I only have my own experience to speak on, with this. Every gallery/space is different, but when I was Exhibition Chair for a local art gallery, these were the things that we expected and what we provided, in return. I have shown at other galleries/venues and while some of their stipulations were a little different, there were some commonalities across the board.
Sometimes, I recruited talent, but sometimes talent came to our door. If I (and the rest of the board) felt that the artist and their art were a good match for our gallery, I gave them a contract. In that contract, it laid out how much percentage the gallery would take off of any sales and what our stipulations were, etc.
Artists would be expected to provide a minimum set number of pieces for their show. At the time I was Exhibition Chair, that number was 12. The art was to be brought in ready-to-hang/install. What that meant was that nothing would have to be done by the gallery in order to prepare the work - all of the work was completed and 100% ready to show. Artists could provide their own small cards with piece info on them (Title, Medium, & Price) or could request that the gallery print them.
Artists were also to provide the gallery with a bio. This bio would be used in press releases and made available, on display, at the show. The artist and I would work out a day/time approximately a week before the show in which they would bring their work to be hung/installed. They could stay and help hang the show, or leave and we would hang it for them.
On opening night, we provided refreshments and served patrons while the artist was free to mingle. After their show had hung for the set time (usually 1 month), the artist would return to pick up their art and we would help them get it taken down and loaded up.
All in all, art shows are a lot of work. But, they're also a lot of fun! :) They give the patrons a chance to meet the artist and the artist gets a chance to see firsthand reactions to their artwork and answer any questions that come up. I'm always surprised at the things that people want to know about my art. How long it took is usually the number one question. :)
If you're considering having an art show, but you don't know where to start or who to ask, just call up your local gallery! If you've tried that (or there's not one in your area), call around to local mom-and-pop shops, like coffee shops, bookstores, and restaurants. Enter your art in the county fair, join an art walk, or display your work at a local arts and crafts fair. Wherever you can display your art will help you build your artist's resume which will, in turn, help get your name out there and get your work into a gallery. If you know a more experienced/well-known artist, sometimes doing a group exhibition with them will help you get your foot in the door. My first exhibition, for example, was with my dad at a small town library's art gallery. :) Most importantly, no matter what, keep creating!! You can't have a show if you don't have any work and you can't have any work if you don't practice! So, pick up those pencils and brushes and get started!! :)
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