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TIPS FOR ARTIST #2 How to Approach Galleries and Key Art World Professionals

Writer's picture: Vittoria Vittoria

Updated: Dec 8, 2024

by Vittoria


Tips for artists, professional roles in the art world, and how to choose a gallery.


Here we are for the second installment of our series with Vittoria, our curator of emerging artists for NNC Gallery London Project. Today, we’ll discuss how to choose galleries, make a professional introduction, and navigate the key professional roles within the art world—a realm where artists often find roles confusing. Vittoria will introduce these roles and offer career guidance for emerging artists. You can find all articles in this series on our blog. Emerging artists today can reach out to galleries and art professionals more easily, thanks to social media and online communication. However, direct and informal approaches can sometimes risk an artist’s professional image, reducing the effectiveness of the contact. Understanding the basics of digital etiquette, professional self-presentation, and industry dynamics is essential to developing a productive relationship with galleries and art professionals. In this guide, we’ll cover how to make effective contact with galleries, what information to include in your presentation, and how to navigate the various professional roles in the contemporary art scene.


Professional Presentation: What to Include

When reaching out to a gallery, it’s essential to provide a clear and professional introduction that conveys consistency and seriousness. An effective presentation should include:

Full Name: To facilitate immediate recognition.

Brief Bio: Highlight your training and key professional experiences.

Artistic Path Summary: Briefly describe your work and artistic direction in a clear and straightforward language.

Portfolio: Attach an up-to-date, organized PDF with recent works, technical details, and direct contact information.


Sending only social media links or a message without a complete presentation may come across as hasty and unprofessional. A well-crafted communication is essential for building a reliable image.


Choosing the Right Gallery

A common mistake among emerging artists is sending proposals without considering the gallery’s specific identity, often leading to the message being overlooked. Every gallery has its unique focus, oriented toward specific artists, types of work, or price ranges. To increase your chances of success, research the gallery’s catalog to check for consistency with your own style and works. A targeted, contextually relevant request is often more effective than a generic approach.


Digital Etiquette and Respecting Time

Professional contact requires care and respect for the recipient’s time. Sending only social media links or informal messages is not an optimal strategy. Conversely, providing a concise and well-organized portfolio can simplify the recipient’s work and create a positive impression.


Art World Professionals and Their Key Roles

The art world comprises numerous professionals, each with specific roles and expertise. Understanding these roles and their functions helps emerging artists navigate the sector and identify suitable contacts.


Key Professional Roles in the Art World:


Gallerist: Selects, promotes, and sells artworks, representing the artist.

Art Dealer: An independent art merchant who mediates between artists and private collectors, often working outside traditional galleries.

Art Advisor: A consultant who guides collectors toward art investments, without directly representing the artist but with a useful network of contacts.

Curator: Organizes exhibitions and arranges the display of works, aiming to highlight the artist’s work within the exhibition’s context.

Art Critic: Analyzes and interprets works and artists, publishing reviews in magazines, online platforms, or newspapers. Reviews in reputable outlets can significantly increase visibility.

Editor: Oversees art magazine and catalog publications. Collaborating with an editor helps build a public presence and improve visibility.

Art Director: Works in museums, institutions, or major events, selecting artists for biennials or fairs, offering significant exposure opportunities.

Art PR Specialist: A public relations expert who builds connections between artists, media, and collectors, facilitating the artist’s international promotion. Fair and Biennale Director: Selects artists and galleries for international events, offering valuable visibility for emerging artists. Non-Profit Space or Artist Residency

Manager: Manages residencies and spaces that provide research opportunities without commercial pressure.

Exhibition Designer: Designs exhibition spaces, collaborating with curators and artists to optimize the public’s experience.

Art Social Media Manager: Manages the artist’s online presence, boosting visibility on social media and helping to build a network.

Art Influencer and Art Blogger: Share content about artists and can expand an artist’s visibility, particularly among younger collectors.

Cultural Project Manager: Organizes artistic events and projects for institutions, associations, and foundations, opening up collaboration opportunities for artists.

Art Archivist or Documentalist: Manages the archiving and documentation of artworks, crucial for artists who want a professional archive.

E-commerce Art Specialist: Manages the online sale of works, helping the artist establish a well-structured digital presence.

Art Legal Consultant: Assists artists on matters related to copyright, contracts, and licensing, ensuring legal protections and mitigating risks.



Growth in the art world is a gradual process that requires time and attention; impulsive, unstructured contacts risk damaging an artist’s reputation. Taking care with all aspects of communication and contact management is essential to building enduring professional relationships.



Final Thoughts

Making a proper introduction to galleries and art professionals is a crucial step for emerging artists. Investing in building a professional image and respecting industry dynamics can make all the difference. Understanding the roles of various professionals and carefully selecting contacts allows artists to highlight their work and build valuable, lasting connections.


Hey artist friends and readers,

catch you next time!

Vittoria


This article is featured in our magazine Vol. 11. Read and purchase here. This publication serves to showcase our work as art advisors and talent scouts within the contemporary art field. Interested in joining our project? Entry is exclusively through our challenge selection process. Apply here.


No part of this blog may be used by anyone for any purpose without the authorization of NNC Gallery London Project for non-European countries and of V WORLD ITALY photography, art, marketing, and consulting for Europe. Any unauthorized use will be pursued by law.

Digital Etiquette and Respecting Time

Digital Etiquette and Respecting Time

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