Art galleries attract many kinds of visitors, from serious art critics and collectors, to a general public. Art gallery owners are often influential members of creative circles and enjoy the advantage of working around the clock with objects of rare beauty and one-of-a-kind specimens. To open a gallery you need to have a strong passion for art and have experience in the business world.
Steps
Step 1. Analyze the current state of the market
The size, purpose and mission of the new art gallery will depend on the items already available in the city where it opens. Rely on the knowledge of experts such as artists, members of the business community and civic authorities at the local and state levels. Do research to develop a business plan that outlines the art gallery's goals and schedules.
Step 2. Choose a location
The art gallery should be located in a clearly visible, easily accessible place, and should have enough space inside to accommodate various art collections. Most galleries host parties and receptions for artists: consequently, the location must be able to contain food and drinks, as well as allow people to socialize. The interior furnishings should be essential and reduced to a minimum, so as not to compete with the art objects that will be exhibited, diverting the attention of the public.
Step 3. Hire professional staff
Often there is a curator or an administrator, who contributes to the selection of art objects and chooses where and how to exhibit them. You will also need a receptionist or study assistant to take care of phone calls, administrative paperwork and scheduling, as well as providing information and welcoming visitors.
Step 4. Invite artists to exhibit their work
Artists will prefer to rely on successful, well-known and profitable galleries. A new art gallery may have some difficulty in courting them, as it has not yet achieved any success. You will have to form a network of contacts within the artistic community to get to know the artists and select new ones, who will be eager to give visibility to their works. They might give your new gallery a chance if you're willing to do the same for them too.
Step 5. Get the word out
A new art gallery needs to get a lot of attention before opening or immediately after. To launch it you will therefore have to host a ribbon cutting ceremony, a formal inauguration with a reception or an informal party. Be sure to inform and invite local media representatives to all events. Do some advertising through print media, radio, television, and the internet. Create promotional material, such as brochures and postcards, and launch a website.
Step 6. Continue promoting the art gallery
After opening, marketing operations and public relations will continue to be needed. Word of mouth remains an extremely effective tool and a network of contacts is therefore essential.
