You know that feeling when you split a bill with friends and somehow end up paying way more than what you ordered? That’s how a lot of artists feel when they first see a gallery’s commission rate. Fifty percent , sometimes more , can sound like daylight robbery when you’re the one who spent months creating the work. But that number isn’t random, and understanding where it comes from changes everything about how you approach it. Gallery commissions are less about greed and more about systems. Rent, staff, marketing, shipping, openings…
They say the smartest artists don’t just apply, they study. And not in an academic sense, but in a deeply practical one. They look at who’s behind the decisions before they ever hit submit. That single habit can turn what feels like a guessing game into a strategy that actually works. Most artists treat applications like sealed envelopes , send, wait, hope. But if you’ve ever wondered why some artists seem to get shortlisted again and again, it’s rarely luck. They’re reading between the lines. They notice who’s on the jury,…
Most artists assume residencies are decided by the strength of their portfolio. And in a way, that’s true your work gets you through the first door. But once you’re inside, the conversation changes. Selection panels rarely debate whether someone can paint, sculpt, or conceptualize well. What they discuss instead are the subtler things that don’t always show up on a slide deck: clarity of thought, curiosity, adaptability, and whether your proposal feels grounded enough to actually come to life. Panels receive hundreds of strong applications, and by the time they sit…
Have you ever wondered, “When do they actually decide who gets in?” You submit your work, wait a few weeks, then a few more, checking your inbox like it’s part of your daily routine. Most artists don’t realize curators are running on a completely different clock , one that rarely matches your creative rhythm. The exhibition world moves like an academic calendar, but no one hands you the syllabus. Some curators plan a full year ahead, while others work in short, intense bursts tied to funding cycles or venue availability. By…
If you’ve ever tried explaining your art practice in an email and felt it came out all wrong, you already know why a press kit matters. It’s not about being fancy or looking “professional,” it’s about helping people understand your work without making them dig for it. A good press kit isn’t something you make once you’re established, it’s something that helps you get established. It’s what makes it easier for curators, editors, or collaborators to say yes because they can actually see who you are, what you make, and where…
You ever notice how sometimes you spend an hour crafting the perfect Instagram post , picking just the right filter, writing a caption that feels casual but deep, tagging every possible account , and then… 74 likes. No new inquiries. No new collectors. Just a few fire emojis from other artists who also know the grind. It’s not that your art isn’t strong. It’s that the platform isn’t designed to hold it. Instagram is built to keep people scrolling, not stopping. And your work? It deserves a place where people actually…
Get a sneak peek at the latest Birds submissions, a collection where creativity takes flight. Artists across the globe explore the delicate balance of strength and vulnerability in birds, translating it into brushstrokes, lens captures, and sculpted forms. Together, these works open new windows of perspective, inspiring and captivating with every detail.
Take a closer look at the recent Birds submissions, where artists from around the world explore the beauty, freedom, and fragility of birds. Each piece reflects a unique perspective whether through painting, photography, or sculpture showcasing movement, emotion, and imagination in ways that inspire and captivate.
What do birds mean to you? Are they symbols of freedom, fragile companions, or messengers between worlds? Our international bird-themed exhibition invites artists to explore these questions — and the submissions we’ve received so far are breathtaking. From quiet moments of a single perched bird to sweeping visions of migration across continents, each artwork tells a story of memory, longing, resilience, and hope. Together, they form a living archive — wings of color, form, and emotion that remind us how birds connect us to the sky, to each other, and to…
When you hear the phrase “artist bio,” it might sound like one of those formal, box-checking tasks that galleries or websites make you submit. But in reality, your bio is often the very first doorway through which people encounter your art. Before someone dives into your portfolio or takes the time to stand in front of your work, they usually glance at the words you’ve written about yourself. This small paragraph can either intrigue them or make them scroll past. That is why treating it as an afterthought sells your work…
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