How to Start and Run a Commercial Art Gallery

by Edward Winkleman, Patton Hindle

“A comprehensive guide.” —Artspace.

“Whether you are new to the business or a seasoned gallerist, it is always wise to remember the essentials.” —Leigh Conner, director, Conner Contemporary Art

Aspiring and new art gallery owners can find everything they need to plan and operate a successful art gallery with How to Start and Run a Commercial Art Gallery. This new edition has been updated to mark the changes in market and technology over the past decade. Edward Winkleman and Patton Hindle draw on their years of experience to explain step by step how to start your new venture. From finding the ideal locale and renovating the space to writing business plans and securing start-up capital, this helpful guide has it all. Chapters detail how to:

Manage cash flow
Grow your new business
Hire and manage staff
Attract and retain artists and clients
Represent your artists
Promote your gallery and artists online
Select the right art fair
And more

How to Start and Run a Commercial Art Gallery, Second Edition, also includes sample forms, helpful tips from veteran collectors and dealers, a large section on art fairs, and a directory of art dealer associations.

Genres: Art, Business

304 pages, Paperback

Published November 13, 2018

Reviews

[Stephen]

I recently became interested in art collecting, and because I like to understand everything about my hobbies, I wanted to know the details about how art galleries worked. When researching, I found many references to Edward Winkleman as an art dealer who likes to share what he knows about the art world (see his blog at http://www.edwardwinkleman.com/). So I picked up this book.

I found the book extremely accessible and easy to read. Winkleman provides good beginner-level insight into the world of art dealing, and advice that could be used by anyone interested in starting a new business.

[Yevgeny Frolov]

A well written, practical overview and a guide with additional personal insight from interviews of artists, gallery owners, collectors.

Well worth to read before writing an art gallery business plan or invest in one or work with one.

[Brock Mclaughlin]

As someone on the verge of opening a large gallery in Toronto this book was incredibly beneficial.
Outdated in parts (mostly around the use of the internet and current landscape) but not enough to deter from the heavy amount of information in here.
This will live on my desk. A must have.

[Allison]

Useful for anyone interesting in knowing the nuts and bolts of opening and running a gallery but too dull for anyone with a passing interest or advanced experience in the topic.

[Kathleen Messmer]

This book paints a relatively concise picture of what it’s like to open your own art gallery. Straight forward talk right from the horses mouth.

[Jonathan Goodman]

Excellent Resource

This is an excellent book for anyone thinking of opening a gallery. It explains many pitfalls and how to avoid them.

[Erin]

Fantastic , so much valuable information, even if your not looking to open a gallery

[George]

Valuable insights and advice for those who want to set up an art gallery, especially in USA. As an European I feel there are certain differences in contexts and practices that would need being addressed to. Nevertheless, 80% of the book applies to most circumstances, hence my 4-stars rating.

[Gary Daugherty]

Very practical and realistic advice about the challenges of starting
an Art Gallery business.