Getting your work into Galleries

[jmungapen001]

Hi there,
I'd like to ask if anyone has any advice on how to get your work into galleries, either as an exhibition or permanently displayed for sale.
I have built up a number of photos that I would like to promote in a gallery somehow. Does anyone have experience of the steps necessary? Is it s case of turning up in the gallery with a portfolio?
Also if I show my work in a lower key venue (like a coffee shop) do you think that would be detrimental to getting work into a more upscale gallery?
Thanks
Jerome
www.panoplanets.com

[KeithT]

I would think to do what you want you would have to employ the same methods and techniques that every salesmen use. Hawk your work around the photo galleries of your choice, set up meetings with the owners and try to talk them into patronizing your work. You could also approach restaurant owners and say that you will decorate their walls with their choice of your images for free providing they let you advertise your work for sale.

My experience is that it is as difficult to get your work into a mainstream gallery as it is selling your first novel to a mainstream publisher. But don't give up. Show them your work and lay on the charm. In short: hawk your work around and refuse to accept "NO" as an answer.

[ABERS]

Whatever way you go about this it's going to cost you money, either by renting space or by commission, or both, on any sales that you make, if sales are your ultimate goal.

Along with a friend last year, we discovered a small space in a N.T. venue that was for hire at a reasonable rate on a weekly/fortnightly basis. Whilst somewhat 'cosy' there was adequate room for 30 pictures in 40cmX50cm frames. We bit the bullet and gave it a go for a fortnight and depending on your point of view we deemed a reasonable success, logging 508 visitors over the 10 days it was open, and that was from 12.00 to 16.30 each of those days.

The gallery curator had to see and agree that the work was of a sufficient standard before any rental agreement was entered in to. We did not offer our work for sale, the gallery conditions stated that the N.T. would want 25% commission on any sales that we made, on top of the rental.

Mounting and framing some thirty 40X50 prints was the biggest expense of the whole excercise, frames don't come cheap! They however are re-usable. Publicity costs were not too onerous. Well directed press releases to the local media, camera clubs and photographic forums helped. Although this one was about as useful as a chocolate tea pot, with the powers that be of no help whatsoever.

As Keith has said, getting a gallery to accept your work is difficult and soul destroying. So look around your local area and see what is out there to rent, it could be the way to go.

Good luck!

With the recession aspect in mind - Look for small empty shops and approach the local town council or owner. Offer to clean the space, to put on a small / short / 2 week? exhibition, so that the place, area does not look so run down.

Sell the idea that by using the empty space to support the arts, together you are improving the shopping area, to feeling, looking more prosperous, and effectively encouraging a potential long term client for them in the process.

You may even find other togs or local artists interested in such a venture - especially with tourism (or Christmas during the winter months)

Consider your audience expectations too - ie. You are unlikely to sell erotica to grannies or portraits of elderly folk eating icecreams to toddlers!

Best of luck.