professional practice

 Types of gallery's and exhibition opportunities  

- The types of gallery's:

- Art dealers - These represent artists and exhibit their work in either group or solo shows. They are incredibly influential, so much so that they pick and choose who they want to work with. The high end capitalist side of the art world. Places like The Gagosian, The Lisson Gallery etc...

- Commercial galleries - Sell work on behalf of the artists. Still quite the high end of art galleries but more approachable for upcoming artist. Places like Transition gallery 

- Hire spaces - Bookable spaces run by both artists and commercial organisations as artists pay to hire the space or pay a fee to be included in a gallery show. Good for establishing CV and gallery experience but not always the best for selling work. Places like the Surface gallery, Brick lane etc...

-Artist run galleries- These galleries are less about selling work and more about showing work. A good opportunity to gain credibility and experience. Can be run by both paid and volunteer workers. They can be hired for show and are approachable for upcoming artists. Places like Backlit, Bloc etc..

-Major collections- Funded by major donors, A good place to look at works but not approachable in getting work in them. Places like Guggenheim, Tate galleries etc...

- Regional flagship galleries - Showing work in places like these tend to be invite only decided by there team they are very big within communities and the public. Slightly approachable for holding workshops and such. A good place for artists to work. Places like Nottingham contemporary 

-Main regional Galleries and Museums- Either run by trusts or publicly funded by local councils and such. They have main collections of art but also sometimes have gallery shows. A good place for artists to work. Places like Nottingham castle 

-Arts centres- Multipurpose places that tend to be very flexible in the type of work they show. Not really a place to sell work but good for audience outreach. Places like BAC London

-University galleries- These show curated public exhibitions. They provide a cultural focus for the institution and its community. These again are not really a place for selling work but do hold credibility for upcoming artists. More conservative in what's shown. Places like lakeside gallery, Bonington gallery etc...

-Pubs, Cafe's, Library's - Good starter places and good for the odd sale. 

-Open studios - Organised events to open up workspaces to visitors. Good for public outreach

-DIY venues and pop up shows - You can sometimes use empty shops and spaces to take over for an exhibition. People like DIY culture and can be good for some to kickstart careers but you have to be aware of the economics. 

Wider Artist opportunities 

- Artist residency's-  An artist residency is a kind of artists retreat to gather ideas, inspiration and create. You often go stay somewhere or get the use of a space for free. These are sometimes theme based. They can be very beneficial but its important to ask many questions and be sure on all the details. Residency  opportunity's can be found on the Trans art website. 

-Arts development agencies- The bridge between artists and society. They use artists and art in a way that will benefit the local communities and bring good opportunities. These places often have a gallery, run different projects and workshops. Emphasise creative expression and wellbeing. Places like City Arts in Nottingham.