Selling fine art: from
studio to exhibition
By Robin Clare
Robin Clare July 2009 Enterprise Centre for the Creative Arts
University of the Arts

Selling fine art: from studio to
exhibition
1. Setting up your practice
2. Getting a portfolio together and approaching galleries
3. My experience of Exhibiting
4. Helpful Resources
Robin Clare July 2009 Enterprise Centre for the Creative Arts
University of the Arts

1. Setting up your practice
• Where does your work fit
• What are your goals
• Self motivated, proactive and thick skinned
• It’s a proper job, get some sort of routine going
• Learn to Budget
• Make use of all your time
• Invest in good materials
• Create a studio space
• Self Employment
Robin Clare July 2009 Enterprise Centre for the Creative Arts
University of the Arts

Getting a portfolio together
and approaching galleries
• Invest in a good camera
• Portfolio Package
• Website
• Online Profile
• Business Cards
Robin Clare July 2009 Enterprise Centre for the Creative Arts
University of the Arts

Getting a portfolio together
and approaching galleries (cont’d)
• Venues
• Approaching Galleries
• A submission
– 6 to 10 images
– Statement
– CV
Robin Clare July 2009 Enterprise Centre for the Creative Arts
University of the Arts

A quick practical list
• Where is it?
• What will the over all expense be?
• How will my practice benefit from the experience?
Robin Clare July 2009 Enterprise Centre for the Creative Arts
University of the Arts

My experience of Exhibiting:
Group Shows
• Form connections
• Good for plumping out CV
• If organizing show yourself remember to plan
ahead
Robin Clare July 2009 Enterprise Centre for the Creative Arts
University of the Arts

My experience of Exhibiting:
Solo Shows
• Promotion is key to success
• Have your own mailing list
• Have business cards and postcards to hand
• Have a Press package ready
Robin Clare July 2009 Enterprise Centre for the Creative Arts
University of the Arts

My experience of Exhibiting
• Festivals and Big Events
• Residencies
• Competitions
Robin Clare July 2009 Enterprise Centre for the Creative Arts
University of the Arts

Some general advice on
showing within the gallery
system:
• If work has sold gallery will be willing to show it again
• Keep in touch with galleries/curators
• Don’t rely on email or post for communication
• Invigilating is a great way to see who is looking at
what
• Group shows, residencies and festivals are great
opportunities to make connections
• Exhibiting Fees
Robin Clare July 2009 Enterprise Centre for the Creative Arts
University of the Arts

Pricing
• Take gallery commission into consideration
• Develop a price model
• Start off with down to earth expectations
• Keep uniform pricing respective of commission
• Don’t under price your work just to make money
• Talk to other artists
• Ask gallery owners and curators for advice
Robin Clare July 2009 Enterprise Centre for the Creative Arts
University of the Arts

Public art projects
• Hard work but very rewarding
• Many calls for public work on varied scales
• How to get a look in
• Offer assistance to artists who are working on
large scale projects
• Funding Sources
Robin Clare July 2009 Enterprise Centre for the Creative Arts
University of the Arts

Resources
• A-N Magazine
• Axis
• Artquest
• Arts Council
Robin Clare July 2009 Enterprise Centre for the Creative Arts
University of the Arts

Other useful resources:
• Creative Capital
• Local Artist Led groups
• Alumni organisation
Robin Clare July 2009 Enterprise Centre for the Creative Arts
University of the Arts