Should I consider opening my own artist-owned gallery instead of relying on traditional galleries?

If you have a well-defined niche, proven sales, and strong local presence, opening your own gallery can eliminate the major downsides of traditional gallery relationships while keeping the benefits. You’d keep 100% of revenue, own all customer relationships and data, and have complete control over your brand presentation. The main challenges are the financial investment and staffing requirements. However, in areas where retail spaces have become more available and affordable, this can be a viable path. Look for opportunities to staff with people who believe in your work. Artist-owned galleries represent an emerging model that obliterates the traditional paradigm by removing the commission split while maintaining the retail presence.

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Asked by an established artist selling through multiple galleries · Answered by Patrick Shanahan · art-marketing-podcast · 2024-08-23