Choosing a gallery: 7 criteria before signing in 2026

I saw an artist sign with an unserious gallery in 2021 out of enthusiasm. After 12 months: only 1 group exhibition, no sales, nonexistent communication, payment delays on the few artworks sold. Getting out of the contract took 8 months of negotiation and $1,200 in legal costs.

A good gallery accelerates your career by 3-5 years. A bad gallery slows or blocks it. Choose rigorously.

A serious gallery typically has:

• Existence for a minimum of 3-5 years (pop-up galleries often close quickly).
• Permanent physical address (not just a temporary showroom).
• Presence in the art world (publications, events, network).
• Professionally recognized gallerist.
• No history of disputes with artists (check via network).

Verification: thorough Google search, consulting other artists in the field, RAAV database.

Look at the gallery's complete roster:

• Number of represented artists (10-30 typical for a serious gallery, above = focus problem).
• Diversity or coherence of the roster.
• Trajectory of the represented artists (have they progressed? exhibited in museums? established rating?).
• Profile compatible with yours (emerging, intermediate, established).

If all represented artists have stagnated for 5 years, the gallery brings nothing.

Standards in Quebec 2026:

• Commission: 40-50% of the sale price before taxes (North American standard).
• Payment delay after sale: 30-60 days typical (negotiable to 14 days).
• Percentage of inventory in simultaneous consignment: typically 5-15 works.
• Registration fees: $0 (serious gallery). If asked to pay to enter, run.
• Group exhibition fees: $0 or symbolic. Above $500/group expo, suspect.

See how to invoice and declare on consignment.

An active gallery typically organizes:

• 6-12 exhibitions per year (rotation of represented artists).
• At least 1 solo exhibition per year for its main artists.
• Participation in 2-4 art fairs per year.
• Well-organized openings (50-150 visitors, polished communication).

A gallery doing 2 exhibitions a year is not a real gallery.

Check:

• Fairs the gallery regularly participates in (Papier, Plural, Art Toronto).
• Fair participation cost for artists (gallery covers it or bills artist).
• Media coverage of gallery events.
• Programming of conferences, openings, special events.

A gallery that participates in no fairs and organizes no community events is likely marginal in the field.

Evaluation:

• Professional, up-to-date website.
• Active Instagram presence (weekly posts).
• Regular newsletter to collector list.
• Regular press releases.
• Professional photographs of represented works.

If the gallery's website is poorly designed or outdated, it's a red flag regarding their professionalism.

Underestimated but critical criterion. You will work with this person for a minimum of 2-5 years. Check:

• Clear and respectful pre-contract communication.
• Shared artistic vision (does the gallerist understand your approach?).
• Availability (responds in 24-48h or disappears for 3 weeks?).
• Aligned commercial approach (pushy on sales vs respect for creation time?).

Ask 2-3 represented artists to tell you about their personal experience with the gallerist. It's revealing.

• Red flag 1, 'Pay to exhibit'. A serious gallery never requires entry fees. Run immediately.
• Red flag 2, worldwide exclusive contract. You become the gallery's property globally. Unacceptable. Limited geographic exclusivity is OK.
• Red flag 3, refusal to share references. A serious gallery puts you in touch with its artists for testimonials. Refusal = red flag.
• Red flag 4, pressure to sign quickly. 'Decide this week or you lose the opportunity'. High-pressure sales tactic, run.