention. Many art dealers are inundated with stacks of materials, much of which is sent by artists who have no previous knowledge of the gallery’s artistic direction. No wonder they request that artists familiarize themselves with their exhibitions before approaching them. The information provided here starts that process and it strives to save time and effort in developing the right match between the artist and dealer.

For more than 20 years I have been a career consultant and coach to art professionals worldwide to help them find appropriate venues for exhibiting and selling their work. As founder and director of Manhattan Arts International our mission is to provide the guidance and resources for them to become self-sufficient “Artrepreneurs™”. To demystify the New York City gallery system and advise artists on who, how, and when to approach and to best promote and market your work I offer private consultations in person and on the phone.

My advice is after you have made your list of prospects from this resource and have clicked on to their sites for more information try to visit the galleries in person before submitting any materials. View several exhibitions in the desired galleries, speak to the personnel, attend the opening receptions, and network within the art community. Become acquainted with the artists affiliated with the galleries that interest you because dealers often rely on their recommendations. If you cannot travel to New York City visit the galleries’ websites and also become acquainted with them through art periodicals in print and on the Internet.

In addition to honing your technical skills and creative vision I stress the importance of preparing the best quality presentation materials possible. Inferior slides, photographs and CDs may never get you the second chance you hope for. Our book Presentation Power Tools For Fine Artists helps artists prepare all of the necessary documents for a polished professional approach to dealers, collectors and critics. I also offer consultations in this area. My professional background in editorial and promotional writing is available to you, however the book Presentation Power Tools for Fine Artists will point you easily in the right direction.

Throughout this online resource you will notice the galleries request materials with SASE (self-addressed, stamped envelope). If you want your materials returned enclose one with sufficient postage. Enclose a cover letter directed to the person in charge.

Please read this disclaimer

Return to New York Art Galleries main page.

The information supplied in The Complete Guide to New York Art Galleries is not available in any other resource.

"After 6 editions of publishing the book I decided why not give it away free online for everyone to access!" Learn about Renée Phillips, the Author

Copyright 1995-2008 by Renée Phillips, Manhattan Arts International. All rights reserved. No part of this online publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from the author.