Questions to Ask A Gallery

Questions to Ask Before Taking the Plunge


Would you jump into rough seas without a life jacket or knowledge of the climate and tides? Of course not. So, please protect yourself before taking the plunge into a relationship with a gallery.

Has a gallery expressed interest in your work? Before taking the plunge here was some questions that should be answered. If you proceed without the proper knowledge don't be surprised if you meet with some unexpected disappointments.

The following questions have been taken from Chapter6: Getting It Signed, Sealed and Delivered: Building The Artist / Dealer Relationship from the book Presentation Power Tools for Fine Artists by Renée Phillips.)
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Who are the parties involved? Who is the owner(s) of the gallery or president of the company?

What is the duration of the contract? Is it for a fixed term? Contingent on sales? What options do either of you have to extend the term of duration?

Does your written agreement provide for termination in the event of the owner’s or director’s death, or if the change of ownership should occur or if the dealer should move? Does it provide for termination in the event of the gallery’s bankruptcy or insolvency?

How much art does the dealer want?
How long will the dealer keep the work?
If you want your artwork returned, how much notice is required?

Where will the work be shown? Will it be visible to visitors or hang in a back room? Will the artwork ever leave the gallery premises for exhibition purposes? Will you be notified prior to it leaving the premises?

Will the dealer prepare a press release for your exhibition?

Does the dealer give discounts to buyers? How much? Will the discount be deducted from your share of the profit?

What insurance coverage does the dealer have for your work? What are the terms of the insurance policy? Does it cover the full retail value of your work? Is your art work protected in-transit, on-site? Has the dealer declared responsibility for loss or damage of your artwork from the time it is received until it is returned you?
If there is damage to your work, who chooses the restorer? How will you be compensated?

If the dealer promises your work will be featured on his/her website and if they have technical difficulty, will they compensate you in some way if your work does not appear?

Will the dealer allow you to have your own website and promote it? What about arranging reciprocal links to and from each other’s website?

(For more valuable questions and to learn more about the book Presentation Power Tools for Fine Artists click here.)

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