Last Updated on February 13, 2023 by Jassica Mendez
Miami’s art scene is one of the most dynamic ones in the whole country. If you’re one of the artists who chose Miami to kickstart their career, you’ve made the right pick. Every aspiring artist wants to be able to display their work. Luckily, if there’s one thing Miami doesn’t lack, it’s art galleries. However, getting a gallery to show your art might not always be straightforward. If you’re wondering how to get your art into a gallery in Miami, we’ve got you. Read into our list of tips, and your art will be hanging on display in no time.
Put together a good portfolio
When trying to get your art into a gallery in Miami, the first thing you need to think about is your portfolio. If you’re new to the art scene, you need to show the right people what your art is about and do it right. Curating it carefully to show the best side of your work is vital.
Apart from a physical portfolio of your work, making an online one is a great option. This makes it more accessible to anyone interested, so you’ll be able to reach a wider audience. However, make sure that your webpage represents both your and your artwork’s essence.
Choose the right gallery for your work
Miami has tons of galleries to choose from. Some of them are small, indie places, while others are world-famous national galleries. Always consider whether your styles match when choosing the gallery to pitch your work to. Contacting galleries that match your vibe will increase your chances of showing your art in Miami.
Another thing to consider is how well-known you are. Although upscale galleries occasionally accept lesser-known artists, it’s more probable that you’ll need to make a name for yourself before being able to display your work there.
If you’re just starting out, we suggest trying your luck with the smaller, more alternative places. There’s a better chance they’ll show your art, and all that’s left is finding a team to bring your pieces to the gallery. Make sure these experts can handle your art pieces, and you’re all set! Plus, there’s a good chance you’ll meet many other aspiring artists in smaller galleries, and that’s always nice.
Make connections in the artist community
Getting involved in the art community is your first step towards becoming a represented Miami artist. If gallery owners are entirely unfamiliar with you and your work, you may have a more challenging time starting out. In that case, having someone who can put out a good word for you can be a game-changer. Luckily, meeting fellow artists isn’t hard at all. One of the easiest ways to connect with people in the art community is by joining a coworking art studio. There are plenty of those in Miami, and creating in such an environment will allow you to bond with others over your work. Also, you can always invite your fellow artists out to drinks or dinner. Not only will you make connections, but you’ll be able to learn many new things and expand your horizons.
Once you choose a gallery, make sure everyone knows you there
Knowing the right people pays off when you’re looking to get your art into a gallery in Miami. Once you’ve chosen the gallery you want to display your work in, try to spend as much time as possible there. Visit their exhibitions frequently, and try getting acquainted with the director and even the owner. You’re much more likely to successfully pitch your art if you’re a familiar face and they know something about you already.
When you do get the chance to display your art in a gallery, being familiar with everyone can be very helpful. People who have worked there for a while can give you many helpful insights. For example, if your work is fragile or old, you’ll appreciate recommendations for finding a moving team that pays special attention and care to details. Making connections, in general, is a good practice, so don’t skip it.
Be vocal about your work
Some people prefer letting your art speak for itself. However, this might not be the best practice when you’re trying to get a place in a gallery. One of the best ways to sell your idea to a gallery is to be vocal about your work. Share your thought process, feelings, and what your art represents when talking to people. They will appreciate it much more than you trying to be mysterious. Establishing this type of engagement is often enough for gallerists to consider displaying your art.
This also can be used for making connections, which we’ve highlighted as one of the most important aspects of succeeding in an art scene. Artists love talking about their process, so speaking about your work will help you bond with new people. If you have a chance to discuss your art, always take it with both hands.
Lastly, don’t give up!
One of the sad truths of being an artist is that you’re most likely going to be rejected at some point. As frustrating and discouraging as it may be, it’s imperative not to give up when you get rejected. Instead, try to learn from it.
Consider why exactly you think you’ve been rejected, and be realistic while you do it. Identifying your mistakes is the best way to prevent them from happening again. Then, make changes to things that didn’t work. If you didn’t choose the right gallery, choose the one that matches your work better. Or, if your portfolio was lacking content, try to curate it better. Doing this will significantly improve your chances of scoring a place in an art gallery next time.
Conclusion
Miami is a dream city for many aspiring artists, and there’s a good reason for that. A dynamic art scene, exciting people, and plenty of art spaces make it perfect for all creative souls. Of course, displaying art is one of the most important parts of the whole process. It may seem challenging to get your art into a gallery in Miami, but it’s not impossible. You should give it a shot, and who knows what your artistic future holds for you.
