Gallery Ready & Exhibition Representation Short Course

About the Open Call

Course Details These four sessions will offer you a systematic approach to becoming Gallery Ready and securing exhibition representation. Whether you are an artist looking to secure your first gallery partner or an experienced artist aiming to expand your reach, the course offers step-by-step instructions to help you stay consistent and deepen your knowledge of making representation a reality. Course Dates: 2nd and 9th September 2025 Format: Online Guest Speaker Tabish Khan is an art critic, writer, speaker, podcaster, and curator who passionately believes in making art accessible to everyone. He visits and writes about hundreds of exhibitions a year, covering everything from the major blockbusters to the emerging art scene, both in London and beyond. He writes regularly for Londonist and FAD and has written for Artsy, Elephant, Stir World, and the New York Observer. He is co-host of the podcast The Good, The Bad and The Arty and has judged many prizes. Tabish is a trustee of the prestigious City & Guilds London Art School and Discerning Eye, which hosts an annual exhibition featuring hundreds of works. He is also an honorary trustee of ArtCan, a non-profit arts organisation that supports artists through profile-raising activities and exhibitions, and a critical friend of UP projects that brings contemporary art to public spaces. Curriculum: Session 1: Introduction to Gallery Ready & Exhibition Representation Understanding representation & how the art market works Approaching galleries and agents Navigating submission policies Session 2: A Stand-Out Artist Portfolio Curating your art portfolio for specific audiences Incorporating themes and narratives – from idea to reality Selecting and arranging artworks Session 3: Strategies for Securing Representation How to pitch to galleries and agents Open submission applications Insights and case studies from art professionals Session 4: Putting Theory into Practice Contracts, negotiations and obligations Building your partnerships Gallery Ready checklist Course Description This short course will shed light on navigating the art world with a systematic approach to working with art agents and galleries. Learning the art of being ‘Gallery Ready’ is a central step for visual artists seeking to secure representation. Whether you are an emerging artist seeking your first gallery exhibition or an established artist looking to expand your reach, this course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to connect with gallerists, agents, and publishers. Explore the intricacies of effective representation and gain insights into successful pitching strategies. The journey to securing representation can often feel overwhelming, with questions ranging from ‘How will I find the right gallery or agent?’ to ‘How do I stand out amidst a sea of talented artists?’ Understanding the ‘Gallery Ready’ process and acquiring new techniques will enable you to become more agile and skilled in gaining the right representation. The course will empower you with the knowledge and tactics used by leading artists, through a unique blend of expert interviews, case studies, and practical advice. Throughout the course, we share the entire Gallery Ready process, from creating a strong portfolio, finding the right gallery, branding, negotiating agreements, legalities, pitches and beyond.

What is Offered

Comprehensive knowledge of Gallery Ready techniques Practical insights into exhibition representation Skills in designing captivating portfolios Networking opportunities with art experts, artists, and gallerists. Includes practical and insightful sessions led by industry experts, a comprehensive PDF guide, lesson recordings, real-time Q&A with tutor, and a Certificate of Completion (with 80% attendance).

Requirements

No previous experience is required, but some note-taking is recommended. This course will be of interest to followers of art and any creative practitioners keen to expand their perspective on becoming Gallery Ready and developing commercial relationships with gallerists and agents.

How to Apply

To access Member Only tickets, VAA Members must be logged into their member accounts. To log in to your account, visit this Login Page. Your member login will be the email address you used to sign up to your membership, and the password that you set. If you are having trouble logging in, get in touch at memberships@visual-artists.org For questions about the event, please reach out to events@visual-artists.org Clicking "Get Tickets" will allow you to edit any existing attendee information as well as change ticket quantities.