I had the opportunity to chat with Alyson Stanfield of Art Biz Success about the artist-gallery relationship. Alyson has worked with thousands of artists over the past 20+ years, helping them clarify their voice, refine their systems, and grow thriving art businesses around their art. She speaks with many artist about their relationships with their gallerists and those who want to pursue gallery representation for the first time.
When an artist entrusts their work to your gallery, they’re sharing something deeply personal. They hope for thoughtful representation, clear communication, and a commitment to selling their art with care. But trust doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built through mutual respect and consistent collaboration.
In this discussion, Alyson and I talk about:
- The importance of the “dating period” before formal representation.
- How to establish regular communication routines that strengthen partnerships.
- Common missteps that erode trust and how to avoid them.
- The value of post-show reviews in maintaining strong artist-gallery relationships.
- What artists wish galleries understood about their creative process and goals.
- How shifts in the art market, driven by younger collectors, are reshaping gallery-artist dynamics.
This isn’t just about resolving conflicts—it’s about creating partnerships that thrive from the start. With clear expectations, shared goals, and open communication, galleries and artists can collaborate in ways that elevate both their careers. Whether you’re onboarding a new artist, reevaluating an existing relationship, or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers actionable strategies to strengthen your partnerships.
Leave a comment below to share how you foster trust with your artists and what challenges you had to overcome to ensure a strong working relationship.
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