Toronto artist-run galleries and L'Original: apply to sell with the reputation of the galleries
Toronto's artist-run galleries, notably around Queen West, are held by their artist members, who fund the space and keep it running. L'Original adds a sales channel: 62% of every sale goes to the artist, with no exclusivity and logistics handled for you.
No commitment · No exclusivity
L'Original is neither affiliated with nor a partner of Toronto artist-run galleries. This page compares two options for artists.
- Artsy listing included
- Two physical galleries
- We pitch, you paint
What to know about Toronto artist-run galleries
- Membership structures: members contribute financially and take part in running the space.
- Peer selection, with periodic calls rather than open applications.
- Members often cover gallery shifts and install the exhibitions.
Artist-run galleries rest on a sound idea: rather than waiting to be chosen, artists pool a space and choose each other. The price is time, in shifts, meetings and installs. L'Original rests on the same openness of access without the collective load: a monthly contribution of $8 or $22, no shifts, logistics handled, and a presence on Artsy alongside the two galleries.
Create.
We handle the rest.
2/3 of artists sell internationally from their first year.
2/3 of artists sell internationally from their first year.
Presence on Artsy
Your works listed on Artsy, the largest online art platform in the world. Your works reach active international collectors without any extra effort on your part. The world's leading platform for collectors.
They talk about us
Showing your image across a vast network of media and collectors.
Two physical anchors for a worldwide audience.
Saint-Denis Gallery
4455 Rue Saint-Denis
Saint-Paul Gallery
163 Rue Saint-Paul Ouest
Saint-Denis Gallery
4455 Rue Saint-Denis
Two structures, two functions
| Criterion | Toronto artist-run galleries | L'Original |
|---|---|---|
| Roots in the local scene | An established Toronto artist community | Two galleries in Montréal |
| Time asked of the artist | Shifts, meetings, installs | None |
| Access | Periodic calls, peer selection | Applications always open |
| International reach | Local | Artsy |
Get started quickly.
The steps
Submit your application
Show us what you do. The form takes only 2 minutes.
Our committee evaluates you
Your file is read carefully by our team. We reply quickly.
Your works go live and into the gallery
You join our artist community, on the web and in physical space.
Selection criteria
Straight and well-lit photos
Clean images are the first impression you leave on collectors. Take the time to frame them well.
Prices above $1 per square inch
We work with artists who value their work. A consistent price is good for you and for the whole community.
The same on your platforms and ours
Your universe must be recognizable and consistent, here as elsewhere.
Reach collectors online and in two physical galleries
- You keep 62%, set your own prices
- Listed on L'Original + Artsy
- Shown on screens in both galleries
No guaranteed sales can be promised
Exposure on professional platforms increases visibility
Sales depend on artwork quality, pricing, and consistency
Strong profiles generally perform well in 2/3 cases
Artists receive 62% of each sale
The gallery retains 38%
You don't handle logistics. We take care of all the paperwork: you simply pack your artwork, and we come to pick it up.
The price shown online includes the average shipping cost, which we add on top so collectors see an all-inclusive price.
The price you submit must be the same as on your other sales channels, and it already includes our commission.
$8/month plan includes same benefits as $22/month plan
$8/month requires a dedicated page on your personal website
Subscription is monthly or yearly
You can cancel after the billing period ends
Only original physical artworks are accepted
Prints and digital reproductions are not allowed
Artist Partnership Program
- Exposure in our online gallery via our website
- Access to a personal account on L'Original platform
- Access to Artsy, an international artist and collector platform
- Physical galleries are reserved for established artists
- Your works will be exhibited online via L'Original and Artsy
- Screen displays in galleries show online artworks to visitors
- Physical exhibition possible if online performance is strong
- Minimum price: $1 per square inch
- Artists are free to set their own prices above this threshold
- You can register as a mural artist after joining the platform
- No in-person meeting is required
- Everything can be done via messages (DMs or online communication)
- Artists apply from anywhere in the world; visiting a gallery is optional:
- 163 rue Saint-Paul (Old Port)
- 4455 rue Saint-Denis (Plateau)
- High-quality, well-lit artwork photos
- Pricing above $1 per square inch
- Consistent artistic universe across platforms
- You choose which artworks to list
- All criteria are available on the official page:
- https://www.loriginal.org/en/join-as-artist
Toronto artist-run galleries and L'Original
- An artist-run gallery or L'Original: what is the difference?
- Both rest on a contribution rather than a closed roster. An artist-run gallery also asks for time, shifts and a share of the running. L'Original asks for none of that and adds a presence on Artsy and full logistics. L'Original is a Montréal gallery and studio representing more than 738 artists, with two physical addresses in Montréal and a presence on Artsy.
- Do you have to cover gallery shifts at L'Original?
- No. The gallery staffs its two addresses with its own team. The artist has no shifts and no meetings. L'Original is neither affiliated with nor a partner of Toronto artist-run galleries. This page compares two options for artists.
- Can you be a collective member and represented by L'Original?
- Yes. No exclusivity is required, provided prices are identical across channels.
- Can a Toronto artist be represented in Montréal?
- Yes, there is no residency criterion, and the gallery handles logistics.
Your artworks
deserve to be seen.
Join a community of artists who exhibit, sell, and grow.