How to Start and Run a Commercial Art Gallery

by Edward Winkleman

Aspiring and new art gallery owners can now find everything they need to plan and operate a successful art gallery in this comprehensive volume. Edward Winkleman draws on his years of experience to explain step by step how to start your new venture. Chapters detail how — write a business plan — find start-up capital — find your ideal locale — renovate the space — manage cash flow — promote and grow your new business — attract and retain artists and clients — hire and manage staff — represent your artists. How to Start and Run a Commercial Art Gallery also includes sample forms, helpful tips from veteran collectors, a large section on art fairs, and a directory of art dealers associations.

Allworth Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, publishes a broad range of books on the visual and performing arts, with emphasis on the business of art. Our titles cover subjects such as graphic design, theater, branding, fine art, photography, interior design, writing, acting, film, how to start careers, business and legal forms, business practices, and more. While we don't aspire to publish a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are deeply committed to quality books that help creative professionals succeed and thrive. We often publish in areas overlooked by other publishers and welcome the author whose expertise can help our audience of readers.

Genres: Art, Business

256 pages, Paperback

First published July 14, 2009

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Resource

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

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.