Do Galleries Sell Art?

How Galleries Operate

• Galleries sell art on a commission basis, usually taking 50%.
• Galleries may also take commissions between 10 to 50% on artworks sold.
• When an artist is represented by a gallery, they have to pay a part of the profit as commission for every sold artwork.
• If you are an independent artist, the entire amount comes to you.

Services Offered by Galleries

• Galleries can offer services like installation, advice about art as investment, and help to choose art for homes or offices.
• Galleries also provide services in buying and selling in the secondary art market.

Gallery Commission Structure

• Most galleries take around 50% commission from pieces you sell.
• Some galleries take 40%, but rarely more than 50%.
• Dealers typically sell art directly to buyers, with exhibitions held at gallery spaces.
• Art lovers and collectors purchase the art, with dealers taking 30% to 60% of the profits.

Selling Art Online

• The best places to sell artwork online are Etsy and Amazon.
• UGallery carefully curates its selection of art to appeal to art enthusiasts and collectors.
• UGallery has a highly selective application process.

Artists and Gallery Income

• Artists can earn income from galleries through sales commissions, monthly payments, and fees for services.
• However, most galleries take around a 50% commission on pieces sold.

Gallery Expenses and Revenue

• The revenue from commissions goes towards the gallery’s expenses like rent, staff wages, and marketing.
• The profit margin for galleries is approximately 6.5 percent on average.
• Galleries also earn income beyond commissions, like government funding and grants.
• After paying artists, rent is a gallery’s largest expense.

Exhibiting Art and Group Shows

• To get art exhibited in a gallery, research galleries, prepare a portfolio, draft submissions, and follow up.
• Galleries also offer space to a group of artists creating work based on a common theme to share risk across multiple artists.

Buying Art from Galleries

• Galleries sell art on commission, usually taking 50%.
• Galleries take 10 to 50% commission on sold artworks.
• Galleries offer services like installation and buying and selling in the secondary market.