How to start an art gallery.

When I had the opportunity to open an art gallery, I had no idea of what to do, and I soon found out there was nobody to teach me. 

But here is what I have learned in the past couple of years.

Your mission statement, your business plan, who you expect your customers to be, long term goals are of course good things to have in mind, but also consider these things. 

No two galleries are the same. Each is distinctive. Don’t try to make yours like anyone else’s. Be yourself. 

Do your business right. Make sure you are financially stable enough to handle it. Be responsible to the public and to the artists. Be trustworthy and on good terms with them. Build relationships in the art community and with your frequent visitors. Don’t procrastinate with anything. 

Don’t be overcome by emotions. Don’t take anything personally. 

Have enough knowledge to be able to answer any question about the art and the artist. 

Think of the gallery as your work of art. It must be balanced and cohesive like any single artwork. 

Be pleased when someone comes in to look. You are educating them. 

Don’t fall for money spending traps. There is a lot of promoting you can do that costs nothing. 

Keep things as simple as possible. There is always extra stuff to figure out. 

Get help/advisors because we do not know everything. But don’t let them take away your vision. 

You be you.