Growthink logo white

Art Gallery Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Growthink.com Art Gallery Business Plan Template

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their art galleries. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through an art gallery business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What Is a Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your art gallery as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan

If you’re looking to start an art gallery or grow your existing art gallery you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your art gallery in order to improve your chances of success. Your art gallery business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Art Galleries

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for an art gallery are personal savings, bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable. But they will want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

The second most common form of funding for an art gallery is angel investors. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding, or, like a bank, they will give you a loan. Venture capitalists will not fund an art gallery.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

Your business plan should include 10 sections as follows:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of art gallery business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have an art gallery that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of art galleries.

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the art gallery industry. Discuss the type of art gallery you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of art gallery you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types:

  • Commercial Gallery : this type of art gallery is a for-profit business in which collectors buy pieces of artwork on display so both the gallery and the artist get a cut of the revenue. These galleries typically curate selective shows based on what’s likely to sell. Some commercial galleries are public, and others are private (collectors must be members to purchase).
  • Artist-run Initiative : this type of art gallery is also known as a co-operative, involving a group of artists coming together to split the costs and responsibilities of running a gallery. These galleries typically use a rotational schedule, where artists may get a chance once every few months or years to show their creations.
  • Non-Profit Gallery : Non-profits receive their funding from grants and donations, and the commissions are typically much lower than in commercial galleries. These organizations can accept artists based on merit rather than clout.

In addition to explaining the type of art gallery you operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

  • When and why did you start the business?
  • What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include sales goals you’ve reached, new store openings, etc.
  • Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the art gallery business.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the art gallery industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy particularly if your research identifies market trends. For example, if there was a trend towards local art, it would be helpful to ensure your plan calls for plenty of pieces from local artists in the rotation.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your art gallery business plan:

  • How big is the art gallery business (in dollars)?
  • Is the market declining or increasing?
  • Who are the key competitors in the market?
  • Who are the key suppliers in the market?
  • What trends are affecting the industry?
  • What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
  • What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your art gallery. You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your art gallery business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: affluent millennials, serious collectors, baby boomers, etc.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of art gallery you operate. Clearly Millennials would want a different atmosphere, pricing and product options, and would respond to different marketing promotions than serious collectors.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most art galleries primarily serve customers living in their same city or town, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

Finish Your Art Gallery Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other art galleries.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t direct competitors. This includes antiques dealers, internet-based art dealers and auction sites, and foreign art dealers. You need to mention such competition to show you understand that not everyone in the market for works of art will shop locally.

With regards to direct competition, you want to detail the other art galleries with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be art galleries located very close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

  • What types of customers do they serve?
  • What products do they offer?
  • What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
  • What are they good at?
  • What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to stand outside your competitors’ locations and ask customers as they leave what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

  • Will you provide superior art?
  • Will you provide types of art that your competitors don’t offer?
  • Will you make it easier or faster for customers to acquire your products?
  • Will you provide better customer service?
  • Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a art gallery business plan, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : in the product section you should reiterate the type of art gallery that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, in addition to paintings, will you also offer prints and sculptures?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the types of art you offer and their expected price ranges.

Place : Place refers to the location of your art gallery. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your art gallery located next to a heavily populated office building, or in a luxury shopping area, etc. Discuss how your location might provide a steady stream of customers.

Promotions : the final part of your art gallery marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

  • Making your art gallery’s storefront extra appealing to attract passing customers
  • Displaying art samples outside the gallery
  • Advertising in local papers and magazines
  • Reaching out to local bloggers and websites
  • Social media advertising
  • Local radio advertising
  • Banner ads at local venues

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your art gallery such as serving customers, procuring art, keeping the store clean, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to sell your 100th piece, or when you hope to reach $X in sales. It could also be when you expect to hire your Xth employee or launch a new location.

Management Team

To demonstrate your art gallery’s ability to succeed as a business, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in the art gallery business. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in art galleries and/or successfully running retail and small businesses.

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you serve 50 customers per day or 100? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : While balance sheets include much information, to simplify them to the key items you need to know about, balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. For instance, if you spend $100,000 on building out your art gallery, that will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $100,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt. For example, let’s say a collector approached you with a massive $100,000 commission project, that would cost you $50,000 to procure. Well, in most cases, you would have to pay that $50,000 now for the piece, transportation, employee salaries, etc. But let’s say the collector didn’t pay you for 180 days. During that 180 day period, you could run out of money.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing an art gallery:

  • Location build-out including design fees, construction, etc.
  • Cost of equipment like display cases, computers, and software
  • Cost of maintaining an adequate selection of art
  • Payroll or salaries paid to staff
  • Business insurance
  • Taxes and permits
  • Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your store design blueprint or location lease.

Art Gallery Business Plan Summary

Putting together a business plan for your art gallery is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the free template above, by the time you are done, you will have an expert business plan; download it to PDF to show banks and investors. You will really understand the art gallery business, your competition and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful art gallery.

Art Gallery Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my art gallery business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template  allows you to quickly and easily complete your Art Gallery Business Plan.

What is the Goal of a Business Plan's Executive Summary?

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Art Gallery business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   Click here to see how Growthink’s business planning advisors can create your business plan for you.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Business Plan Template & Guide for Small Businesses

We earn commissions if you shop through the links below.  Read more

Art Gallery

Back to All Business Ideas

How to Open an Art Gallery

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on January 29, 2022 Updated on January 23, 2024

How to Open an Art Gallery

Investment range

$4,050 - $14,100

Revenue potential

$130,000 - $400,000 p.a.

Time to build

1 – 3 months

Profit potential

$26,000 - $80,000 p.a.

Industry trend

You might not think of art as a business opportunity, but the US art dealers’ market is worth $9 billion and growing. If you’re an artist or an art lover who’s always dreamed of having your own gallery, now might be the perfect time to take the leap. You can live out your dream, add some culture to your community, and make a good living all at the same time! 

Wouldn’t it be great if opening an art gallery were as easy as Picasso painting a picture? Sadly, a good deal of research and preparation is required. Fortunately, this step-by-step guide will sculpt your knowledge with insight and information that will put you on the path to gallery greatness.

Looking to register your business? A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple.

Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the Best LLC Services .

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons.

Opening an art gallery has pros and cons that you should consider before deciding if it’s the right path for you.

  • Live Your Dream – Rewarding work sharing culture and helping artists
  • Good Money – 50% commissions mean strong profits
  • Low Startup Costs – No inventory needed, just a gallery space
  • Lots of Lookers – Many people browse galleries without buying
  • Inconsistent Income – Prices on art are high, so sales can be sporadic

Art gallery industry trends

The US accounts for nearly half of the global art market(( https://www.statista.com/statistics/885531/global-art-market-share-by-country/ )), valued at $65 billion in 2021.(( https://www.statista.com/topics/1119/art-market/#dossierKeyfigures ))

Industry size and growth

  • Industry size and past growth – The US art dealers market is recovering from the pandemic slump and valued at more than $11 billion in revenue in 2022.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/art-dealers-united-states/ )) 
  • Growth forecast – The global arts market is predicted to bounce back strongly and grow an impressive 15% per year through 2026.(( https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/press-release/arts-market-2022 ))
  • Number of businesses – More than 21,000 art dealers operate in the US.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/art-dealers-united-states/ ))
  • Number of people employed – The industry employs nearly 35,000 people.

art industry size and growth

Trends and challenges

Art gallery trends include:

  • Virtual art exhibitions emerged during the pandemic and that trend is continuing, giving people a chance to view and buy art online .
  • 3D motion graphics, which are moving animated images like holograms, have become popular. For example, there is a piece of art in New York City that is a glass dome with floating hearts inside that move, but those hearts are graphic 3D images.
  • Interest in nature depicted in art has been rising, as well as interest in contemporary African art.

Challenges in the art gallery industry include:

  • The art world has begun working to make art prices more affordable. This may cut into the profits of art galleries, or it may attract more buyers. It remains to be seen, leaving art gallery owners uncertain.
  • Crypto art is sold via non-fungible tokens (NFTs), unique digital files published on the blockchain with only one owner. Collectors purchase NFTs at often exorbitant prices. In April 2021, a single NFT artwork sold for $69 million. Some see the NFT trend as a threat to traditional art galleries. 

art industry Trends and Challenges

What kind of people work in an art gallery?

A curator manages a museum or art gallery.

  • Gender – 60% of curators in the US are female, while 40% are male.(( https://www.zippia.com/curator-jobs/demographics/#gender-statistics ))
  • Average level of education – 70% of curators hold a bachelor’s degree.(( https://www.zippia.com/curator-jobs/demographics/#degree-level-types ))
  • Average age – The average age of a curator is 44 years old.(( https://www.zippia.com/curator-jobs/demographics/#age-statistics ))

art gallery demographics

How much does it cost to start an art gallery business?

Startup costs for an art gallery range from around $4,000 to $14,000. The largest expenses are for gallery space rental and the preparation of the space. To prepare the space, you’ll need tables or shelves to display art that is not hung on the walls.

How much can you earn from an art gallery business?

The price of art can vary widely, and you’ll have to negotiate the prices and commission with the artists. Commission rates are usually around 50%. Your profit margin after paying rent and overhead should be about 20%. The below calculations assume an average art piece price of $1,000, so your commission would be $500 per piece sold.

In your first year or two, you could sell five pieces a week, bringing in an impressive $130,000 in annual revenue. This would mean $26,000 in profit, assuming that 20% margin. As your gallery gains popularity, sales could climb to 15 pieces a week. With expected annual revenue of almost $400,000, you’d make a healthy $80,000.

Art Gallery business earnings forecast

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for an art gallery. Your biggest challenges will be:

  • Having enough knowledge of art to select strong artists
  • Finding a good space in an area with high foot traffic

Related Business Ideas

How to Open an Art Gallery

How to Start a Paint and Sip Business

How to Open an Art Gallery

How to Start a Craft Business

How to Open an Art Gallery

How to Open a Bookstore

Step 2: hone your idea.

Now that you know what’s involved in starting an art gallery, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Research art galleries in your area to examine their products, price points, and customer reviews. You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing a sculpture gallery.

business plan of art gallery

You might consider targeting a niche market by specializing in a certain aspect of your industry, such as Impressionist art.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Determine the type of art you want to offer

You should determine what type of art you want to offer. You may decide to display a variety of artwork or specialize in something like Impressionist paintings. You could also offer art-related small gift items to increase your revenue.

How much should you charge for art?

Prices vary widely, mainly depending on the artist’s reputation. Prices and commissions will be negotiated between you and the artist, but your commission should be at least 50%. After other expenses, you should aim for a profit margin of about 20%.

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your target market will be art lovers, particularly those who are well established and can afford art. You can find those people on sites like Facebook and LinkedIn. 

Where? Choose an art gallery location

You’ll need to rent out a gallery space, preferably in an arts district or an area with a lot of foot traffic. Find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist , Crexi , and Instant Offices .

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

  • Central location accessible via public transport
  • Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
  • Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
  • Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

art gallery business idea rating

Step 3: Brainstorm an Art Gallery Name

Your business name is your business identity, so choose one that encapsulates your objectives, services, and mission in just a few words. You probably want a name that’s short and easy to remember, since much of your business, and your initial business in particular, will come from word-of-mouth referrals.

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

  • Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
  • Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
  • Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
  • Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
  • Including keywords, such as “art” or “gallery”, boosts SEO
  • Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “Art House Gallery” over “Abstract Art Gallery”
  • Avoid location-based names that might hinder future expansion

Discover over 300 unique art gallery name ideas here . If you want your business name to include specific keywords, you can also use our art gallery business name generator. Just type in a few keywords and hit “generate” and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Find a Domain

Powered by GoDaddy.com

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that set your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create an Art Gallery Business Plan

Every business needs a plan. This will function as a guidebook to take your startup through the launch process and maintain focus on your key goals. A business plan also enables potential partners and investors to better understand your company and its vision:

  • Executive Summary : A brief overview of the art gallery business plan, summarizing its key points and objectives.
  • Business Overview : A concise description of the art gallery’s mission, vision, and core values.
  • Product and Services : Explanation of the artworks and services offered, including exhibitions, artist representation, and event hosting.
  • Market Analysis : A snapshot of the art market, identifying target demographics and trends.
  • Competitive Analysis : Assessment of competitors in the art gallery industry, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.
  • Sales and Marketing : Strategies for promoting and selling artwork, such as online marketing and gallery events.
  • Management Team : Introduction of key team members and their roles in running the art gallery.
  • Operations Plan : Details on gallery location, hours, staffing, and daily operations.
  • Financial Plan : Projections for income, expenses, and funding needed to sustain and grow the art gallery.
  • Appendix : Additional supporting documents and information, such as resumes, artist portfolios, or legal contracts.

what to include in a business plan

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to art galleries. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your art gallery will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

  • Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
  • General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
  • Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
  • C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
  • S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just needs to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

types of business structures

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have.

Form Your LLC

Choose Your State

We recommend ZenBusiness as the Best LLC Service for 2023

business plan of art gallery

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number , or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

business plan of art gallery

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

  • Bank loans : This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
  • SBA-guaranteed loans : The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
  • Government grants : A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
  • Friends and Family : Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
  • Crowdfunding : Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
  • Personal : Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best options, other than friends and family, for funding an art gallery business. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept for your gallery.

types of business financing

Step 8: Apply for Art Gallery Business Licenses and Permits

Starting an art gallery requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as, health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your art gallery as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

  • General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
  • Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
  • Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
  • Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
  • Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
  • Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
  • Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
  • Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

types of business insurance

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.  

You can use industry-specific software, such as artgalleria , Lucidea , or Artlogic , to manage your inventory, sales, commissions, and marketing.

  • Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , Freshbooks , and Xero . 
  • If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial. 

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using website builders . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

An art gallery’s marketing approach should be as compelling as the artwork it presents, blending digital ingenuity with immersive experiences to captivate and connect with art aficionados and casual admirers alike. Here are some marketing ideas that you can implement.

Digital Marketing Foundations

  • Website SEO : Enhance your website’s SEO to improve visibility in search results, ensuring art enthusiasts can find you easily.
  • Social Media Connectivity : Link your gallery’s website with social media accounts to create a cohesive online presence.

Social Media Strategies

  • Facebook Advertising : Use Facebook’s targeted advertising to reach specific demographics interested in the arts.
  • Instagram Showcases : Leverage Instagram to showcase your art pieces, utilizing its visual platform to attract a different demographic.
  • Social Media Teasers : Post artwork teasers on social media, building excitement and engagement for new exhibitions.

Local SEO and Reputation Management

  • Google and Yelp Listings : Register your gallery on Google My Business and Yelp to enhance local search presence and credibility.

Engagement through Content

  • Email Marketing : Develop a personalized email newsletter to keep subscribers informed and interested in upcoming gallery events and featured artists.
  • Content-Rich Blogging : Start a gallery blog to share insights, artist profiles, and behind-the-scenes content.
  • Virtual Tours : Offer virtual tours of your gallery to entice potential visitors and introduce them to your collections from afar.

Community and Networking

  • Local Event Sponsorship : Sponsor local events to increase brand visibility among relevant audiences.
  • Artist Collaborations : Host collaborative events with artists to draw their followers to your gallery.

Advertising and Promotions

  • Paid Social Media Ads : Implement targeted paid ads on social media platforms to reach a broader audience.
  • PPC Campaigns : Utilize Google AdWords for pay-per-click marketing to appear more prominently in relevant searches.

Influencer and Referral Programs

  • Influencer Partnerships : Partner with influencers to promote your gallery’s unique offerings to a wider audience.
  • Referral Incentives : Encourage existing customers to refer new clients by offering incentives.

Experience and Personalization

  • Interactive Installations : Create interactive installations for visitors to engage with the art in immersive ways.
  • Personalized Art Recommendations : Provide tailored recommendations to visitors, enhancing their personal connection with the art.

Innovative Use of Technology

  • Augmented and Virtual Reality : Integrate AR and VR technologies to offer innovative previews and remote explorations of your gallery.
  • Art Gallery App : Develop an app complete with audio tours and detailed art descriptions to enrich the visitor experience.

Community and Educational Initiatives

  • Workshops and Classes : Offer workshops and art classes to engage with the community and foster a love for the arts.
  • Membership Programs : Introduce exclusive membership programs that provide special perks and foster loyalty.

Multimedia Content Creation

  • Podcast/Video Series : Create a series that dives into the world of art, providing insights and elevating the voices of artists.
  • User-Generated Content : Encourage visitors to create content that can be shared to promote the gallery organically.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your art gallery meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your art gallery business could be:

  • Impressionist masterpieces to complete your decor
  • Treasures from local, up-and-coming artists
  • Cutting-edge sculpture, multimedia, and video art 

unique selling proposition

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running an art gallery, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in art galleries for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in art galleries. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. 

Step 12: Build Your Team

You will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for an art gallery business would include:

  • Gallery Assistants – sales, customer service
  • Event Planner – plan exhibition openings and other events
  • Marketing Lead – SEO strategies, social media 

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run an Art Gallery – Start Making Money!

It’s not only possible to live out your art world dreams, but now might be the perfect time to do it! You can start your own gallery with any concept you choose, hold exhibitions and other events, and make your happening space the talk of the town. You’ll meet interesting people, do what you love, and build a lucrative business all at the same time. 

This guide has painted a detailed picture of how you should approach your new business, now it’s your turn to develop your plan and begin your journey as an art entrepreneur!

  • Art Gallery Business FAQs

The gallery owner takes a commission on the sales of the art. That amount is around 50% of the sales price, sometimes more. The gallery owner and the artists negotiate the commission, as well as the price of the art.

To stand out from competitors in the art gallery market, focus on creating a unique and memorable experience for visitors, develop a strong brand identity, showcase emerging artists, collaborate with other businesses, and prioritize exceptional customer service.

The profitability of an art gallery can vary widely depending on various factors, including the size of the gallery, the quality of the artwork on display, the location of the gallery, and the marketing and sales strategies employed by the gallery.

While some art galleries can be highly profitable, it’s important to note that many galleries operate as small businesses and face significant challenges in generating consistent revenue. The art market can be highly competitive, and galleries must contend with changing consumer tastes, economic conditions, and other factors that can affect demand for art.

Making an art gallery successful requires a combination of artistic vision, business acumen, and effective marketing and sales strategies. Here are some general tips for making an art gallery successful:

  • Build a strong brand: Develop a clear and distinctive brand identity for your gallery that reflects your artistic vision and values. This includes creating a logo, developing a visual style, and establishing a consistent voice and tone for all communications.
  • Curate compelling exhibitions: Host exhibitions that showcase high-quality artwork and create a sense of excitement and interest among visitors. This may include featuring emerging artists, exploring new themes or styles, or collaborating with other galleries or curators.
  • Provide exceptional customer service: Create a welcoming and professional atmosphere that makes visitors feel valued and respected. Offer personalized attention and support to collectors and buyers, and provide clear and accurate information about the artwork on display.
  • Leverage online platforms: Use social media, email marketing, and other online tools to expand your reach and engage with potential buyers and collectors. This may include showcasing artwork online, promoting upcoming exhibitions and events, and sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of your gallery and artists.
  • Network and collaborate: Build relationships with collectors, other galleries, and key players in the art world. Attend art fairs, conferences, and other industry events, and seek out opportunities to collaborate with other galleries or artists.
  • Emphasize professionalism and ethics: Operate your gallery with transparency, integrity, and professionalism. Follow best practices for pricing and selling artwork, and maintain a high standard of ethical conduct in all aspects of your business.

Overall, creating a successful art gallery requires a strong commitment to both artistic excellence and business success. By developing a clear vision, leveraging online platforms, building relationships with collectors and other galleries, and maintaining a high standard of professionalism and ethics, you can create a gallery that thrives and contributes to the broader art community.

Displaying art in a gallery requires careful consideration of various factors, including the size and nature of the artwork, the layout and design of the gallery space, and the overall aesthetic goals of the exhibition. Here are some general tips for displaying art in a gallery:

  • Lighting: Proper lighting is crucial for showcasing artwork effectively. Use track or spotlighting to illuminate individual pieces and create a dynamic visual experience.
  • Placement: Plan the placement of artwork carefully to create a sense of flow and balance in the exhibition. Consider the relationships between different pieces and how they can be grouped to create a cohesive display.
  • Height: Hang artwork at an appropriate height so that it can be easily viewed and appreciated. Generally, artwork should be hung at eye level, but the height may need to be adjusted based on the size and placement of the piece.
  • Labels: Provide clear labels or plaques that identify the artist, title, medium, and other relevant information for each piece. This helps visitors to understand and appreciate the artwork on display.
  • Presentation: Consider the presentation of the artwork, including framing, matting, and mounting. These elements can enhance the overall visual impact of the exhibition and create a sense of professionalism and attention to detail.
  • Traffic flow: Plan the layout of the gallery space to encourage a smooth flow of visitors and minimize congestion. Consider how visitors will move through the space and how different pieces can be positioned to create focal points and visual interest.

Overall, displaying art in a gallery is both an art and a science. A successful exhibition requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a strong sense of visual design.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

  • Decide if the Business Is Right for You
  • Hone Your Idea
  • Brainstorm an Art Gallery Name
  • Create an Art Gallery Business Plan
  • Register Your Business
  • Register for Taxes
  • Fund your Business
  • Apply for Art Gallery Business Licenses and Permits
  • Open a Business Bank Account
  • Get Business Insurance
  • Prepare to Launch
  • Build Your Team
  • Run an Art Gallery - Start Making Money!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Featured resources.

16 Art Business Ideas

16 Art Business Ideas

Esther Strauss

Published on December 1, 2022

Artists make money by selling their work, doing commissions, or even opening a studio gallery. If you’re an artist thinking of starting abusiness, ...

15 Best Design Business Ideas

15 Best Design Business Ideas

Published on November 4, 2022

The importance of design cannot be overemphasized. A good design clearly conveys the message, simplifies navigation and enhances accessibility of aw ...

26 Craft Business Ideas

26 Craft Business Ideas

Natalie Fell

Published on June 30, 2022

Are you capable of transforming an unremarkable object into a thing of beauty? If so, you might find serious success as a crafter. Makinghandicrafts ...

No thanks, I don't want to stay up to date on industry trends and news.

How to Start an Art Gallery

Art galleries provide local artists an opportunity to gain exposure and profit from their work. While the primary goal from a business standpoint is to make profit based on art sales and special events, providing a vibrant art scene can help create a more vibrant community. Customers for an art gallery's work typically include collectors, investors, decorators, and private companies.

Learn how to start your own Art Gallery and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Art Gallery Image

Start an art gallery by following these 10 steps:

  • Plan your Art Gallery
  • Form your Art Gallery into a Legal Entity
  • Register your Art Gallery for Taxes
  • Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  • Set up Accounting for your Art Gallery
  • Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Art Gallery
  • Get Art Gallery Insurance
  • Define your Art Gallery Brand
  • Create your Art Gallery Website
  • Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your art gallery. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

  • What are the startup and ongoing costs?
  • Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Art Gallery Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state's business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your art gallery?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening an art gallery.

One important cost for your art gallery is renting your space. This cost will vary by both region and specific areas of town: an art gallery in Soho may pay as much as as $100,000 a month in rent. Meanwhile, a small 3 room studio and storefront in Key West costs only $1,600 a month. Many art dealers and gallery managers begin as artists themselves and may be able to network with artists who rent studio spaces to find the best intersection of price and space. Additionally, you will need to spend $99 to $129 on a modest inventory business management system and up to $20 a month for a reliable email delivery platform.

Business license fees will vary by state but must be paid. Additionally, you must pay up to $255 a year to register and keep a domain name and website for visitors, and you may pay up to $75 per hour for a website designer if you cannot design it yourself. More variable costs include marketing (clever social media marketing is free, though you'll want to pursue traditional advertisements locally), frames and furniture (the cost of which are respectively contingent on the amount of product and the amount of space available), salary for staff (which may be negligible for a small gallery), and the utility costs and other monthly operating expenditures. Equipment needed is a cash register(s), bins to hold items for sale, appropriate lighting, and decorations to make the store attractive. The other thing needed is exterior signage. These add up to an additional $10,000 to the startup costs. Finally, a deposit is often required to sign a long-term lease. The deposit amount depends on the monthly rent and the size of the retail location.

What are the ongoing expenses for an art gallery?

The ongoing expenses for an art gallery include paying monthly rent and the salaries of any employees that you may have. You must also continue to pay for any special events you throw, such as local art fairs. There are ongoing costs associated with the safe transport of the artwork as well as insurance for your entire business. Finally, you must pay for continual marketing in your area and beyond.

Who is the target market?

Of the four primary types of art buyers, the most preferred client is typically the art collector. These clients often have the most time to explore an art gallery and the most dispensable income with which to make purchases. They are also likeliest to enjoy discussing the finer points of different art and different artists. By contrast, art investors purchase many works of art, but they are more interested in buying art for low prices and selling it for a much higher return.

How does an art gallery make money?

The primary way that an art gallery makes money is by taking a percentage of artwork sales throughout the year. This percentage is negotiated with the artist but is typically no less than fifty percent. Additional revenue may be gained by throwing different events throughout the year or even renting the gallery space out as a special venue for other businesses.

The amount that you can charge clients and customers is dictated by factors such as region, competition, and the artists themselves. Artists with a long history of their work selling well will safely command a higher price and essentially represent a safe “investment” for your gallery. The prices from local competition also dictates your own prices, as it's not wise to charge more than, say, $4,000 for a work of art if no other local galleries charge more than this amount. It is also wise to offer a range of different art at different prices to increase the perception of your gallery's accessibility to the entire community.

How much profit can an art gallery make?

The profit an art gallery can make is variable. Bloomberg reports that the average profit margin for this kind of business is 6.5 percent. Obviously, the amount of profit is tied to the amount of art sold and the price of that art. It's important to work out a fair price with the artist: they want to feel properly compensated for their materials used and hours spent, while you want to receive at least fifty percent of the sale.

How can you make your business more profitable?

One immediate way to make your business more profitable is to negotiate a higher cut of art sales. While a 50/50 split is more of the industry norm, some argue that a 70/30 split in favor of the gallery is more equitable: after all, the gallery is typically paying for the marketing, production, transport, and insurance of the art. Finding areas with more affordable rent is also a consideration, as is using the gallery space for more of your own special exhibitions, fairs, and parties as well as leasing it to others for their own events. Finally, it's wise to consider a smaller staff: a few higher-paid employees actually perform better in gallery-related roles than paying smaller salaries to a much larger staff.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your art gallery is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

  • Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
  • Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate an art gallery business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

In particular, most states require art dealer businesses to obtain a seller’s permit. A seller’s permit allows states to record and collect taxes from goods (and sometimes service) sales.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

Consignment Agreement

When dealing with artists, it is always advisable to draft a standard contract regulating terms of conditions under which you may sell their artwork. This type of agreement is often referred to as a consignment agreement.

  • A sample gallery-artist agreement can be found here .

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Art Gallery needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Art Gallery.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market an art gallery

Traditional marketing for an art gallery includes television and newspaper advertisements as well as fliers and other promotional materials in cafes and other cultural centers that support the local art scene. Local businesses may also enjoy being associated with the art scene via your business. As mentioned before, social media is a major way to reach a large audience at no additional cost.

How to keep customers coming back

One of the best ways to retain existing customers is to stay in contact with them. Create a mailing list of previous clients and keep them apprised of new artwork and events that keeps them coming back for more. To attract new customers, it's best to perform a combination of the above marketing techniques and collaborations with your artists on ways to advertise their work. This takes some of the pressure off of you and helps leverage their natural connections to the community you wish to reach.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

TRUiC's Startup Podcast

Welcome to the Startup Savant podcast , where we interview real startup founders at every stage of the entrepreneurial journey, from launch to scale.

Is this Business Right For You?

The best art gallery manager is an artist himself: someone who is aware of different modes and styles of art as well as its history and future trends. The manager should have a sense of individual style that the different works on display help accentuate, which helps the business stand out from its competition. Running a gallery means having a somewhat flexible schedule, but sales can be contingent on a willingness to deliver and display artwork to prospective buyers' homes, and often on short notice.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at an art gallery?

Some of the day-to-day activities of running an art gallery include greeting and speaking with customers, handling and displaying artwork, and dealing with a variety of administrative tasks that can range from managing a database of contacts to creating unique advertisements and updating your website and social media pages. It's also important to deal with framers, manage your inventory, and always be planning for your next major event. Most importantly, you must take care of your artists, which can include finding additional opportunities for existing artists while also researching and reaching out to new artists.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful art gallery?

The most valuable experience for running your own art gallery comes from having served as a gallery assistant, art curator, or other related position in someone else's art gallery. This provides invaluable experience for the different parts of the job, which is doubly important because managers of smaller galleries are doing much of the work on their own. It is possible to pick up both the practical and soft skills of gallery management by beginning and running the business, but it is vital to have a background in art. Prospective gallery managers should consider joining the Art Dealers Association of America in order to pursue answers to business questions and to explore networking opportunities.

What is the growth potential for an art gallery?

One quality of running an art gallery is that the job doesn't really change as the business scales up. That is, a really popular art gallery may eventually lead to expanding via larger buildings and better venues, and may spawn multiple galleries in different areas. Ultimately, though, the nature of the job still involves negotiating with artists, marketing to clients, and seeking higher profits, with the added complexity of hiring additional employees and managers to work under you.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

How and when to build a team

Determining when to expand your art gallery business is a fairly organic process: once it gets to a point that you can no longer do everything on your own, it makes sense to begin hiring employees. This may happen very soon: you may wish to have someone who can process payments while you show other customers around, or someone to “mind the store” while you deliver some artwork to a loyal customer. Once you begin to host special parties and events, additional employees are an absolute must. Typical roles for employees are gallery assistants (who are typically paid $35,000 a year) and office managers (typically paid $36,000 a year), though it is possible for businesses just starting out to hire part-time help on an hourly basis.

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

  • Art Dealers Association of America
  • Art gallery franchise

Real World Examples

  • Profile on art gallery

Further Reading

  • Article addressing common misconceptions about galleries
  • Start-up tips from two gallery owners
  • Advice from gallery owners and employees
  • Advice for opening an art gallery as well as ideas for gallery themes
  • Start-up tips from gallery owners
  • Advice for opening an art gallery

Additional Sources

  • Art Prices - Price Your Art Realistically
  • Average Salary for Industry: Art Gallery
  • What Your Art Business Will Cost You
  • How to Open an Art Gallery?
  • HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR EXHIBITION IN 9 STEPS
  • Why Do So Many Art Galleries Lose Money?

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

ProfitableVenture

Art Gallery Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business Plans » Arts & Craft Sector

Do you want to start an art gallery and need to write a plan? If YES, here is a detailed sample art gallery business plan template & FREE feasibility report.

If you have eyes for good artworks, as well as a penchant for doing business, then you may want to start your own art gallery. The market for artworks has continued to soar from generation to generation because people still appreciate art.

Depending on the scale you want to start, the startup capital for this type of business can range from moderate to high. As a matter of fact, it is advisable to run an art studio alongside your art gallery if indeed you want to maximize profits in this business.

If you are sure you want to do this business after you must have conducted your market research and feasibility studies, then the next step to follow is to write a good business plan ; a detailed blue print of how you intend raising your seed capital, setting up the business, managing the flow of the business, sorting out tax and marketing your services amongst others.

A Sample Art Gallery Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

The art gallery and museum industry comprises of art galleries, museum and art auction houses that primarily retail original and limited-edition artworks.

Art galleries usually purchase artwork from an artist or individual owner and then sell the artwork to consumers, with little or no further development to the product. Auction houses that bring buyers and sellers together and collect a commission are part of this industry.

The gallery and museum industry is highly fragmented, with most operators having from one to four employees. However, on the opposite end, though smaller in number, the industry also includes multi-billion dollar institutions such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s International.

Over the five years to 2022, industry revenue is projected to grow. Contemporary art has become a considerable growth segment as the number of traded artworks increases and this trend is not expected to slow down anytime soon.

The Art Galleries and Museum industry is a thriving sector of the economy of the united states and the industry generates over billion annually from more than 3,561 art galleries and museums scattered all around the United States of America.

The industry is responsible for the employment of over 23,213 people. Experts project the industry to grow at a 1.5 percent annual rate. Christie’s International and Sotheby’s Holdings Inc. are the market leaders in this industry.

A recent report published by IBISWorld shows that in the art gallery and museum industry, capital intensity is determined by the ratio of capital to labor. In the absence of official data on capital and labor costs, depreciation and wage costs are used as proxies.

For the Art Gallery and Museum industry, the average operator spends $0.06 on capital for every dollar spent on labor. This ratio indicates a low level of capital intensity and reflects the industry’s emphasis on hiring and retaining high-quality personnel.

Sourcing and valuing artwork is crucial to the success of an art dealership, and these activities require highly skilled labor. Retailers and auctioneers are also required to provide knowledge of the products and an ability to place a value on new stock.

The art gallery and museum industry is a profitable industry and it is open for any aspiring entrepreneur to come in and establish his or her business. With the right location and network, you will just be fine with this business.

2. Executive Summary

Parkston Livermore® Art Gallery, Inc. is a registered art gallery that will be located in one of the busiest roads in Orlando – Florida. We have been able to lease a facility along a major road that is big enough for the kind of art gallery that we intend launching and the facility is located in a corner piece property.

Parkston Livermore® Art Gallery, Inc. will be involved in auctioning off art, retailing art privately, retailing art through galleries, art gallery exhibitions, merchandise sales, other products and services and renting of art works. We will also partner with leading artists in and around the United States of America.

We are aware that there are several large and small art galleries all around Orlando – Florida, which is why we spent time and resources to conduct our feasibility studies and market survey so as to offer much more than our competitors will be offering.

Much more than retailing and renting out various types of art works, our customer care will be second to none in the whole of Orlando – Florida. We know that our customers are the reason why we are in business which is why we will go the extra mile to get them satisfied when they visit our art gallery.

Parkston Livermore® Art Gallery, Inc. will ensure that all our customers are given first class treatment whenever they visit our art gallery. We have a CRM software that will enable us manage a one on one relationship with our customers no matter how large they are. We will ensure that we get our customers involved when making some business decisions that directly affect them.

We are aware of the trend in the art gallery and museum industry and we are not only going to operate a system where our customers would have to come to our art gallery to make purchase, but we will also operate an online art gallery and our customers can order art works and related merchandize online and they will get it delivered to their houses or any location they want us to deliver the goods to.

Parkston Livermore® Art Gallery, Inc. is a family business that is owned by Parkston Livermore and his immediate family members. Parkston Livermore is an artist par excellence, he has a B.A. in Fine Arts, with over 15 years’ experience in the art gallery and museum industry, working for some of the leading brands in the United States.

Although the business is launching out with just one outlet in Orlando – Florida, but there is a plan to open other outlets all around Florida and perhaps in other key cities in the United States of America.

3. Our Products and Services

Parkston Livermore® Art Gallery, Inc. is in the art gallery and museum industry to make profits and we will ensure we go all the way to make available a wide range of art works from different artists and other related merchandize to our clients. Our product and service offerings are listed below;

  • Photography
  • Other related artifacts and merchandize

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

  • Our vision is to become the leading art gallery in Florida by running a one stop art gallery.
  • Our mission is to establish an art gallery that will make available a wide range of art works (paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, photography and other merchandise) at affordable prices to our clients.

Our Business Structure

Parkston Livermore® Art Gallery, Inc. does not intend to start a small art gallery; our intention going into this line of business is to build a one stop art gallery in Orlando, Florida. Although our art gallery might not be as big as multi-billion dollar institutions such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s International, but we will ensure that we put the right structure in place that will support the kind of growth that we have in mind.

We will ensure that we hire qualified, honest and customer centric people that are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business. As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of ten years or more.

In view of that, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

  • Chief Executive Officer (Owner)
  • Gallery Manager
  • Human Resources and Amin Manager

Merchandize Manager

Sales and Marketing Manager

Information Technologist

  • Accountants/Cashiers
  • Customer Services Executive

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO (Chief Florist):

  • Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
  • Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
  • Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
  • Responsible for providing direction for the business
  • Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
  • Evaluates the success of the organization

Admin and HR Manager

  • Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
  • Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products
  • Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs
  • Enhances department and organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments
  • Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
  • Carries out staff induction for new team members
  • Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
  • Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
  • Oversees the smooth running of the daily office activities

Gallery Manager:

  • Responsible for managing the daily activities in the art gallery
  • Ensures that proper records of art works are kept and our racks and warehouse does not run out of products
  • Ensures that the art gallery facility is in tip top shape and art works are properly arranged and easy to locate
  • Controls goods distribution and supply inventory
  • Supervises the workforce
  • Manages vendor relations, market visits, and the ongoing education and development of the organizations’ buying teams
  • Responsible for the purchase of art works (paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, photography and other merchandize) for the organization
  • Responsible for planning sales, monitoring inventory, selecting the merchandise, and writing and pricing orders to vendors
  • Sources for avenues for us to exhibit our artworks and generate sales
  • Manages external research and coordinates all the internal sources of information to retain the organizations’ best customers and attract new ones
  • Models demographic information and analyzes the volumes of transactional data generated by customer purchases
  • Identifies, prioritizes, and reaches out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
  • Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
  • Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
  • Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding sales
  • Documents all customer contact and information
  • Helps to increase sales and growth for the company
  • Manages the organizations website
  • Handles the eCommerce aspect of the business
  • Responsible for installing and maintenance of computer software and hardware for the organization
  • Manages logistics and supply chain software, Web servers, e-commerce software and POS systems
  • Manages the organization’s CCTV
  • Handles any other technological and IT related duties.

Accountant/Cashier:

  • Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
  • Provides management with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions
  • Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis
  • Performs cash management , general ledger accounting, and financial reporting
  • Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
  • Responsible for administering payrolls
  • Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
  • Handles all financial transactions for the organization
  • Serves as internal auditor for the organization

Client Service Executive

  • Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
  • Through interaction with customers on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
  • Manages administrative duties assigned by the human resources and admin manager in an effective and timely manner
  • Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to customers when they make enquiries (answer customer queries regarding the store and the merchandise)
  • makes suggestions and encourage purchase of products
  • Bags, packages or gift wrap merchandise
  • Responsible for cleaning the art gallery facility at all times
  • Ensures that toiletries and supplies don’t run out of stock
  • Handles any other duty as assigned by the gallery manager

6. SWOT Analysis

Our intention of starting just one outlet of our art gallery in Orlando – Florida is to test run the business for a period of 2 to 5 years to know if we will invest more money, expand the business and then open other outlets in key regions within the United States of America.

We are quite aware that there are several art galleries all over Orlando and even in the same location where we intend locating ours, which is why we are following the due process of establishing a business.

We know that if a proper SWOT analysis is conducted for our business, we will be able to position our business to maximize our strength, leverage on the opportunities that will be available to us, mitigate our risks and be welled equipped to confront our threats.

Parkston Livermore® Art Gallery, Inc. employed the services of an expert HR and Business Analyst with bias in new businesses to help us conduct a thorough SWOT analysis and to help us create a Business model that will help us achieve our business goals and objectives.

This is the summary of the SWOT analysis that was conducted for Parkston Livermore® Art Gallery, Inc.;

Our location, the business model we will be operating on (physical art gallery and online art gallery), varieties of payment options, wide range of art works and related products and our excellent customer service culture will definitely count as a strong strength for Parkston Livermore® Art Gallery, Inc.

A major weakness that may count against us is the fact that we are a new art gallery and we don’t have the financial capacity to compete with multi-billion dollar art galleries who are already determining the market direction for the art gallery and museum industry in the United States.

  • Opportunities:

Factors such as improved household expenditure from wealthy consumers will lead to renewed demand. The fact that art dealers reduced minimum price guarantees, inventory and advertising to remain stable will encourage spending on art

The fact that we are going to be operating our art gallery in one of the busiest streets in Orlando – Florida provides us with unlimited opportunities to sell our art works and related products to a large number of people. We have been able to conduct thorough feasibility studies and market survey and we know what our potential clients will be looking for when they visit our art gallery; we are well positioned to take on the opportunities that will come our way.

Just like any other business, one of the major threats that we are likely going to face is economic downturn. It is a fact that economic downturn affects purchasing/spending power. Another threat that may likely confront us is the arrival of a new art gallery and museum in same location where ours is located.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

  • Market Trends

Despite a highly competitive environment , the Art Galleries and Museum industry has achieved modest growth over the last five years. Art galleries and museums contend with other leisure, sporting and entertainment organizations for a share of consumer expenditure and government funding. As a result, the industry has developed special exhibitions and interactive educational displays to attract new visitors and retain existing patrons .

Art galleries and museums have continued to reposition themselves as social institutions, widening their appeal to new audiences and helping them secure government grants. Successful art gallery and museum operators have made use of existing and emerging digital media to offer online virtual museums.

In this era when the online community is growing rapidly, you would do your business a whole lot of favor if you create your own online presence. One of the easiest ways to get people to see you as an expert in your line of business is to blog constantly about art works.

You may also want to leverage on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and others to publicize your art gallery and art works. You can as well go ahead to open an online art gallery where people can order art works and related merchandize from your art gallery. You must ensure that your delivery system (shipping) is efficient if you intend to do well with your online art gallery.

8. Our Target Market

There are loads of people who love to have art works in their houses or offices. This goes to show that if an art gallery is well positioned, they will continue to sell their art works to a wide range of clients on a regular basis.

In view of that, we have positioned our art gallery to service residents of Orlando, Florida and the entire United States via our online art gallery shop. We have conducted our market research and we have ideas of what our target market would be expecting from us.

We are in business to retail a wide range of art work and related merchandize to the following groups of people;

  • Interior Decorators
  • Home Remodelers
  • Event Planners
  • Churches and other religious centers
  • Funeral Homes
  • Bachelors and Spinsters
  • Corporate Executives
  • Business People
  • Sports Men and Women

Our Competitive Advantage

A close study of the art gallery and museum industry reveals that the market has become much more intensely competitive over the last decade. As a matter of fact, you have to be highly creative, customer centric and proactive if you must survive in this industry. We are aware of the competition and we are prepared to compete favorably with art galleries and other leading art studios that retail art works in and around Orlando – Florida.

Parkston Livermore® Art Gallery, Inc. is launching a standard art gallery that will indeed become the preferred choice of art lovers in and around Orlando – Florida. Our art gallery is located in a corner piece property on a busy road directly opposite one of the largest residential estates in Orlando – Florida.

One thing is certain; we will ensure that we have a wide range of art works and related products available in our art gallery at all times. It will be difficult for customers to visit our store and not make a purchase. One of our business goals is to make Parkston Livermore® Art Gallery, Inc. a one stop art gallery. Our excellent customer service culture, online store, various payment options and highly secured facility will serve as a competitive advantage for us.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category in the art gallery and museum industry, meaning that they will be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our aims and objectives. We will also give good working conditions and commissions to freelance sales agents that we will recruit from time to time.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

  • Sources of Income

Parkston Livermore® Art Gallery, Inc. is in business to retail and rent out a wide range of art works to people who live in and around Orlando – Florida. We are in the art gallery and museum industry to maximize profits and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we achieve or business goals and objectives.

Our source of income will be the retailing of a wide range of art works and other related products at affordable prices. We will generate income by;

  • Retailing Paintings
  • Retailing Drawings
  • Retailing Prints
  • Retailing Sculptures
  • Retailing Photography

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain when it comes to art gallery, if your art gallery facility is well stocked and centrally positioned, you will always attract customers cum sales and that will sure translate to increase in revenue generation for the business.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in Orlando – Florida and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income from the first six months of operation and grow the business and our clientele base.

We have been able to critically examine the art gallery and museum industry, we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projection is based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to startups in Orlando – Florida.

  • First Fiscal Year: $250,000
  • Second Fiscal Year: $750,000
  • Third Fiscal Year: $1.5 Million

N.B : This projection was done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same products and customer care services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

  • Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

Before choosing a location for Parkston Livermore® Art Gallery, Inc., we conduct a thorough market survey and feasibility studies in order for to penetrate the available market and become the preferred choice. We have detailed information and data that we were able to utilize to structure our business to attract the number of customers we want to attract per time.

We hired experts who have good understanding of the art gallery and museum industry to help us develop marketing strategies that will help us achieve our business goal of winning a larger percentage of the available market in Orlando.

In other to continue to be in business and grow, we must continue to sell the art works and related products that are available in our art gallery which is why we will go all out to empower or sales and marketing team to deliver. In summary, Parkston Livermore® Art Gallery, Inc. will adopt the following sales and marketing approach to win customers over;

  • Open our art gallery in a grand style with a party for all
  • Introduce our art gallery by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to organizations, religious centers, interior decorators, home remodelers , households and key stake holders in Orlando – Florida
  • Ensure that we have a wide range of art works (paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, photography and other merchandize) in our art gallery at all times
  • Make use of attractive hand bills to create awareness and also to give direction to our art gallery
  • Position our signage/flexi banners at strategic places around Orlando
  • Position our greeters to welcome and direct potential customers
  • Create a loyalty plan that will enable us reward our regular customers
  • Engage on roadshows within our neighborhood to create awareness for our art gallery

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

Despite the fact that our art gallery is well located, we will still go ahead to intensify publicity for the business. We are going to explore all available means to promote Parkston Livermore® Art Gallery, Inc.

Parkston Livermore® Art Gallery, Inc. has a long – term plan of opening outlets in various locations all around Florida which is why we will deliberately build our brand to be well accepted in Orlando before venturing out. As a matter of fact, our publicity and advertising strategy is not solely for winning customers over but to effectively communicate our brand.

Here are the platforms we intend leveraging on to promote and advertise Parkston Livermore® Art Gallery, Inc.;

  • Place adverts on community based newspapers, radio and TV stations
  • Encourage the use of word of mouth publicity from our loyal customers
  • Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Google+ and other platforms to promote our business
  • Ensure that our we position our banners and billboards in strategic positions all around Orlando – Florida
  • Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas in and around our neighborhood
  • Advertise Parkston Livermore® Art Gallery, Inc. business in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site
  • Brand all our official cars and vans and ensure that all our staff members and management staff wear our branded shirt or cap at regular intervals.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Pricing, uniqueness and quality are some of the key factors that gives leverage to art galleries, it is normal for art lovers to go to places where they can get art works and related merchandise at cheaper price.

We know we don’t have the capacity to compete with bigger and well – established galleries, but we will ensure that the prices of all the products that are available in our art gallery are competitive with what is obtainable amongst art galleries within our level.

  • Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Parkston Livermore® Art Gallery, Inc. is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options that Parkston Livermore® Art Gallery, Inc. will make available to her clients;

  • Payment via bank transfer
  • Payment with cash
  • Payment via credit cards / Point of Sale Machines
  • Payment via online bank transfer
  • Payment via check
  • Payment via mobile money transfer

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for products purchase without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

In setting up any business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by renting a place, then you would need a good amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are well taken care of, and that your facility is conducive enough for workers to be creative and productive.

This means that the start-up can either be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business.

The tools and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked.  As for the detailed cost analysis for starting an art gallery business; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. These are the key areas where we will spend our startup capital;

  • The total fee for registering the business in the United States of America – $750
  • Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits as well as the accounting services (software, P.O.S machines and other software) – $3,300
  • Marketing promotion expenses for the grand opening of Parkston Livermore® Art Gallery, Inc. in the amount of $3,500 and as well as flyer printing (2,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of $3,580
  • The cost for hiring Consultant – $2,500
  • Insurance ( general liability , workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $2,400
  • The cost for payment of rent for 12 months at $1.76 per square feet in the total amount of $105,600
  • The cost for facility remodeling (construction of racks and shelves) – $20,000
  • Other start-up expenses including stationery ( $500 ) and phone and utility deposits ( $2,500 )
  • Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $60,000
  • The cost for start-up inventory (stocking with a wide range of art works, and other related merchandize) – $250,000
  • The cost for store equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) – $13,750
  • The cost of purchase and installation of CCTVs – $5,000
  • The cost for the purchase of furniture and gadgets (Computers, Printers, Telephone, TVs, Sound System, tables and chairs et al) – $4,000
  • The cost of launching a website – $600
  • The cost for our opening party – $5,000
  • Miscellaneous – $5,000

We would need an estimate of $450,000 to successfully set up our art gallery in Orlando – Florida.

Generating Startup Capital for Parkston Livermore® Art Gallery, Inc.

Parkston Livermore® Art Gallery, Inc. is a private business that is solely owned and financed by Parkston Livermore and his immediate family members. They do not intend to welcome any external business partners which is why he has decided to restrict the sourcing of the startup capital to 3 major sources.

These are the areas we intend generating our startup capital;

  • Generate part of the startup capital from personal savings
  • Source for soft loans from family members and friends
  • Apply for loan from my Bank

N.B: We have been able to generate about $150,000 ( Personal savings $100,000 and soft loan from family members $50,000 ) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $300,000 from our bank. All the papers and documents have been signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited with the amount.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the number of loyal customers they have, the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business, then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting Parkston Livermore® Art Gallery, Inc. is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need of injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to retail our art works and other related merchandize a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Parkston Livermore® Art Gallery, Inc. will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of.

Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List/Milestone

  • Business Name Availability Check: Completed
  • Business Registration: Completed
  • Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
  • Securing Point of Sales (POS) Machines: Completed
  • Opening Mobile Money Accounts: Completed
  • Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
  • Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
  • Application for business license and permit: Completed
  • Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
  • Leasing of facility and remodeling the art gallery: In Progress
  • Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
  • Generating capital from family members: Completed
  • Applications for Loan from the bank: In Progress
  • Writing of Business Plan: Completed
  • Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
  • Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
  • Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
  • Graphic Designs and Printing of Promotional Materials: In Progress
  • Recruitment of employees: In Progress
  • Purchase of the Needed furniture, racks, shelves, computers, electronic appliances, office appliances and CCTV: In progress
  • Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
  • Creating Awareness for the business both online and around the community: In Progress
  • Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement (License): Secured
  • Opening planning: In Progress
  • Compilation of our list of products that will be available in our shop: Completed
  • Establishing business relationship with artists and vendors – suppliers of art works and related merchandise (paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, photography and other merchandise) In Progres s.

Related Posts:

  • Photography Studio Business Plan [Sample Template]
  • Graphic Design Business Plan [Sample Template]
  • Screen Printing Business Plan [Sample Template]
  • Furniture Manufacturing Business Plan [Sample Template]
  • Wedding Photography Business Plan [Sample Template]
  • Freelance Photography Business Plan [Sample Template]
  • Woodworking Business Plan [Sample Template]

How to write a business plan for an art gallery?

art gallery business plan

Putting together a business plan for an art gallery can be daunting - especially if you're creating a business for the first time - but with this comprehensive guide, you'll have the necessary tools to do it confidently.

We will explore why writing one is so important in both starting up and growing an existing art gallery, as well as what should go into making an effective plan - from its structure to content - and what tools can be used to streamline the process and avoid errors.

Without further ado, let us begin!

In this guide:

Why write a business plan for an art gallery?

  • What information is needed to create a business plan for an art gallery?
  • How do I build a financial forecast for an art gallery?

The written part of an art gallery business plan

  • What tool should I use to write my art gallery business plan?

Being clear on the scope and goals of the document will make it easier to understand its structure and content. So before diving into the actual content of the plan, let's have a quick look at the main reasons why you would want to write an art gallery business plan in the first place.

To have a clear roadmap to grow the business

Running a small business is tough! Economic cycles bring growth and recessions, while the business landscape is ever-changing with new technologies, regulations, competitors, and consumer behaviours emerging constantly.

In such a dynamic context, operating a business without a clear roadmap is akin to driving blindfolded: it's risky, to say the least. That's why crafting a business plan for your art gallery is vital to establish a successful and sustainable venture.

To create an effective business plan, you'll need to assess your current position (if you're already in business) and define where you want the business to be in the next three to five years.

Once you have a clear destination for your art gallery, you'll have to:

  • Identify the necessary resources (human, equipment, and capital) needed to reach your goals,
  • Determine the pace at which the business needs to progress to meet its objectives as scheduled,
  • Recognize and address the potential risks you may encounter along the way.

Engaging in this process regularly proves advantageous for both startups and established companies. It empowers you to make informed decisions about resource allocation, ensuring the long-term success of your business.

To anticipate future cash flows

Regularly comparing your actual financial performance to the projections in the financial forecast of your art gallery's business plan gives you the ability to monitor your business's financial health and make necessary adjustments as needed.

This practice allows you to detect potential financial issues, such as unexpected cash shortfalls before they escalate into major problems. Giving you time to find additional financing or put in place corrective measures.

Additionally, it helps you identify growth opportunities, like excess cash flow that could be allocated to launch new products and services or expand into new markets.

Staying on track with these regular comparisons enables you to make well-informed decisions about the amount of financing your business might require, or the excess cash flow you can expect to generate from your main business activities.

To secure financing

A detailed business plan becomes a crucial tool when seeking financing from banks or investors for your art gallery.

Investing and lending to small businesses are very risky activities given how fragile they are. Therefore, financiers have to take extra precautions before putting their capital at risk.

At a minimum, financiers will want to ensure that you have a clear roadmap and a solid understanding of your future cash flows (like we just explained above). But they will also want to ensure that your business plan fits the risk/reward profile they seek.

This will off-course vary from bank to bank and investor to investor, but as a rule of thumb. Banks will want to see a conservative financial management style (low risk), and they will use the information in your business plan to assess your borrowing capacity — the level of debt they think your business can comfortably handle — and your ability to repay the loan. This evaluation will determine whether they'll provide credit to your art gallery and the terms of the agreement.

Whereas investors will carefully analyze your business plan to gauge the potential return on their investment. Their focus lies on evidence indicating your art gallery's potential for high growth, profitability, and consistent cash flow generation over time.

Now that you recognize the importance of creating a business plan for your art gallery, let's explore what information is required to create a compelling plan.

Information needed to create a business plan for an art gallery

You need the right data in order to project sales, investments and costs accurately in the financial forecast of your art gallery business plan.

Below, we'll cover three key pieces of information you should gather before drafting your business plan.

Carrying out market research for an art gallery

Before you begin writing your business plan for an art gallery, conducting market research is a critical step in ensuring precise and realistic financial projections.

Market research grants you valuable insights into your target customer base, competitors, pricing strategies, and other crucial factors that can impact the success of your business.

In the course of this research, you may stumble upon trends that could impact your art gallery.

You could find through market research that people may be interested in buying more abstract artwork, or that they might be drawn to more traditional or classic pieces. Additionally, research could reveal that patrons may be interested in purchasing limited edition works or that they might appreciate the opportunity to attend special events at the gallery.

Such market trends play a pivotal role in revenue forecasting, as they provide essential data regarding potential customers' spending habits and preferences.

By integrating these findings into your financial projections, you can provide investors with more accurate information, enabling them to make well-informed decisions about investing in your art gallery.

Developing the sales and marketing plan for an art gallery

As you embark on creating your art gallery business plan, it is crucial to budget sales and marketing expenses beforehand.

A well-defined sales and marketing plan should include precise projections of the actions required to acquire and retain customers. It will also outline the necessary workforce to execute these initiatives and the budget required for promotions, advertising, and other marketing efforts.

This approach ensures that the appropriate amount of resources is allocated to these activities, aligning with the sales and growth objectives outlined in your business plan.

The staffing and equipment needs of an art gallery

As you embark on starting or expanding your art gallery, having a clear plan for recruitment and capital expenditures (investment in equipment and real estate) is essential for ensuring your business's success.

Both the recruitment and investment plans must align with the timing and level of growth projected in your forecast, and they require appropriate funding.

A art gallery might incur staffing costs such as salaries for employees, including art curators, gallery attendants, and security personnel. It might also incur costs for equipment such as display racks, lighting, computers, and other technological equipment. Additionally, the gallery will need to purchase art supplies for any special exhibits, such as framing and mounting materials.

To create a realistic financial forecast, you also need to consider other operating expenses associated with the day-to-day running of your business, such as insurance and bookkeeping.

With all the necessary information at hand, you are ready to begin crafting your business plan and developing your financial forecast.

What goes into your art gallery's financial forecast?

The financial forecast of your art gallery's business plan will enable you to assess the growth, profitability, funding requirements, and cash generation potential of your business in the coming years.

The four key outputs of a financial forecast for a art gallery are:

  • The profit and loss (P&L) statement ,
  • The projected balance sheet ,
  • The cash flow forecast ,
  • And the sources and uses table .

Let's look at each of these in a bit more detail.

The projected P&L statement

The projected P&L statement for an art gallery shows how much revenue and profit your business is expected to make in the future.

example of projected profit and loss statement in a art gallery business plan

A healthy art gallery's P&L statement should show:

  • Sales growing at (minimum) or above (better) inflation
  • Stable (minimum) or expanding (better) profit margins
  • A healthy level of net profitability

This will of course depend on the stage of your business: numbers for a startup will look different than for an established art gallery.

The projected balance sheet of your art gallery

Your art gallery's forecasted balance sheet enables the reader of your plan to assess your financial structure, working capital, and investment policy.

It is composed of three types of elements: assets, liabilities and equity:

  • Assets: represent what the business owns and uses to produce cash flows. It includes resources such as cash, equipment, and accounts receivable (money owed by clients).
  • Liabilities: represent funds advanced to the business by lenders and other creditors. It includes items such as accounts payable (money owed to suppliers), taxes due and loans.
  • Equity: is the combination of what has been invested by the business owners and the cumulative profits and losses generated by the business to date (which are called retained earnings). Equity is a proxy for the value of the owner's stake in the business.

example of forecasted balance sheet in a art gallery business plan

Your art gallery's balance sheet will usually be analyzed in conjunction with the other financial statements included in your forecast.

Two key points of focus will be:

  • Your art gallery's liquidity: does your business have sufficient cash and short-term assets to pay what it owes over the next 12 months?
  • And its solvency: does your business have the capacity to repay its debt over the medium-term?

The projected cash flow statement

A cash flow forecast for an art gallery shows how much cash the business is projected to generate or consume.

example of cash flow forecast in a art gallery business plan

The cash flow statement is divided into 3 main areas:

  • The operating cash flow shows how much cash is generated or consumed by the operations (running the business)
  • The investing cash flow shows how much cash is being invested in capital expenditure (equipment, real estate, etc.)
  • The financing cash flow shows how much cash is raised or distributed to investors and lenders

Looking at the cash flow forecast helps you to ensure that your business has enough cash to keep running, and can help you anticipate potential cash shortfalls.

It is also a best practice to include a monthly cash flow statement in the appendices of your art gallery business plan so that the readers can view the impact of seasonality on your business cash position and generation.

The initial financing plan

The sources and uses table or initial financing plan is a key component of your business plan when starting an art gallery.

It shows where the capital needed to set up the business will come from (sources) and how it will be spent (uses).

sources and uses table in a art gallery business plan

This table helps size the investment required to set up the art gallery, and understand how risks will be distributed between the business owners, and the financiers.

The sources and uses table also highlights what the starting cash position will be. This is key for startups as the business needs to have sufficient funding to sustain operations until the break-even point is reached.

Now that you have a clear understanding of what will go into the financial forecast of your art gallery business plan, let's have a look at the written part of the plan.

The written part of the business plan is where you will explain what your business does and how it operates, what your target market is, whom you compete against, and what strategy you will put in place to seize the commercial opportunity you've identified.

Having this context is key for the reader to form a view on whether or not they believe that your plan is achievable and the numbers in your forecast realistic.

The written part of an art gallery business plan is composed of 7 main sections:

  • The executive summary
  • The presentation of the company
  • The products and services
  • The market analysis
  • The strategy
  • The operations
  • The financial plan

Let's go through the content of each section in more detail!

1. The executive summary

In your art gallery's business plan, the first section is the executive summary — a captivating overview of your plan that aims to pique the reader's interest and leave them eager to learn more about your business.

When crafting the executive summary, start with an introduction to your business, including its name, concept, location, how long it has been running, and what sets it apart. Briefly mention the products and services you plan to offer and your target customer profile.

Following that, provide an overview of the addressable market for your art gallery, current trends, and potential growth opportunities.

Next, include a summary of key financial figures like projected revenues, profits, and cash flows.

Finally, in the "ask" section, detail any funding requirements you may have.

2. The presentation of the company

The second section in your art gallery's business plan should focus on the structure and ownership, location, and management team of the company.

The structure and ownership part provides an overview of the legal structure of the business, who the owners are and how much each has invested and owns. If you are seeking financing it is important that the reader gets a clear picture of which legal entity is receiving the funds, and who controls the business.

The location part should give an overview of the premises from which the company is operating, and why that location is of particular interest (catchment area, accessibility, amenities nearby, etc.).

When describing the location of your art gallery, you may emphasize the potential for the area to become a thriving cultural hub. You could point out the easily accessible transportation options nearby, such as public transit and major highways. You might also talk about the potential for increased foot traffic in the area due to the presence of other businesses or attractions. Additionally, you may highlight the potential for the area to become a destination for art aficionados from around the region.

Finally, you should introduce the management team. Explain each member's role, background, and experience.

It is also important to emphasize any past successes that the members of the management team have achieved, and how long they've been working together, as this will help potential lenders or investors understand why they should trust in their leadership.

3. The products and services section

The products and services section of your business plan should include a detailed description of what your company offers, who are the target customers, and what distribution channels are part of your go-to-market. 

For example, your art gallery might offer customers the chance to purchase artwork, access to artist talks and workshops, as well as the opportunity to expand their network by connecting with other art enthusiasts. This will help customers deepen their appreciation for art, understand the creative process, and find new outlets for their creativity.

4. The market analysis

When outlining your market analysis in the art gallery business plan, it's essential to include comprehensive details about customers' demographics and segmentation, target market, competition, barriers to entry, and relevant regulations.

The primary aim of this section is to give the reader an understanding of the market size and appeal while demonstrating your expertise in the industry.

To begin, delve into the demographics and segmentation subsection, providing an overview of the addressable market for your art gallery, key marketplace trends, and introducing various customer segments and their preferences in terms of purchasing habits and budgets.

Next, shift your focus to the target market subsection, where you can zoom in on the specific customer segments your art gallery targets. Explain how your products and services are tailored to meet the unique needs of these customers.

For example, your target market might include young professionals with disposable income. These individuals tend to be more interested in collecting art as an investment, rather than just as decoration. They would be interested in high quality pieces, as well as the chance to network at gallery events.

In the competition subsection, introduce your main competitors and explain what sets your art gallery apart from them.

Finally, round off your market analysis by providing an overview of the main regulations that apply to your art gallery.

5. The strategy section

When you write the strategy section of your art gallery business plan, remember to cover key elements such as your competitive edge, pricing strategy, sales & marketing plan, milestones, and risks and mitigants.

In the competitive edge subsection, elaborate on what makes your company stand out from competitors. This becomes especially important if you're a startup, aiming to carve a place for yourself amidst established players in the marketplace.

The pricing strategy subsection should demonstrate how you plan to maintain profitability while offering competitive prices to attract customers.

Outline your sales & marketing plan, detailing how you'll reach out to new customers and retain existing ones through loyalty programs or special offers.

For the milestones subsection, outline your company's achievements to date and your main objectives for the future, complete with specific dates to set clear expectations for progress.

Lastly, the risks and mitigants subsection should address the main risks that could affect your plan's execution. Explain the measures you've put in place to minimize these risks, assuring potential investors or lenders.

Your art gallery could face a number of risks. For example, it may have difficulty attracting visitors, leading to lower sales and profitability. Additionally, it might be subject to theft in the form of artwork, cash, or other valuable items. To prevent these risks, it is important to have strong security measures in place to protect against theft and to engage in marketing efforts to ensure that your art gallery is seen by potential customers.

6. The operations section

The operations of your art gallery must be presented in detail in your business plan.

The first thing you should cover in this section is your staffing team, the main roles, and the overall recruitment plan to support the growth expected in your business plan. You should also outline the qualifications and experience necessary to fulfil each role, and how you intend to recruit (using job boards, referrals, or headhunters).

You should then state the operating hours of your art gallery - so that the reader can check the adequacy of your staffing levels - and any plans for varying opening times during peak season. Additionally, the plan should include details on how you will handle customer queries outside of normal operating hours.

The next part of this section should focus on the key assets and IP required to operate your business. If you depend on any licenses or trademarks, physical structures (equipment or property) or lease agreements, these should all go in there.

You may have key assets such as artwork and sculptures, as well as intellectual property such as the artwork’s copyright and the gallery’s unique branding. The artwork in the gallery could be valuable and may have a high market value, while the gallery’s branding could be a key asset in distinguishing the gallery from others. The intellectual property of the artwork and the gallery’s branding might be essential to the success of the art gallery.

Finally, you should include a list of suppliers that you plan to work with and a breakdown of their services and main commercial terms (price, payment terms, contract duration, etc.). Investors are always keen to know if there is a particular reason why you have chosen to work with a specific supplier (higher-quality products or past relationships for example).

7. The presentation of the financial plan

The financial plan section is where we will present the financial forecast we talked about earlier in this guide.

Now that you have a clear idea of what goes in your art gallery business plan, let's look at the solutions you can use to draft yours.

What tool should I use to write my art gallery's business plan?

In this section, we will be reviewing the two main solutions for creating an art gallery business plan:

  • Using specialized online business plan software,
  • Outsourcing the plan to the business plan writer.

Using an online business plan software for your art gallery's business plan

Using online business planning software is the most efficient and modern way to write an art gallery business plan.

There are several advantages to using specialized software:

  • You can easily create your financial forecast by letting the software take care of the financial calculations for you without errors
  • You are guided through the writing process by detailed instructions and examples for each part of the plan
  • You can access a library of dozens of complete business plan samples and templates for inspiration
  • You get a professional business plan, formatted and ready to be sent to your bank or investors
  • You can easily track your actual financial performance against your financial forecast
  • You can create scenarios to stress test your forecast's main assumptions
  • You can easily update your forecast as time goes by to maintain visibility on future cash flows
  • You have a friendly support team on standby to assist you when you are stuck

If you're interested in using this type of solution, you can try The Business Plan Shop for free by signing up here .

Hiring a business plan writer to write your art gallery's business plan

Outsourcing your art gallery business plan to a business plan writer can also be a viable option.

Business plan writers are experienced in writing business plans and adept at creating financial forecasts without errors. Furthermore, hiring a consultant can save you time and allow you to focus on the day-to-day operations of your business.

However, hiring business plan writers is expensive as you are paying for the software used by the consultant, plus their time, and their profit margin of course.

From experience, you need to budget at least £1.5k ($2.0k) excluding tax for a complete business plan, more if you need to make changes after the initial version (which happens frequently after the initial meetings with lenders or investors).

You also need to be careful when seeking investment. Investors want their money to be used to grow the business, not spent on consulting fees. Therefore, the amount you spend on business plan writing services (and other consulting services such as legal services) needs to be negligible relative to the amount raised.

The other drawback is that you usually don't own the business plan itself: you just get the output, while the actual document is saved in the consultant's business plan software - which makes it difficult to maintain the document up to date without hiring the consultant on a retainer.

For these reasons, outsourcing the art gallery business plan to a business plan writer should be considered carefully, weighing both the advantages and disadvantages of hiring outside help.

Ultimately, it may be the right decision for some businesses, while others may find it beneficial to write their business plan using online software.

Why not create your art gallery's business plan using Word or Excel?

Using Microsoft Excel and Word (or their Google, Apple, or open-source equivalents) to write an art gallery business plan is a terrible idea.

For starters, creating an accurate and error-free financial forecast on Excel (or any spreadsheet) is very technical and requires both a strong grasp of accounting principles and solid skills in financial modelling.

As a result, it is unlikely anyone will trust your numbers unless - like us at The Business Plan Shop - you hold a degree in finance and accounting and have significant financial modelling experience in your past.

The second reason is that it is inefficient. Building forecasts on spreadsheets was the only option in the 1990s and early 2000s, nowadays technology has advanced and software can do it much faster and much more accurately.

And with the rise of AI, software is also becoming smarter at helping us detect mistakes in our forecasts and helping us analyse the numbers to make better decisions.

Also, using software makes it easy to compare actuals vs. forecasts and maintain our forecasts up to date to maintain visibility on future cash flows - as we discussed earlier in this guide - whereas this is a pain to do with a spreadsheet.

That's for the forecast, but what about the written part of my art gallery business plan?

This part is less error-prone, but here also software brings tremendous gains in productivity:

  • Word processors don't include instructions and examples for each part of your business plan
  • Word processors don't update your numbers automatically when they change in your forecast
  • Word processors don't handle the formatting for you

Overall, while Word or Excel may be viable options for creating an art gallery business plan for some entrepreneurs, it is by far not the best or most efficient solution.

  • Having an up-to-date business plan is key to maintaining visibility on your future cash flows.
  • A business plan has 2 parts: a financial forecast highlighting the expected growth, profitability and cash generation of the business; and a written part which provides the context needed to interpret and assess the quality of the forecast.
  • Using business plan software is the modern way of writing and maintaining business plans.

We hope that this guide helped you to better understand how to write the business plan for an art gallery. If you still have questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

Also on The Business Plan Shop

  • How to write a 5 years business plan
  • Business plan myths

Know someone who owns or wants to start an art gallery? Share this article with them!

Guillaume Le Brouster

Founder & CEO at The Business Plan Shop Ltd

Guillaume Le Brouster is a seasoned entrepreneur and financier.

Guillaume has been an entrepreneur for more than a decade and has first-hand experience of starting, running, and growing a successful business.

Prior to being a business owner, Guillaume worked in investment banking and private equity, where he spent most of his time creating complex financial forecasts, writing business plans, and analysing financial statements to make financing and investment decisions.

Guillaume holds a Master's Degree in Finance from ESCP Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Business & Management from Paris Dauphine University.

Create a convincing business plan

Assess the profitability of your business idea and create a persuasive business plan to pitch to investors

The Business Plan Shop | Business Plan Software

500,000+ entrepreneurs have already tried our solution - why not join them?

Not ready to try our on-line tool ? Learn more about our solution here

Need some inspiration for your business plan?

Subscribe to The Business Plan Shop and gain access to our business plan template library.

business plan template library

Need a professional business plan? Discover our solution

Write your business plan with ease!

Business Plan Software

It's easy to create a professional business plan with The Business Plan Shop

Want to find out more before you try? Learn more about our solution here

wisebusinessplans logo

  • Customer Reviews
  • Net 30 Account
  • Wise Services
  • Steps & Timeline
  • Work at a Glance
  • Market Research at a Glance
  • Business Plan Writing Services
  • Bank Business Plan
  • Investor Business Plan
  • Franchise Business Plan
  • Cannabis Business Plan
  • Strategic Business Plan
  • Corporate Business Plan
  • Merge and Acquisition Business Plan (M&A)
  • Private Placement Memorandums (PPM)
  • Sample Business Plans
  • Professional Feasibility Study
  • PowerPoint Presentations
  • Pitch Deck Presentation Services
  • Business Plan Printing
  • Market Research
  • L-1 Business Plan
  • E-2 Business Plan
  • EB-5 Business Plan
  • EB-5 Regional Centers
  • Immigration Attorneys
  • Nonprofit Business Plan
  • Exit Business Planning
  • Business Planning
  • Business Formation
  • Business License
  • Business Website
  • Business Branding
  • Business Bank Account
  • Digital Marketing
  • Business Funding Resources
  • Small Business Loans
  • Venture Capital
  • Net 30 Apply

Wise Business plans logo

  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Business Credit Cards
  • Talk to Us 1-800-496-1056

Art Gallery Business Plan Template

Whether you want to start your own art gallery business or expand an existing one, you need a business plan. the following art gallery business plan template lets you know what elements you need to include in a successful art gallery business plan., fill the form to download business plan templates.

To ensure your art gallery business success in this highly competitive market, you need a properly structured art gallery business plan. With over 12 years of experience, we have helped over 5,000 entrepreneurs create business plans to start and grow their art gallery businesses. Using the following art gallery business template, you can put together an effective business plan for art gallery.

Things to Know Before Writing an Art Gallery Business Plan

The art industry consists primarily of art galleries and art auction houses that retail original and limited-edition artwork. Typically, the companies purchase artwork from an artist or an individual owner, and then market it to consumers, without further developing the product. Furthermore, auction houses collect commissions by bringing buyers and sellers together.

Most of the industry’s revenue is generated by large auction houses and small galleries selling affordable pieces.

The industry revenue is forecast to grow at an annualized rate of 1.8% to $11.4 billion over the 3 years to 2024. The market is expected to grow because of the popularity of contemporary art, rising disposable income, and an increase in museums seeking to entice visitors with high-priced purchases.

Among the major products and services offered in this industry are

  • Photography
  • Other media

Key Success Factors for the Art Gallery Business

Key success factors for art gallery business

Despite the challenges of the art gallery industry, we have identified 6 factors that can help you boost profitability, efficiency, and ultimately success.

  • Knowing your product well: To resell a work of art at a profit, a dealer must be able to authenticate and price it accurately. It is essential to find undervalued works or artists who are likely to gain popularity.
  • Having access to rare inputs: Access to rarely sold art is crucial for art dealers. Establishing a close relationship with an owner puts a dealer in a good position when the owner decides to sell.
  • Effective communication and negotiation skills: Since an artwork’s value is subjective (rather than based on the price of its materials), a business needs to have superior communication and negotiation skills to sell it privately or at an auction.
  • Having a good reputation: A good reputation and quality service are crucial to sourcing artwork from owners and artists and selling it to collectors.
  • Highly skilled workforce: The process of sourcing, authenticating, valuing, cleaning, and storing artwork requires highly skilled staff.
  • Proximity to key markets: It is critical to be close to major international cities, since many high-end consumers and art collectors reside in these areas. Having a tight financial grip over revenue and costs, especially debt collection and overhead, is essential for cash flow planning.

Need a Professional Business Plan Writer for Your Art Gallery Business?

Hire Wise Business Plans Now

What is an Art Gallery Business Plan?

An art gallery business plan is a road-map for starting and growing your art gallery business. Your business plan outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing strategy, and details your financial projections.

Any bank or investor you approach will require an art gallery business plan, so putting one together will be critical to securing funding.

In short, writing a business plan can help you succeed if you’re thinking of starting an art gallery business or pitching to investors or venture capitalists.

art gallery business plan template

Why You Need an Art gallery Business Plan

Art gallery business plans can be used to gain interest from potential investors or to secure loans from banks. They are also helpful to you as the owner. An art gallery business plan allows you to thoroughly analyze every aspect of your potential business.

A solid, detailed plan gives you a clear path to follow, forces you to examine the viability of an art gallery business idea, and may help you better understand your company’s finances and competition.

Art gallery business owners who have a business plan grow 35% faster than those who don’t, and 75% of fast-growing businesses have one.

An art gallery business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Free: Business Plan Examples

Do you need help creating a business plan? Check out these six free, proven business plan examples from different industries to help you write your own.

Sources of Art Galleries Funding

An art gallery business is mostly funded by personal savings, credit cards , bank loans, and angel investors. In terms of bank loans, banks will want to review your art gallery business plan and make sure you will be able to repay the loan and interest.

Angel investors are the second most common source of funding for an art gallery business. These are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They may ask for equity or, like a bank, they may offer a loan. Venture capitalists are not likely to fund an art gallery business.

They may consider financing a national art gallery business, but not a single location. The reason is that most venture capitalists expect a return of millions when they make an investment, and an individual location cannot achieve such results.

How to Write an Art Gallery Business Plan

How to write an art gallery business plan

To write an art gallery business plan, you don’t need to be an expert. Our step-by-step guide will show you how to write an art gallery business plan, or you can just download our proven sample business plan pdf  to get a better idea.

Art Gallery Business Plan PDF and Word

Download our art gallery business plan in PDF and Word here.

Executive Summary

The executive summary is the most important part of the document since it outlines the whole business plan. Despite the fact that it appears first in the plan, write the executive summary last so you may condense key concepts from the other nine parts.

It’s a part that catches the investor’s eye and provides key information about your company’s overview and upcoming short- and long-term goals.

Tell them what kind of art gallery business you have and what stage you’re in; for example, are you a startup, do you have an art gallery agency that you want to expand, or do you have a lot of art gallery businesses?

Finally, an executive summary should provide investors with a preview of what they may expect from the rest of your document.

  • Provide a high-level overview of the art gallery industry
  • The name, location, and mission of your art gallery business
  • A description of your art gallery business, including management, advisors, and a brief history
  • Discuss the type of art gallery business you are operating, Give an overview of your target customers., and how your company differs from competitors in the industry
  • Create a marketing plan that describes your company’s marketing strategies, sales, and partnership plans.
  • And give an overview of your financial plan

Check out these executive summary examples to help you write a perfect one for your art gallery business plan.

Free: Executive Summary Examples

An executive summary is the most important part of your business plan, and it need not be challenging to write. This is why we have put together some awesome free Executive Summary examples for you.

Company Analysis

Your company overview section in a business plan will be short and clear, similar to the executive summary.

Even if they just have a few minutes, your reader has to understand what your company does and who your customers are.

The following sections will be included in your business plan’s Company Analysis:

  • Company summary:

Your company analysis will describe the type of art gallery business you are running and its future goals.

The type of art gallery business you might be focused on: The Commercial Art Gallery, Mega-Galleries, Vanity Art Galleries,  Exhibition Spaces, Artist-Run Galleries, etc.

  • Company history: When and why did you start your art gallery business?
  • What milestones have you achieved so far? Among the milestones might be the number of art gallery pieces, growth year over year, etc.
  • Legal structure and ownership: Do you have S-Corp status? Is it an LLC ? A sole proprietorship ? Describe your legal structure.
  • Mission statement: An overview of your art gallery’s guiding principles. Learn how to write a perfect mission statement .

Industry Analysis

Provide a brief overview of the art gallery industry in your industry analysis. This may seem unnecessary, but it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the art gallery industry will educate you. It gives you an understanding of the market in which you are operating. Secondly, market research can improve your strategy, especially if it identifies market trends.

Third, market analysis shows readers you are an expert within your field. Conducting research and presenting it in your plan is the most efficient way to accomplish this.

Industry analysis can be presented as a 8-step process when written as part of a company’s business plan.

  • Give a quick overview of the art gallery industry. Define the art gallery business in terms of size (in dollars), historical background, service region, and products.
  • Examine previous trends and growth patterns in the art gallery industry.
  • Identify the market’s major competitors.
  • Age, gender, and general lifestyle of the targeted market
  • Determine the factors that have an impact on the art gallery industry. These might include government regulatory rules and other businesses’ competitive activities.
  • Using research data, the industry forecast expected growth over the next five to ten years. Predictions should be made for both the long and short term.
  • Describe how your art gallery business intends to position itself in the industry. Concentrate on how your art gallery business can benefit from opportunities highlighted in the industry.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section is an important part of any art gallery business plan since it evaluates the consumer segments that your company serves. It identifies target customers, determines what those customers want, and then explains how your art gallery services will meet those requirements.

Customers can be categorized into the following segments:

  • Couples Residing In Area
  • Professionals Residing in Area
  • Affluent millennials
  • Serious collectors
  • Baby boomers

Customer analysis may be divided into two parts: Psycho-social profiles (why your art gallery services suits a customer’s lifestyle) and Demographic profiles (descriptions of a customer’s demographic qualities).

With regards to demographics, include information about: the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of your customers. When targeting businesses, describe what kind of business, size, and location your target customers are.

The psychological profiles of your target clients reveal their wants and needs. The better you understand and identify these demands, the better your chances of attracting and retaining customers will be.

Looking for Professional Business Plan Writing Services for Your Art Gallery Business?

Hire us Now!

Competitor Analysis

It is necessary to do a competitor analysis. Because you may use their data to define your goals, marketing plans, tactics, new product lines, pricing, and more. Use competitor analysis to:

  • Identify the strength and weakness of your art gallery business competitors.
  • Search for opportunities to distinguish your art gallery business from competitors.

The first step is to determine who your direct and indirect competitors are.

The direct competitors consists of other art gallery businesses that offer essentially the same services to the same people as you do.

Indirect competitors are other art gallery options that people have in addition to direct competitors. Antiques dealers, online art dealers and auction sites, and international art dealers are all included. Such competition shows your understanding that not everyone who needs an art piece will use an art gallery service.

Once you’ve identified the competition, concentrate on the direct, head-to-head competitors, since they are the most threatening to your art gallery business— but keep an eye on the indirect competition as well, just in case.

Provide an overview of each direct competitor’s business and detail their strengths and weaknesses.

You will be able to position yourself competitively in the market if you perform proper competition research. Perform a SWOT Analysis to learn your competitors’ strengths, weaknesses, and competitive advantages in the following areas:

  • Prices – Are they offering cheaper art gallery services/products or more costly than you and other competitors, what value do buyers get for that price?
  • Quality – Are they offering premium art gallery services/products, the perceived worth in the eyes of the customers
  • Customer service – How they respond to their consumers, whether they treat them poorly or well, and the degrees of satisfaction customers show
  • Reputation — The sum of everything mentioned above: their credibility, how loved the brand is, and the loyalty of their customers

The final section of your competitive analysis should include a list of your areas of competitive advantage. for example: Are you going to offer premium art gallery services/products? Do you offer unique art gallery services/products that your competitors do not? Will you offer better pricing or will you offer greater customer support?

Consider how you will outperform your competitors and include them in this portion of your art gallery business plan.

Free: SWOT Analysis Examples

Take advantage of our free SWOT analysis examples. Make your business future-proof by identifying your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats using this free SWOT Analysis Template.

Marketing Plan

Creating a marketing plan for an art gallery business involves identifying the target demographic and finding art that suit their preferences.

As part of your marketing plan for an art gallery business, you should include:

Pricing and Product Strategy

Your art gallery business must offer art gallery services/products that are different, unique and eye catching from those of your competitors. Research what your competitors offer and how they price their art gallery services/products. Unique art products identifies your art gallery business as the place to go for unique services and differentiates it from others.

Placing and Promotions

Place refers to the location of the business office of your art gallery company. Describe how your location might attract customers. As an example, Is your art gallery next to a highly populated building, historical places, entertaining places like parks, cinemas or in a high-end shopping district?

Promoting your art gallery business is the final part of your marketing plan. In this step, you document how you will drive customers to buy your services. A few marketing methods you could consider are:

  • Pre-Opening Events
  • Displaying art samples outside the gallery
  • Social media marketing
  • Get referrals from current clients
  • Optimize your Google My Business listing
  • Reaching out to local bloggers and websites
  • List your business on industry-specific sites
  • Community Outreach

You should also think about your art gallery company’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP), which should explain why clients should choose you over other art gallery businesses. Ensure that your USP is reflected in your marketing.

Read Later: How to create a marketing plan in a business plan.

Operations Plan

While the previous sections described your goals, your operational plan in a business plan discusses how you will achieve them.

An operations plan is helpful for investors, but it’s also helpful for you and employees because it pushes you to think about tactics and deadlines.

Your operations plan should be divided into two individual parts, as seen below.

Your daily short-term processes include all the tasks involved in running an art gallery business, including hiring and training employees and administering the business. etc.

Your long-term goals are the milestones you hope to reach. It may include the date when you hope to lease the facility or remodel the facility: or when you hope to reach $X in revenue.

Management Team

The management team section in a business plan ‘ outlines your management team, staff, resources, and how your business ownership is structured.

This part may be easily organized by dividing it into the following points:

Ownership Structure

Internal Management Team

External Management Resources

Human Resources

This section outlines your art gallery business’s legal structure. If your company is a sole proprietorship , it may simply be one phrase. It might be longer if your company is a partnership or a corporation . You should make it a point to clarify who owns what part of the business.

This section should not only outline who is on your management team but also how each person’s skill set and experiences will contribute to the growth of your art gallery business. Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct expertise in the art gallery business. If this is the case, highlight your experience and skills.

Think of these external management resources as your internal management team’s backup. Consider forming an advisory board if your team is lacking expertise and experience with art gallery business.

An advisory board would consist of 3 to 7 people who would serve as mentors to your art gallery company. They would assist in answering queries and providing strategic direction.

If necessary, search for advisory board members with expertise running art gallery business.

Describe all of your company’s external professional advisers, such as accountants, bankers, attorneys, IT experts, business consultants, and/or business coaches. 

The final topic to consider in the management area of your art gallery business plan is your human resource needs.

Financial Plan

As part of your financial plan, you should present a 5-year financial statement broken down monthly or quarterly for the first year, and then annually. Financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement.

Income Statement

A profit and loss statement is more commonly called an income statement. It shows your revenue and subtracts your expenses to determine whether you were profitable or not.

As you develop your income statement, you need to develop assumptions. Will you serve 30 patients per day or 200? Will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? Your choice of assumptions will greatly impact your business’s financial forecasts. Conduct as much research as possible in order to ground your assumptions in reality.

Free: Income Statement Template

Create a financial statement for your business by downloading our free income statement templates.

Balance Sheet

While balance sheets include much information, to simplify them to the key items you need to know about, balance sheets show your assets and liabilities.

The balance sheet shows your art gallery business’s net value at a specific point in time. It categorizes all of your company’s financial data into three categories:

  • Assets: Tangible goods with the monetary worth that the company owns.
  • Liabilities: Debt owing to a company’s creditor.
  • Equity: The net difference when the total liabilities are subtracted from the total assets.

The equation that expresses the relationship between these financial data elements is Assets = Liabilities + Equity.

Create a pro forma balance sheet for your art gallery business plan that highlights the information in the income statement and cash flow projections. A balance sheet is normally prepared once a year by a company.

Balance sheets indicate your assets and liabilities, and while they contain a lot of information, they are simplified to highlight the most important things you need to know.

For example, spending $200,000 to build out your art gallery business will not result in instant revenues. Rather, it is an asset that should help you earn money for many years to come.

Similarly, if a bank sends you a check for $200,000, you do not have to pay it back right now. Rather, that is a liability that you will repay over time.

Cash Flow Statement:

Your cash flow statement will help you determine how much money you need to start or grow your art gallery business. In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a art gallery business:

  • Design fees, construction, and other costs associated with location development.
  • Cost of equipment like display cases, computers, and software
  • The cost of maintaining a sufficient art collection
  • Staff payroll or salaries
  • The total cost of insurance coverage (general liability, workers’ compensation, and property casualty)
  • Start-up inventory costs

Pro Tips: Learn how to write a financial plan in a business plan to help you write a winning art gallery business plan.

Free: Balance Sheet Template

Create a financial statement for your business by downloading our free balance sheet templates.

List any additional material you cannot include elsewhere, such as resumes from key employees, licenses, equipment leases, permits, patents, receipts, bank statements, contracts, and personal and business credit histories.

Attach your full financial projections along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling in the appendix.

Bonus Tip: Learn how to write a business plan appendix for your art gallery business.

Looking to Build Business Credit for Your Art Gallery?

Build your business credit quickly with an easy approval net 30 account from Wise Business Plans. Or check out the top 10 net 30 vendors to find the best one for you to help build your business credit .

Summary of the Art Gallery Business Plan

An art gallery plan is a worthwhile investment. As long as you follow the template above, you will become an expert in no time. By following the template, you will understand the art gallery business, your competition, and your customers. The plan will help you understand the steps necessary to launch and grow your art gallery business.

Do you want to Finish Your Art Gallery Business Plan in less the one day?

Wouldn’t it be nice if your business plan could be completed faster and easier?

With wise business plans Business Plan Template , you can finish your art gallery business plan in just 6 hours or less with a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee!

OR, we can create your art gallery business plan for you

Since 2010, Wise business plans’ MBA professional business plan writers has developed business plans for thousands of companies that have experienced tremendous success.

Download Our Art Gallery Business Plan Template

We will show you some real-world business plan examples so you may know how to write your own, especially if you are seeking a bank loan or an outside investment and need to use SBA-approved formatting.

Get in Touch

Contact us today for a free consultation, quick links.

Made in USA

  • Investor Business Plans
  • M&A Business Plan
  • Private Placement
  • Feasibility Study
  • Hire a Business Plan Writer
  • Business Valuation Calculator
  • Business Plan Examples
  • Real Estate Business Plan
  • Business Plan Template
  • Business Plan Pricing Guide
  • Business Plan Makeover
  • SBA Loans, Bank Funding & Business Credit
  • Finding & Qualifying for Business Grants
  • Leadership for the New Manager
  • Content Marketing for Beginners
  • All About Crowdfunding
  • EB-5 Regional Centers, A Step-By-Step Guide
  • Logo Designer
  • Landing Page
  • PPC Advertising

Wise Business Plan New Logo White

  • Business Entity
  • Business Licensing
  • Virtual Assistant
  • Business Phone
  • Business Address
  • E-1 Visa Business Plan
  • EB1-A Visa Business Plan
  • EB1-C Visa Business Plan
  • EB2-NIW Business Plan
  • H1B Visa Business Plan
  • O1 Visa Business Plan
  • Business Brokers
  • Merger & Acquisition Advisors
  • Franchisors

Proud Sponsor of

  • 1-800-496-1056

US flag

  • (613) 800-0227

Canada flag

  • +44 (1549) 409190

UK flag

  • +61 (2) 72510077

Australia flag

BusinessPlanTemplate.com - The World's Leading Business Plan Template Directory

Art Gallery Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

 width=

Art Gallery Business Plan Template

If you want to start an art gallery or expand your current art gallery, you need a business plan.

The following art gallery business plan template gives you the key elements to include in a winning art gallery business plan.

You can download our Business Plan Template (including a full, customizable financial model) to your computer here.

Below are links to each of the key sections of an example art gallery business plan. Once you create your plan, download it to PDF to show banks and investors.

Art Gallery Business Plan Home I. Executive Summary II. Company Overview III. Industry Analysis IV. Customer Analysis V. Competitive Analysis VI. Marketing Plan VII. Operations Plan VIII. Management Team IX. Financial Plan

Comments are closed.

art gallery business plan template

Start an Art Gallery

Painting the Town: Transforming Your Love for Art into a Thriving Business

a couple of people that are standing in a room

ART GALLERY

Related business ideas, discover your perfect domain, art gallery mini business plan, expected percent margin:, earnings expectations:, actions to hit those numbers:, inventory management:, marketing and customer acquisition:, sales and customer experience:, cost control:, business operations:, not what you had in mind here are more ideas, grab your business website name, step 1: determine if starting an art gallery is right for you, breakdown of startup expenses, breakdown of ongoing expenses, examples of ways to make money, step 2: name the business, step 3: secure funding, create a business plan, seek investors, secure financing, step 4: find a location, researching potential locations, securing the location, finalizing the lease, step 5: obtain necessary licenses and permits, how to obtain licenses and permits, cost of licenses and permits, professional assistance, step 6: create a business plan, step 7: market the business, promotional events, online presence, step 8: hire employees, where to look for employees, interviewing potential employees, training employees, step 9: open the business, maintaining the business, explore more categories, take the next steps.

Art Gallery Business Plan Template

Art Gallery Business Plan Template

business plan of art gallery

  •   Art Gallery Business Plan Template (Microsoft Word)  –  $47.00
  •   +Add Excel Worksheet (Recommended)  –  $35.00
  •   +Add Funding Package Pitch Deck PowerPoint + 4 funding eBooks  –  $55.00
  •   +Add Business Startup and Raising Capital Documents Bundle. 115 documents  –  $85.00
  •   +Add Operational, Employee and Policy and Procedure Documents  –  $35.00

How to get funding for your art gallery business!

Here’s the ‘Perfect Solution’ to getting your art gallery business funded quickly…even if you don’t have a clue on how to write a business plan and don’t have the budget to pay a professional to do it!

If you want to get your art gallery business organized and funded then here’s the perfect solution:

Did you know that a well-written and researched business plan is the key to getting funding for your Art Gallery?

But most entrepreneurs neglect this aspect of their startup.

That’s usually because they are not knowledgeable enough to write a business plan on their own.

Or do not have the budget to pay a professional business plan writer.

But if you’ve ever wanted to start an art gallery business and you need to write a business plan to get funding then our Hybrid Fusion Business Plan Templates are for you.

Our Hybrid Business Plan Template is not just high quality, in-depth, and thoroughly researched with base financials inclusions, but also a business plan that has examples for you to insert your own market and business specifics into.

Each one takes us a minimum of 160 to 200 hours to write and has been reviewed and proofed by at least 3 professionals and a third party prior to being offered to you.

An art gallery business is a great first business for those interested in entrepreneurship

An art gallery presents a compelling entrepreneurial opportunity for individuals passionate about art and culture. It is a platform for artists to showcase their talent and creativity while providing a space for art enthusiasts and collectors to appreciate and acquire unique artworks. By curating a diverse collection of artwork, an art gallery can attract a wide range of visitors and potential buyers. Moreover, an art gallery can foster a sense of community by hosting exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events, contributing to the local art scene. However, it’s important to recognize that running an art gallery requires knowledge of the art market, effective marketing strategies, strong networking skills, and a keen eye for selecting exceptional artworks. By creating a welcoming environment, building relationships with artists and collectors, and providing a platform for artistic expression, entrepreneurs can establish an enriching art gallery business.

And with our business plan template, you’ll be able to seek funding from investors and be up and running in no time.

With modifications (Like the name of your company and owner’s bio, market, financials, and location specifics) you can customize this business plan for your exact needs.

Here’s why a free business plan template can risk your chances of funding:

Lenders and investors see thousands of business plans and they know when you’re using a generic free template because the “Wording is just not right.”

You can have the best idea for your venture and pitch it to them perfectly, however when you leave and they review your plan what will it really say about you?

And free isn’t really free if it costs you your funding.

Why leave the future of your business to chance?

Our business plan templates are written for your specific market and references are included as well as base financials.

Start your business off the right way with our comprehensive Hybrid business plan templates.

As part of this package, you will receive our Art gallery business plan template, which contains the following sections:

  • Executive summary
  • The enterprise
  • The business concept and need
  • Industry/market overview.
  • Growth strategy and implementation summary
  • Management plan
  • Risk factor
  • Financial projections
  • Use of proceeds

Click here to view sample pages of this exact plan.

Depending on which version of the business plan options you purchase (more on that in a moment), you’ll receive the following:

  • 34 page Art Gallery business plan template with base financials and references. This art gallery business plan template will be delivered via digital download in fully editable Microsoft Word and includes an art gallery business pre-written example text, general industry research, general financials, example graphs and charts, references, and narrative already completed for you.
  • Red instructional text above each section is included to let you know what to insert in that section. In some areas, you can just add your information, in others you will need to use the example text as a basis to write your own business specifics such as what sets you apart, your local market, your business team, etc.
  • Example graphs and charts are also included for you to use as an example of what to insert in those areas for your market and location specifics.

business plan of art gallery

Click here for screenshots of the plan you will be receiving.

  • Art Gallery Business Financial Template in Microsoft Excel (recommended) to calculate your finances. This Excel template will allow you to enter financial data specific to your business and will produce proforma financial statements for use in your business plan. The worksheets (Set-up, Start-up, Sales, Headcount, Inventory, Operating Expenses, Capital Budget, Equity & Debt, and Amortization Schedule) contain instructions, questions for you to answer, and boxes (cells) for data entry. Cells in which you are to answer questions or enter data are yellow. Purple cells contain formulas that will be calculated automatically.

business plan of art gallery

Click here for screenshots of these documents.

  • Art Gallery Business Funding Package. (A must-have if actively seeking investment) Includes an Art Gallery business Microsoft PowerPoint slideshow template “Pitch Deck” to show lenders and investors your concept at a glance. It includes 12 slides art gallery images with instructional text for you to insert your specific business information into.

This funding package also includes the Funding eBook bundle to educate you on your funding options and how to best present your business concept. These 4 eBooks guide you through individual interventions, second-party arrangements, corporate funding options, government interventions, managing business cash flow, quick start funding overview, exit strategy, common mistakes to avoid when pitching your concept, and much more.

business plan of art gallery

  • Business Assessment Documents. Vital documents to make sure you are prepared for your venture. Includes: Business Plan Guidelines, Strategic Planning Checklist, Trend Analysis Checklist, Executive Summary Template, Market Study Outline, Business Analysis Worksheet. 6 Documents to help get you organized.
  • Business Startup Documents. Essential Documents to Help Launch Your Venture. Includes: Board of Directors Documents , Confidentiality Agreements , General Administration , Basic Financial Checklist , Franchise Feasibility Test , Startup Cost Worksheet , Franchise Comparison Worksheet , Strategic Management , Organization-Wide Goals, And much more. 66 Documents to help you get started.
  • Raising Capital Documents. Practical documents to help you get started raising capital. Includes: Government Grants and Program Worksheets and Guide, Loans and Borrowing Documents, Investment Analysis Summary , Bank Loan Request Sheet , Loan Application Review Form, Loan Calculator , Pledge of Shares of Stock , General Continuing Guaranty , Due Diligence Checklist , Promissory Notes , Investment Analysis Summary , the Term sheet for potential investment and much more. 51 Documents to help you obtain funding.

business plan of art gallery

Business Operational Plan, Employee Handbook, and Policies and Procedures Templates:

Show your investor that you are ready to launch by completing these vital foundational documents prior to starting. They include:

Operational plan template for you to describe your business’s mission and operations, including information on your strategic content, company objectives, key performance indicators, key assumptions and risks, goals, and more.

Employee handbook template to create for your current or future employees explaining your policies and what you expect from them and what they should expect from you.

Policies and procedures template (an addition to your employee handbook) to communicate the culture of your business, your standards on employment, schedules, compensation, benefits, hiring policies, and other workplace policies to protect not just your business but also your employees.

*These are templates for you to complete as operations and employee requirements vary per business. Please view the sample pages.

(Delivered in digital Microsoft Word format)

business plan of art gallery

That’s a lot of information! But don’t be overwhelmed. Rest assured we have packaged these items in easy-to-digest options. Scroll down to learn more.

See what our customers are saying about our business plan templates.

“The plan had some great points that were very beneficial and important to my business. I hope other clients are able to see the value you are able to provide in their business plans, just like myself. I would highly recommend you to other prospective entrepreneurs. It’s been a pleasure and I look forward to execute my business plan.”

Kristina K.

“Black Box Business Plans has given me the tools and inspiration to pursue my business venture. Not only was the template helpful in helping me form my business idea it really explains how it would benefit my company.”

Mikio VanDrunen

“Black Box has been a tremendous help to me and my business ventures. His templates were extremely helpful to me with regard to moving my business from the conceptual phase to something that could be successfully implemented.   Furthermore, his business plan example and associated materials allowed me to organize and structure my venture according to how I wanted to run and grow my business. I also found the process much easier with the materials (as opposed to doing everything on my own), since they provided a solid blueprint for my business.   I would recommend Shawn and his team to other entrepreneurs and business owners without hesitation. They have been great to work with!”

Kevin Cisney

The best part about our plans is that the TIME-CONSUMING parts are DONE for YOU

Our Hybrid Fusion Business Plan Templates save you time as most portions are already completed for you, including the general narrative, market research, format, charts, and financials are already researched and written for the Art Gallery industry.

What makes our Hybrid Fusion Business Plans Different?

Here are just a few reasons why the black box business plan template is the best solution to begin planning your venture:

  • Written by business professionals combined with real entrepreneurs with over 20 years of experience.
  • Formatted layout for investor and lender use.
  • References are provided at the end of each plan.
  • Most recently available market research and demographics used.
  • Beautifully formatted to look professional and pleasing to the eye.
  • A full narrative written from scratch for your industry.
  • Industry financials at the end of each plan.
  • Written in a persuasive way to show investors the true potential of your venture.
  • Hybrid Fusion Cross between a business plan sample and template to make customization more realistic.

Click here for sample pages of this Art Gallery business plan template.

But we don’t want to sell you on EASY.

We want to make sure you obtain a well-researched market-specific business plan template you are able to build a realistic and truly investor-friendly business plan upon.

Real investors and lenders see 3 to 15 business plans a day.

With the big “Corporate” business plan template companies luring you in with an “Easy” business plan those very lenders see right through them.

With our plan templates, you will have something extensive, unique as well as researched to set you apart from the “Corporate” generic business fill-in-the-blank plan templates.

Know what you will be receiving by viewing our sample pages for this business plan here.

Do it yourself and not only save but learn more about your business as well.

  • Each complete plan takes us about 160 to 200 hours to research , write and create and is written in a way to make it easy to understand yet investor friendly. A professional business plan writer would charge a minimum of $650 to create a unique business plan of our length with the amount of research, financials, graphs, and charts.
  • This is the viable solution you have been looking for. A comprehensive, well-written template with full narrative and financial research specifically for your industry. Our business plans are investor friendly, written by professionals, and offered at a fraction of the cost of a professional business plan writer.
  • We stand behind our quality. Our plans are in-depth and well-researched. If you are able to find a more researched, referenced, comprehensive, Art Gallery business template for the Art Gallery industry we will refund your money.
  • Don’t believe the MYTH of “Fill in the blanks” business plan templates. Each venture is unique as is each market. If someone promises you a “fill-in-the-blanks” template or automated way to create your business plan then you are effectively getting a generic plan. Our hybrid business plan offered here is researched written and formatted specifically for the Art Gallery industry.
  • Before purchasing, please understand the usage of this document (Yes, you will have to put in some work) we are honest about what we offer and provide screenshots of the documents you will be receiving so there is no misunderstanding.

A customized or turn-key document from a reputable professional business plan writer starts at $950 and a cost upwards of $5,500 or more (A Google search will show you this).

We are attempting to help you get started on a budget hence we are providing our extensive hybrid fusion business plan documents as a starting point for you to build your plan upon.

30-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE.

30 day money back guarantee

Like any business, there are risks. I am so confident that this is the most comprehensive Art Gallery business plan offering out there that if you are able to find a more comprehensive Art Gallery business plan package that includes a 35+ page business plan template and matching Excel worksheet for a lower price, I will refund your money. Click here for terms and conditions.

*PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PRODUCT IS NOT A TURN-KEY SOLUTION, BUT AN EDITABLE TEMPLATE THAT IS MEANT TO SERVE AS A FOUNDATION/BASIS/OUTLINE ON WHICH YOU CAN DEVELOP YOUR OWN PROFESSIONAL ART GALLERY BUSINESS PLAN WITH SOME EFFORT.

THE BEST TIME IS NOW

There is never a better time than the present to start your art gallery business as the industry is in demand. Being self-employed allows you the ability to have complete control over your business decisions, including pricing, marketing, and growth strategies. The resources we provide will help jump-start you. However, in the end, only you can choose to make a difference in your life.

*This is a Business Plan Template/Outline in Unlocked and Editable Microsoft Office (Depending on your purchase Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and should only be used as a starting point/foundation to write your own plan upon. You will need to put work into this template to customize it for your needs.

CHOOSE THE OPTIONS THAT WORK BEST FOR YOU. SSL Secured Checkout via PayPal or Credit Card. Your future art gallery customers are waiting.

Order Now Below

Disclaimers (Please read prior to purchase)

-This is an editable example business plan template, which is in between a business plan template and a sample. This is NOT a complete Turn-key business plan. Modify and use this Hybrid business plan template as a foundation to create your own plan. See Sample pages to see exactly what you will be receiving.

-We are unable to make any changes to this plan or excel sheet or pitch deck or documents for you.

-By purchasing these documents, you agree not to resell, copyright, or post them online.

-Digital Download for Microsoft Office XP 10.0 in Windows XP and higher versions.

-Will also open in Microsoft Office for Mac, however, some formatting issues may be present and will need to be corrected. For this reason, we are unable to guarantee 100% direct compatibility with Microsoft Office for Mac.

-This is a large Microsoft Word file. Please keep in mind that we are not responsible if your computer processor is unable to render them quickly. We have tested these files on multiple MACs and PCs and they render fine on our end. However, we are unable to account for or guarantee how the files will perform on your end due to various extensions and operating system performance. Although rare, if you are having rendering issues you may need to attempt to open and work on the Microsoft Word files on an alternative, newer or faster computer.

The best time to start is now. Purchase with confidence. SSL Secured Checkout and 30-Day Money Back Guarantee if you are able to find a more comprehensive and up-to-date plan and funding package combination for a lower price point.*

*Click here for details on our money-back guarantee.

Thanks for scrolling down to the bottom of this page! Whether you purchase from us or not I wish you much success in your art gallery venture! ☺

  • Share this:
  • Business Plan for Investors
  • Bank/SBA Business Plan
  • Operational/Strategic Planning Services
  • L1 Visa Business Plan
  • E1 Treaty Trader Visa Business Plan
  • E2 Treaty Investor Visa Business Plan
  • EB-1 Business Plan
  • EB-2 NIW Business Plan
  • EB-5 Business Plan
  • Innovator Founder Visa Business Plan
  • Start-Up Visa Business Plan
  • Expansion Worker Visa Business Plan
  • Manitoba MPNP Visa Business Plan
  • Nova Scotia NSNP Visa Business Plan
  • British Columbia BC PNP Visa Business Plan
  • Self-Employed Visa Business Plan
  • OINP Entrepreneur Stream Business Plan
  • LMIA Owner Operator Business Plan
  • ICT Work Permit Business Plan
  • LMIA Mobility Program – C11 Entrepreneur Business Plan
  • USMCA (ex-NAFTA) Business Plan
  • Franchise Business Plan
  • Landlord business plan
  • Nonprofit Start-Up Business Plan
  • USDA Business Plan
  • Cannabis business plan
  • Ecommerce business plan
  • Online boutique business plan
  • Mobile application business plan
  • Daycare business plan
  • Restaurant business plan
  • Food delivery business plan
  • Real estate business plan
  • Business Continuity Plan
  • Buy Side Due Diligence Services
  • ICO whitepaper
  • ICO consulting services
  • Confidential Information Memorandum
  • Private Placement Memorandum
  • Feasibility study
  • Fractional CFO
  • How it works
  • Business Plan Examples

Art Gallery Business Plan Sample

JAN.17, 2018

Art Gallery Business Plan Sample

Do you want to start art gallery?

Are you thinking about starting your own art gallery? Well, if you have a passion for art and a desire to live surrounded by masterpieces of various artists around the world then you can surely jump into this field. The biggest benefit of starting art gallery business plan is that you are free to invest as much capital as you want without any limitation or restriction.

For example, if you have an immense amount of capital to invest in your art gallery then you can buy the art masterpieces scattered around the world and can display them in your gallery. On the other hand, if you are starting with a low initial investment then you can display the artwork of national and international artists without buying them.

However, in both cases, you can make millions of dollars every year provided that you plan and market your business successfully. So before you move on to starting this venture, you will have to prepare a comprehensive art gallery business plan which will establish the basis of your company’s future operations and decisions. If you are wondering how to write an effective business plan then here we are providing you the business plan for an art gallery startup named ‘Art House’.

Executive Summary

2.1 the business.

Art House will be a bonded, insured and licensed art gallery located in Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, New York in Delaware Park. Art House will be owned and managed by Zac Hurtmin, a renowned American artist, entrepreneur, and art collector. Zac has numerous ancient and precious artworks in his possession, making him one of the richest artists of the United States. The art gallery will be located in an old museum which has been closed for a long time and will display Zac’s own paintings, his collection and the artworks of other artists. Having an experience spanning over three decades in this industry, Zac knows exactly how to start an art business .

2.2 Management

Opening an art gallery is much easier as compared to its management in the subsequent stages. Zac will manage the overall operations of the company while he will hire a small staff for operating and maintaining the facility, initially. The success of a startup heavily depends on its staff and management. It plays an important role in making any venture successful, so make sure to plan your management before you think about how to start your own art gallery .

2.3 Customers

Our target market in the art gallery business plan is the community living nearby at the 30 minutes’ drive from our gallery and the corporate sector located in the Central Business District of the city. The community consists of all types of people from varying backgrounds. As per the financial position, nearly half of the community has a monthly income ranging from $30k to $40k while nearly 13% people have incomes even around $90,000.

Likewise, the corporate sector is highly established and can contribute to a major chunk of our revenue every month. We will provide auction services for selling artworks, exhibition services of painting with an entrance ticket, the sale of cultural handicrafts, and an art shop allowing visitors to buy various art-related products either for themselves or for their artist friends and family members.

Our biggest competitive edge over other art galleries and museums will be our cultural handicrafts imported from India, China, France, Turkey, and Egypt. Our second competitive edge will be 10% discount on the royalty on purchases of artworks of other artists. Zac’s priceless collection of prestigious artworks will also play a crucial role in attracting art-lovers toward us. Finally, our unparalleled customer service, being the best in town, will also be our competitive advantage. We will treat every customer with the utmost respect and make sure that they leave our gallery with big smiles on their faces.

2.4 Target of the Company

The target of the company is to become the best art gallery in the city within the next five years of our startup. This target can only be achieved by growing sales at the forecasted rate. We also aim to balance the initial cost of our art gallery business plan with earned profits by the end of the first year, to achieve the net profit margin of $100k per month by the end of the first year, to achieve the net profit margin of $150k per month by the end of the second year, and to achieve the net profit margin of $250k per month by the end of the third year.

Art Gallery Business Plan - 3 Years Profit Forecast

Company Summary

3.1 company owner.

Art House will be owned by Zac Hurtmin, a renowned American artist, entrepreneur, and art collector. Zac has numerous ancient and precious artworks in his possession, making him one of the richest artists of the United States. Zac has produced abstract and photorealistic paintings as well as glass pieces and photographs. He has also created “spot paintings”, which are rows of randomly colored circles created by his assistants and “spin paintings,” which are created on a spinning circular surface. His art follows the examples of Picasso and Jean Arp in undermining the concept of the artist’s obligation to maintain a single cohesive style.

3.2 Why the Business is being started

Zac had been painting entire his life. He left his studies after completing high-school to pursue his passion for art. Within next 20 years, he had made himself a name in art but he came to limelight in 2004, when his famous painting ‘The Weeping Laugh’ was sold for $13 Million. Since then Zac is counted among one of the best artists of the modern day world. Other than painting himself, Zac also owns a collection of extremely precious artworks, some dating back even to the 1700s. Zac is staring this venture to invest the immense amount of wealth earned from his artworks as well as putting his extensive collection of priceless masterpieces to a better use in the form of an open art gallery for all art loving people.

3.3 How the Business will be started

The art gallery will be started in an old museum at Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, New York in Delaware Park. The museum closed a decade ago and since then the place is not being used for any purpose. That’s why a lot of changes and interior designing woodwork are required and a contractor has been hired for this purpose. The art gallery will display Zac’s own paintings, his collection and the artworks of other artists.

Having an experience spanning over three decades in this industry, Zac knows exactly how to start an art gallery business . He has planned everything about his business including the required personnel and inventory and has hired experts from various fields to help him craft a detailed map about it. The financial experts have forecasted following costs for expenses, assets, investment, and loans for the Start-up.

Art Gallery Business Plan - Start up

The detailed start-up requirements, start-up funding, start-up expenses, total assets, total funding required, total liabilities, total planned investment group business plan , total capital and liabilities as forecasted by experts, is given below:

Services for customers

Art House will be an open art gallery where artists can put their artworks on display and tourists or visitors can view them. We will provide following services to our esteemed customers:

Auction Services: We will primarily auction or sell the artworks of Zac and other artists as well as the Zac’s prestigious collection which is expected to drive the most of our revenue. Any artist from all over the world can put his/her artwork for display at our art gallery on the condition that a fixed royalty (service fee) will be deducted from the amount of purchase of that artwork by anyone through the auction at our art gallery. The auction will take place on the first Saturday of every month whereby the art gallery will be closed for all other services.

Exhibition Services: We will provide an artwork exhibition or display service to the tourists and art lovers. Anyone can enter the gallery and can enjoy the mesmerizing pieces of arts by purchasing an entry ticket throughout the weekend except the first Saturday of every month.

Cultural Handicrafts: This service will be purely provided for the promotion of various cultural products in this modern day computerized world. Art House does not aim to generate any revenue from it except for the revenue needed for its self-sustainability. The prices of these crafts will be set to as minimal as possible so as to promote them. Initially, these handicrafts will be imported India, China, France, Turkey, and Egypt but within next ten years, handicrafts will be imported from various countries around the world.

Art Shop: Finally, the visitors can also buy various art-related products either for themselves or for their artist friends and family members.

Marketing Analysis of art gallery business

The most important component of an effective art studio business plan is its accurate marketing analysis that’s why Zac acquired the services of marketing experts to help him through this phase. It is only after this stage that a good business plan for art gallery  could have been developed. After identifying the local market trends in New York, the marketing experts and analysts also helped him to select the best site for procuring the building for the art gallery.

The success or failure of a business plan for the art gallery totally depends upon its marketing strategy which can only be developed on the basis of accurate marketing analysis. There are four main steps to carry out an accurate marketing analysis which are to identify the current market trends, identify your target audience and potential customers, set out the business plan targets for the art gallery to achieve, and finally set the prices of your products and services.Marketing analysis is a must-do thing before you even think about how to start your own art business because the planning of many subsequent components depends on it. Therefore, it must be considered before you move on to opening art gallery .

Immigration Business Plan

5.1 market trends.

The arts & culture market, in general, is a very diverse market. It is estimated that each year about 1.94 billion U.S. dollars are spent by consumers on arts and culture-related goods in the United States as of 2013. Among these contributors are the government (federal, state and local), foundations, another business plan for non profit organization , corporations and private philanthropists. The exhibitions organized by the government as well as private art galleries attract more than 30 million visitors per year in the United States.

The number of art galleries business plans has been increasing at a significantly lower rate as compared to other businesses. The main reason is that opening an art gallery requires a large initial capital as well as a lot of background knowledge, both of which Zac has in abundance. He knows exactly how to start an art gallery .

5.2 Marketing Segmentation

Our target market is the community living nearby at the 30 minutes’ drive from our gallery and the corporate sector located in the Central Business District of the city. The community consists of all types of people from varying backgrounds. As per the financial position, nearly half of the community has a monthly income ranging from $30k to $40k while nearly 13% people have incomes even around $90,000.

In order to develop a good business plan, it is crucial to analyze the market segmentation of the future customers of our services. A successful and efficient marketing strategy can only be developed after we completely know our potential customers. Our experts have identified the following type of target audience which can become our future consumers:

Art Gallery Business Plan - Market Segmentation

The detailed marketing segmentation of our target audience is as follows:

5.2.1 Residential Community:

The first category of our customers includes the community residing in the residential zones of the city at a 30 minutes’ drive from our gallery. The residential community is extremely diverse comprising of people belonging to various age groups and varying needs. This customer group, especially the art-loving middle-aged persons, presents many opportunities to us. They are very much likely to purchase the artworks, handicrafts and art-related products from our gallery along with visiting us for exhibitions. They will be the biggest consumer of our services and our marketing strategy will be specifically tailored to attract them.

5.2.2 Government Institutions:

The second category comprises of various government institutions including federal, state and local level institutions. These government organizations often take great interest in purchase unique artworks for displaying in their institutions, hence they will also contribute to our revenue.

5.2.3 Corporate Sector:

The second biggest consumer of our services will be the corporate sector located in the Central Business District of the city. There are hundreds of local, national and multinational businesses and companies located within 15 km radius of our office. It has been found that the corporate sector, especially the higher executives, usually have a great interest in art and paintings. Most of these businesses make millions of dollars every year and can easily spend extravagantly on our art products, handicrafts, and exhibitions.

The detailed market analysis of our potential customers is given in the following table:

5.3 Business Target

We aim to become one of the biggest art galleries of the city within next five years of our startup. Our main business plan targets for the art gallery targets to be achieved as milestones over the course of next three years are as follows:

  • To achieve the net profit margin of $100k per month by the end of the first year, $150k per month by the end of the second year, and $250k per month by the end of the third year
  • To balance the initial cost of the startup with earned profits by the end of the first year
  • To promote the use of cultural handicrafts in the modern day computerized world

5.4 Product Pricing

Product and service pricing is one of the most important factors in deciding the strategy of a startup. Selecting the price for the services is a difficult task because one has to attract customers while yielding a profit at the same time. These two things cannot be achieved at the same time and the only way out is to select a compromised trade-off or balance between the two.

After considering the market demands, we have priced our entry tickets in the similar ranges as other art galleries and museums within the city. The handicrafts are specifically set to be at relatively lower prices so as to promote them. The royalty or service fee for selling the works of other artists will be 10% less as compared to other galleries and museums so as to attract them towards us.

Like marketing analysis, sales strategy is also an important component of a steam art gallery business plan . After identifying the market trends, the market demand, and the potential customers of the startup, the next step is to develop an ingenious strategy to attract those customers toward us. Zac carried out an extensive research about various marketing and advertising strategies before he carried out his art gallery planning .

6.1 Competitive Analysis:

Art Industry is one of the biggest industries of the United States. Considering the unique and dynamic nature of this industry, one has to introduce something innovative before even thinking about how to start a art gallary business . That’s why Zac has already made preparations for entering the competitive industry of event management. Our biggest competitive edge over other art galleries and museums will be our cultural handicrafts imported from India, China, France, Turkey, and Egypt. If marketed properly, these beautiful pieces of art can bring a radical change in the modern day culture of the United States. We believe that these unique products will be loved by all and sundry within the United States.

Our second competitive edge will be 10% discount on the royalty on purchases of artworks of other artists. We believe that the artists will surely prefer us to the other established galleries and museums as 10% discount on a single painting usually amount to a hefty value. Zac’s priceless collection of prestigious artworks will also play a crucial role in attracting art-lovers toward us. Finally, our unparalleled customer service, being the best in town, will also be our competitive advantage. We will treat every customer with utmost respect and make sure that they leave our gallery with big smiles on their faces.

High Quality Business Plan and Professional Support

It was amazing to work with OGS Capital for our business plan. They promptly responded our enquires and delivered document on time.The document was well organized high quality and content.We succeded with Alex and his team support. We thank you guys again for professional approach and easy communication.

6.2 Sales Strategy

After carrying out a detailed analysis, our experts came up with the following brilliant ideas to advertise and sell ourselves.

  • We will carry out a large-scale social media campaign for our advertisement.
  • We will offer 10% discount on the service fee on purchases of artworks of other artists.
  • We will offer a 25% discounts on the entry ticket fee for the exhibition of the artworks displayed at our gallery for the first three months of our launch.

6.3 Sales Forecast

Considering our competitive advantages, our lower rates, the quality of our services, and our unparalleled customer service, our sales pattern is expected to increase with years. The largest contribution to the sales will be by Zac’s collected artworks which will be purchased by high-class business executives and will amount approximately $1M per painting.

The auction sales will remain consistent throughout the year, the revenue generated by exhibition will be relatively more in summers as compared to winters, and the handicrafts sale will remain consistent throughout the year. The sales from art shop will also increase in summers, as many people buy art items as a gift for their friends and family. By analyzing our market segmentation strategy, our experts have forecasted the following sales on a yearly basis which are summarized in the column charts.

Art Gallery Business Plan - Unit Sales

The detailed information about sales forecast, total unit sales, total sales is given in the following table:

Personnel plan

You have to plan everything before you even think about how to open art gallery . Personnel plan, like all other plans, is an important component of an effective business plan for the art gallery. Its importance is due to the fact that success of any business significantly depends upon its employees.

7.1 Company Staff

Zac will act as the General Manager of the Art House while he will initially hire the following people for the startup:

  • 1 Accountant to maintain financial records
  • 2 Sales Executives responsible for marketing and discovering new ventures
  • 1 Auctioneer for auctioning of paintings
  • 1 Art Store Manager
  • 4 Cleaners for cleaning the facility
  • 5 Assistants for operating the facility and regulating exhibitions
  • 1 Inventory Manager to manage the inventory needed for events
  • 1 Front Desk Officer to act as a receptionist
  • 4 Security Officers

To ensure the best quality service, all employees will be selected through vigorous testing and will be trained for a month before starting their jobs.

7.2 Average Salary of Employees

The following table shows the forecasted data about employees and their salaries for next three years.

Financial Plan

After deciding the strategy and personnel plan of the company, the next step is to develop a financial plan for the art gallery business plan providing a detailed map about the financial projections covering all aspects of the company such as cost of startup, inventory, payroll, equipment, rent, utilities and how these costs will be covered by the earned profits.

8.1 Important Assumptions

The company’s financial projections are forecasted on the basis of following assumptions. These assumptions are quite conservative and are also expected to show deviation but to a limited level such that the company’s major financial strategy will not be affected.

8.2 Brake-even Analysis

The following graph shows the company’s Brake-even Analysis.

Art Gallery Business Plan - Brake-even Analysis

The following table shows the company’s Brake-even Analysis.

8.3 Projected Profit and Loss

The following charts show the company’s expected Profit and Loss situation on the monthly and yearly basis.

8.3.1 Profit Monthly

The following graph shows the monthly profit, as forecasted by the company’s financial experts.

Art Gallery Business Plan - PROFIT MONTHLY

8.3.2 Profit Yearly

The following graph shows the yearly profit, as forecasted by the company’s financial experts.

Art Gallery Business Plan - PROFIT YEARLY

8.3.3 Gross Margin Monthly

The following graph shows the monthly gross margin, as forecasted by the company’s financial experts.

Art Gallery Business Plan - GROSS MARGIN MONTHLY

8.3.4 Gross Margin Yearly

The following graph shows the yearly gross margin, as forecasted by the company’s financial experts.

Art Gallery Business Plan - GROSS MARGIN YEARLY

The following table shows detailed information about profit and loss, and total cost of sales.

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

The following column diagram shows the projected cash flow.

Art Gallery Business Plan - Projected Cash Flow Diagram

8.5 Projected Balance Sheet

The following table shows detailed data about pro forma cash flow, subtotal cash from operations, subtotal cash received, sub-total spent on operations, subtotal cash spent.

The following projected balance sheet shows data about total current assets, total long-term assets, total assets, subtotal current liabilities, total liabilities, total capital, total liabilities and capital.

8.6 Business Ratios

The following table shows data about business ratios, ratio analysis, total assets, net worth.

Download Art Gallery Business Plan Sample in pdf

OGScapital also specializes in writing business plans such as drone business plan , gift shop business plan , greeting card business plan , pet photography business plan , record label business plan and etc.

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rate business plan development, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

business plan of art gallery

Add comment

E-mail is already registered on the site. Please use the Login form or enter another .

You entered an incorrect username or password

Comments (0)

mentioned in the press:

Search the site:

business plan of art gallery

OGScapital website is not supported for your current browser. Please use:

business plan of art gallery

  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to footer

Gallery Fuel

Gallery Fuel

Fueling Art Gallery Business

Fuel Your Art Gallery Business

Art gallery management.

The art world is evolving to provide many more options for art collectors.  Art gallerists must also adapt their business to work smarter and more efficiently.

Here you can learn about art gallery management, art collector trends and creative ideas for running an art gallery business. This is a perfect place to start if you are starting an art gallery as well.  Need personalized help?

Art Gallery Owner

Mastering Efficiency: 4 Strategies for Running an Art Gallery Business

Running a fine art gallery business is not for the faint of heart. It’s enough to make you a little crazy at times. It’s ok. I get a little crazy too. Let’s look at four things you can do right now to make running your business a bit easier, more efficient and productive.

reinventing the art gallery

Reinventing Your Gallery Business: Lessons from the Past, Technologies of the Future

Let’s look at a few things you could be doing as you embrace the lessons of the past, along with new technology to reinvent your art galley’s sales force, how you create value for art buyers, and structure your marketing strategy.

art gallery business development priorities

Priorities for Today’s Art Gallery Business Development

Let’s explore some recent trends you, as a small gallery, may wish to consider as you plan the priorities for your art gallery business development. Including some of these ideas and strategies in your gallery business development priorities can help your future success gain momentum and increase sales.

Art Gallery Strategic Planning and Goals

Achieving Your Art Gallery Goals: The Power of Clear Vision and Strategic Planning

Defining your gallery’s vision and formulating a strategic plan can be challenging, especially in an industry as dynamic as the art world. Learn how to create your gallery’s plan and how to put it into action.

Art Fair Planning and Strategies for Galleries

Art Fair Planning and Strategies for Galleries

What will your gallery’s overall goals be for the fair?  Advanced planning and strategizing for art fair sales and marketing can lead to a more enjoyable process and higher rewards.

In this article, I discuss art fair sales and marketing strategies that your art gallery can use to maximize all the opportunities fair participation provides and increase your gallery’s visibility.

Actionable ideas for marketing an art gallery during a recession

Surviving the Storm: A Guide to Running an Art Gallery in a Recession

In this article, let’s discuss creating a gallery marketing action plan to mitigate economic challenges. Whether it’s a recession triggered by a financial market crash, war, a global pandemic, or the forces of nature, having a plan is crucial. This plan should be implemented swiftly and encompass proactive adjustments to your business model, enhancing your resilience in times of crisis.

In this article learn how to create a gallery marketing action plan so you can attenuate the potential financial consequences of a recession.

Psychology of the art collector

Perception of Value: How Presentation Influences Art Collector Behavior

There have been some studies on how different personality types influence how people experience art, style preferences and perceive value of an artwork.  How does psychology impact the aesthetic experience and what can art galleries learn from it to grow their business? Here we explore these questions.

lessons for art dealers

Adapting for the Future: Lessons from Museum Evolution for Art Galleries

Art museums have been in a state of evolution for years, redefining their missions and benefits to the communities they serve. They have invested a lot of time and money into research to learn how to stay relevant. As a result, we are now starting to see significant changes to how museums engage with their audiences through their exhibitions and social events.

Since both museums and commercial fine-art galleries are striving to attract similar patrons, galleries can look to museums to learn about how to adapt for the future.

Did you know that 40-60 percent of small businesses don’t survive after a disaster? Disaster happens more frequently it seems lately. You need to plan for them.   Be proactive evaluating your art gallery's ability to respond, recover, and reopen after a disaster.  Learn how to create a plan for your gallery's recovery.

Safeguard Your Art Gallery: Building a Comprehensive Disaster Recovery Plan

Did you know that 40-60 percent of small businesses don’t survive after a disaster? Disaster happens more frequently it seems lately. You need to plan for them. Be proactive evaluating your art gallery’s ability to respond, recover, and reopen after a disaster.  Learn how to create a plan for your gallery’s recovery.

Hiring art gallery staff

Maximizing Your Art Gallery’s Potential: How a Virtual Assistant Can Help

Hiring a virtual assistant can be a game-changer for art gallery owners who need help with marketing and administrative tasks. The benefits include cost-effectiveness, flexibility, expertise, time-saving, increased productivity, and improved communication. Learn more about how to find and hire a VA to help you.

How to Develop an Art Gallery Internship Program

How to Develop an Art Gallery Internship Program

Many art galleries help to cultivate a new generation of art dealers by providing internships to learn the gallery business. Here we are going to explore some of the fundamental elements of a successful art gallery internship program.

Your art gallery’s insurance is not the place to cut corners.  Properly insuring your art gallery business can get complicated depending on your needs.  Here let’s look at some considerations you may want to account for when choosing for your gallery’s insurance. 

From Theft to Natural Disasters: Understanding the Risks and Importance of Art Gallery Insurance

Your art gallery’s insurance is not the place to cut corners. Properly insuring your art gallery business can get complicated depending on your needs.  Here let’s look at some considerations you may want to account for when choosing for your gallery’s insurance. 

business plan of art gallery

Future Possibilities: The Art Gallery Business Model and Operational Structure

I often see my gallery clients pulled in too many directions. Here I want to share five ideas that might be applied to the art gallery sector and perhaps your art gallery business as you plan for the future.

Let’s look at a few ideas, and you be the judge if any might make your art gallery business stronger.

art gallery business future

Art Gallery Business Model: Embracing Change for Future Success

Big changes are happening to the outdated practices of the current gallery business model. Let’s talk about your art gallery’s future, so you can be prepared for success.   Here are a few of my thoughts about where the gallery sector needs to evolve for the future.

Blue Gallery in Delray

Art Gallery Business Management Software: Trends Reflect Today’s Buying Habits

I often contribute to Art World News and I wanted to share this article about what art galleries and frame shops are looking for in art gallery business management software today.

It will help you make the best decisions for your gallery’s operations.

Art gallery program

Is Your Art Gallery Program Still Relevant to Art Buyers?

Your gallery program defines your business to potential art collectors.

Let’s look at how both seasoned and new gallery owners can make the most of well defined art gallery program.

Art Gallery Goals for empowering business future

Empowering Your Art Gallery’s Future: Setting Goals and Planning for Success

Establishing goals for your art gallery business means you must equip yourself with both the proper tools and mindset. Make this your best year yet by setting SMART goals that can actually be realized this year. Running an art gallery business today has many challenges, but you can overcome them this year.

art gallery business plan

A Vision Statement is Vital to your Art Gallery Business Plan

Here I want to explore how creating a vision statement as the Owner or Director can help you set business priorities and improve employee leadership.  A vision statement also provides direction for artist relationships, branding, sales, and marketing strategies, propelling future growth.

Let your vision be the unifying force that drives purpose and be the foundation for communicating the value you bring to artists and collectors.

Let's look at some pros and cons of adding a business partner to help with art gallery management and strategy.  The decision to add a gallery partner is, of course, very personal.  Understanding the complete picture of what you are entering into is vital.

Adding an Art Gallery Business Partner – Pros and Cons

Let’s look at some pros and cons of adding a business partner to help with art gallery management and strategy. The decision to add a gallery partner is, of course, very personal. Understanding the complete picture of what you are entering into is vital.

time management for running an art gallery business

Time Management for Strategic Art Gallery Growth

In this article, let’s find ways to cultivate that precious time you need.  Cultivating the skills of building a routine, being mindful of your technology use, and resetting your mind when creatively challenged will help you achieve more for your gallery’s strategic growth.  

Hiring process for art gallery staff

Creating a Hiring and Onboarding Process for your Gallery Business

In this article, let’s look at things to consider before you hire a gallery staff member and how to ensure that employee becomes a valuable and loyal asset for the gallery’s future success.

art pricing

Reasons for Publishing Art Pricing and Test Strategies

The debate about whether or not to publishing prices for artworks in the gallery online and/or on gallery walls has been going on for years now. Art dealers still seem pretty well divided on the issue. However, it seems as though the tide is finally changing in favor of being transparent about prices. This article will look at each point of view, both for and against, and cover the benefits of posting prices. We will also look at some ways your gallery business can test publishing art prices to see if it increases the quality of leads and sales.

Art gallery partnerships

How to Create a Productive Gallery – Art Advisor Partnership

There are so many ways that the gallery – advisor relationship can go wrong. Art advisors can be a valuable partner to both collectors and your gallery business. Approach a working with an art advisor as a gallery partner not a competitor.  Learn how to get a partnership off to the best start.

Productivity Strategies for Running Your Art Gallery Business

Productivity Strategies for Running Your Art Gallery Business

Improving your time management skills is something that needs constant work. (Yes – I speak from experience)

Let me share four different processes that resonated with me and could help you get more done in your gallery business. Here are a few tips and tricks you can use to improve time management skills, increase productivity, keep your sanity and have fun.

Make time management an art form.

Planning and goal tracking

My Favorite Goal Tracking Tool

There are a lot of techniques out there to help us reach our goals. As someone who has tried a lot of them and failed to keep momentum with most long term, I wanted to share with you the one tool that really works best for me.

art gallery management

How to Find Balance in Art Gallery Management: Operational and Strategic

There are the things you do in your gallery: the day-to-day tasks, but are you devoting enough time on your gallery business?  Let’s talk about how to find a nice balance in art gallery management responsibilities, so you can get more done with less stress.

art gallery referral program

How to Design an Art Gallery Referral Program

In this article, let’s look at ways you might create a systemized approach to increase referrals to your gallery. Gallery referrals are so valuable.  A single one could be worth more than all your other marketing efforts combined.

conducting a art gallery Mid-Year Business

How to conduct a mid-year review of your gallery business

Is business going as you planned at the beginning of the year? To help you stay on track completing all your goals for the gallery, let’s talk about how to conduct a mid-year review for your art gallery business.

art gallery year-end business review

5 Steps to Conduct a Year-End Art Gallery Business Review

In this article we explore 5 essentials considerations for your art gallery’s year-end business review to provide insights that can help plan for what’s to come in the new year.

increase gallery art sales with a buyer experience

How to Modernize your Gallery’s Buying Experience to Sell More Art

It is time to modernize the gallery buying experience to meet the expectations of art lovers visiting or buying art from your gallery.

Let’s explore a few ways you can increase the traffic in your gallery and online channels by providing exceptional art buying experiences, before, during, and after a sale.

art gallery leadership

Art Gallery Leadership Skills: The Most Vital Quality to Develop

Great leaders are acutely self-aware of their strengths and weaknesses, communication skills, emotional triggers, motivations, and values.  This directly affects their leadership influence.

Here I want to focus on one essential quality for great leadership that requires continued internal work – Self-Awareness.

Art gallery insurance advice

How to Minimize Risk During Extended Art Gallery Closures and Disasters

When a disaster occurs effecting your gallery operations, be it a hurricane, flood, wildfires, or virus, you are going to distracted. This article includes some tips for minimizing the risk to your gallery business from AXA XL art insurance expert to help you maintain tight levels of protection.

Art Gallery Cash-Flow-Budget-Spreadsheet

Spreadsheet: Annual Art Gallery Cash Flow Budget

Use this spreadsheet to record all your gallery’s cash going out and coming in.  All the formulas are set up for you. This budget template will help you break your expenditures out into specific categories so you can identify opportunities to reallocate funds to better align with your business growth priorities if needed. 

Increase foot traffic in an art gallery

Reviving Gallery Foot Traffic: Adapting to Shifting Cultural Consumption

This article explores the challenges faced by art galleries due to declining foot traffic and the changing ways people consume culture. Galleries may need to adapt their strategies to align with current trends and preferences. By embracing these changes, galleries can attract more visitors, enhance their cultural experiences, and stay competitive in the evolving art landscape.

slow art gallery season

Summer is Coming: How to Make A Slow Art Gallery Season Productive

To make the most of the slow season, you should plan early.  Here I want to explore ways you can keep prospective buyers engaged with your gallery.  I also want to review some projects you might consider taking on during the slow season that could make a positive impact on the gallery for the remainder of the year and beyond.

Art Gallery Business Plan

Take Your Art Gallery Business to the Next Level

As the owner of your art gallery, you care more about its success than anyone else. It’s your vision, your dream, and your responsibility to make it grow and thrive. That is a big job, particularly in today’s art world, particularly for small to mid-market galleries. If you spend too much time on the day-to-day operations and too little time on the strategic, creative thinking demanded for the future of your business – then keep reading.

Here we will look at ways to reconnect with your vision and create the motivation to propel your gallery business to the next level. Pretty exciting stuff.

art gallery customer service

The Art Collector’s Buying Experience

A memorable buying experience has become of greater importance to affluent collectors as opportunities to purchase art have increased through auctions, online sellers and artists selling directly.

In this article, I will give you ideas to improve the buying experience for your art gallery’s clients

Art gallery branding

Your Gallery’s Brand Position: Friend or Foe

As a fine-art dealer, consider how your current brand helps your gallery stand out from the competition in the minds of art collectors. Brand positioning, when done well, can be a true friend instead of your business’s greatest foe. Typically, the first things that come to mind about branding are the visual elements, such as the logo, color, and style. But where brand positioning can be most helpful is in the intangible elements, like service, reputation, public perception, and emotion. These are the elements often neglected by art galleries when developing and reinforcing their brand position.

Learn how to evaluate your art gallery’s brand positioning and how to develop it into a distinctive brand allowing your gallery to differentiate itself from competitors.

Gallery Fuel Central Virginia, USA

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions

business plan of art gallery

Privacy Overview

business plan of art gallery

All Formats

Plan Templates

How to make an art gallery business plan.

The business world is a competitive one as it’s all about attracting the most people into purchasing whatever it is you have to offer. Even in the world of art, opening up your own photo art gallery can prove to be a troublesome task considering that there’s a lot of things that have to be thought out. You can also see more on Modern Business Plans Templates.

business plan of art gallery

Art Gallery Business Plan Template

art gallery business plan

  • Google Docs

Art Gallery Marketing Template

art gallery marketing

Painting Company Marketing Plan Template

painting company marketing plan

Sample Art Gallery Business Plan

0

Art Gallery and Museum Business Plan

culture 3 museum businessplan 2015ws 1 788x60

How to Create Your Art Gallery Business Plan

1. art collectors, 3. know about the art, 4. location, 5. financial statements and projections.

  • How much your art gallery is expected to earn and spend within the next 3 years
  • The amount of equipment that you’re going to need in order for you run your business and exhibit art
  • The monthly expenses of your art gallery
  • How much it will take for it to break-even
  • How much it’s going to take to purchase the location of where you’re going to set it up or the rental payments that need to be paid.

6. Marketing

7. knowing the competition, more in plan templates, photo art gallery letterhead template, photo art gallery membership card template, photo art gallery email newsletter template, photo art gallery email signature template, photo art gallery feedback form template, photo art gallery envelope template, photo art gallery receipt template, photo art gallery invoice template, photo art gallery business card template.

  • 7+ Financial Plan Templates
  • 10+ Operational Plan Templates
  • 9+ Training Plan Templates
  • 5+ Shooting Schedule Template
  • 11+ School Counselor Lesson Plan Templates in PDF | Word
  • 9+ Interdisciplinary Lesson Plan Templates in PDF | MS Word
  • 10+ Business Continuity Plan Templates in Google Docs | Ms Word | Pages | PDF
  • 18+ Compensation Plan Templates in Google Docs | MS Word | Pages | PDF
  • 10+ Executive Bonus Plan Templates in PDF
  • 8+ Facility Management Plan Templates in PDF
  • 10+ Diversity Recruitment Plan Templates in PDF | MS Word
  • 11+ Audit Corrective Action Plan Templates in MS Word | Excel | PDF
  • 9+ Recruitment Agency Marketing Plan Templates in PDF
  • 10+ Recruitment Marketing Plan Templates in PDF | MS Word
  • 10+ Student Recruitment Plan Templates in PDF | MS Word

PlanBuildr Logo

Art Gallery Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Business Plan Outline

  • Art Gallery Business Plan Home
  • 1. Executive Summary
  • 2. Company Overview
  • 3. Industry Analysis
  • 4. Customer Analysis
  • 5. Competitive Analysis
  • 6. Marketing Plan
  • 7. Operations Plan
  • 8. Management Team
  • 9. Financial Plan

Start Your Art Gallery Plan Here

Art Gallery Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan of Visual Haven Art Gallery.

Operation Functions:

  • Mia Janes will be the Owner and Director of Visual Haven Art Gallery. She will manage all art displays, artist events, classes, seminars, and scheduling.
  • Those artists who choose to display their art at the gallery will work shifts by either helping with visitor tours and information or cleaning.
  • Mia will have one assistant on payroll to assist her with various tasks.
  • All other help will come from artist volunteers.
  • Mia will use a local CPA to do all of the tax filings and accounting.
  • Mia will use a third party graphic designer for website design and SEO maintenance.

Milestones:

Visual Haven Art Gallery will have the following milestones complete in the next six months.

6/1/202X – Finalize lease agreement for 5,000 square foot art gallery.

6/10/202X – Begin light construction for modernization of the art gallery space.

7/1/202X – Recruit first round of local artists to display their artwork.

7/15/202X – Begin social media campaign for Visual Haven Art Gallery.

8/1/202X – Final walk-thru of completed art gallery space..

8/15/202X – Begin displaying and designing art gallery with art exhibitions and paintings.

8/30/202X – Hold Grand Opening Event of Visual Haven Art Gallery – local artists, wealthy donors, university art students and art professors will all be invited.

Business Plans for Artists

Art Review

Would you like to know more about how to sell art? Read our article What Is the Best Way to Sell Art?

Creative business plans for artists: what is a business plan for an artist

Art of business: why create a business plan, reasons to create a business plan for artists.

  • Who are my three biggest competitors?
  • What products do my competitors offer?
  • What makes my competitors' products unique?
  • What are the strengths of my competitors?
  • What strategies can I get from my competitors?
  • What are the ways my competitors use to sell the product?
  • What risks do my competitors pose to me?

Business ideas art: how to write a business plan for an artist

business plan of art gallery

Complex finance issues: artist management business plan

  • Resources : What do I need?
  • Finance : How much do I need?
  • What have I already had? 
  • What do I need? 
  • I have : a computer, internet connection, a desk and a chair, occasionally rented space, etc. 
  • I need : Photoshop, better ideas for the competition, a copy of Protools software, and your own space either in your home or close to it; rehearsal/painting/carving space, etc. 
  • What can I work without?
  • Can I find a sponsor?
  • Can I use crowdfunding?
  • Can I get a scholarship or grant?
  • Is it reasonable to use my own funds?

Artist business: makeup artist business plan

  • What does my audience buy?
  • Who are my potential clients?
  • What do my clients need?
  • What is in demand? 

Business plan for an art gallery: be part of a large community

What does it take to get interested in a gallery.

business plan of art gallery

Don't bother with copy and paste.

Get this complete sample business plan as a free text document.

Art School Gallery Business Plan

Start your own art school gallery business plan

Executive Summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. It describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">

The ArtSphere Gallery School of Art (ArtSphere) began its operations in September of this year after expanding from its former back room into the full 787 square foot facility on the corner of Main and 1st Streets in Birmingham, AL. Since September the business has grown substantially, but in an unordered way. This business plan is being written to set a rational framework for growth to maximize profit potential. Successful realization of this plan will produce increasing profits annually by the end of the third year.

Keys to success and critical factors are, in order of importance:

  • Penetration into the day-time market for art lessons.
  • Completing some alterations to premises.
  • Making changes to certain operational and pricing practices.
  • Making sale of art supplies an additional profit source.

Art school gallery business plan, executive summary chart image

1.1 Objectives

The greatest opportunity for the ArtSphere is through the teaching of art to paying customers. The capacity to do this is limited in size to approximately eight persons at one time. The most important objective is to successfully penetrate the 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. day-time market. This is the largest portion of ArtSphere’s teaching capacity (61%). This offers without any doubt the most important element in the future development of profits. The prime objective is to gradually increase penetration of this market sector from its present near zero level to 90% of full capacity by the end of second year.

As the afternoon market sector (22% of total capacity) is already nearly fully booked, a secondary objective is to fill the evening hours (Monday through Thursday) 7:30 P.M. to 9:30 P.M. These eight hours are easier to fill. This goal should be reached by the end of Month 5.

A further objective is to separate art supplies from art lessons, so as to make the sale of art supplies a separate profit center.

A final objective is to maintain the present level of portrait work, produced under contract by clients, as well as maintain the historical level of sales of art work created by the owners of ArtSphere prior to the recent mushrooming of art instruction.

1.2 Mission

The ArtSphere is dedicated to providing competent, professional instruction in art in friendly, pleasant surroundings while catering to the varying needs of different target market groups. The ArtSphere tries to cultivate a more personal and longer term relationship with the customer than can be achieved by a typical six session generic art course taught at Bessemer State College. The ArtSphere recognizes that the real product it sells is different from the art instruction given. Helena Rubenstein is quoted as saying, “in the factory we manufacture cosmetics, but the product we sell is called ‘hope.'”

This thinking holds true at the ArtSphere. The product sold is viewed differently by different buyers. A serious young student with potential may need special help in compiling his portfolio when applying to art school. A retired 70 year-old woman may be seeking a fun way to fill up an otherwise empty day. A stress-ridden executive may be seeking solace and relaxation. Encouragement, technical advice, stress-relief, escape from loneliness, self-expression, etc. are just some of the products sold by the ArtSphere. The owners of the ArtSphere recognize that art lessons can be had at less than $5.00/hour in some state college evening courses. The ArtSphere cannot attempt to compete with these prices. It is only by tailoring the “real” product sought by customers that we will create and maintain a high level of sales.

1.3 Keys to Success

The most important element to success is how skillfully the owners can tailor the product to suit the varying needs (emotional, psychological, technical, etc.) of its customers.

  • The limited spaces (maximum of eight) have no shelf life. They are like airplane seats: A 10 o’clock space unsold today is lost forever. It is essential, to avoid the problem of “no-shows,” that customers be signed up on a monthly basis, payable in advance. This does not preclude the possibility of switching time slots. “Walk-ins” can still be accommodated, based on availability, but these “products” must be sold at a premium to encourage customers to sign up.
  • Like most businesses, it is key to recognize and encourage the “heavy user.” A “heavy user” would be someone happy to work at his easel two to three hours at a time, several times a week. If, however, an hour art lesson does not come to a signaled end, for example, lights being turned off, then the customer may simply continue working for hours. It is important to arrange a signaled end to a lesson by collecting students’ canvases to store them for the next session. Those wanting a longer session need only enroll for a longer period. Only in this manner can the owners profit from the “heavy user.”
  • Both owners are artistic and at times reluctant to insist on certain policies designed to encourage profitability. A willingness to be flexible in this department is key to the success of this plan.
  • The special nature of the product does not allow for it to be purchased on a “take-out” basis. It must be consumed on the premises. Therefore it is absolutely essential to create and maintain an environment in keeping with the special needs of customers. Ugly clutter, adequate lighting, clean-up and smoking policies, comfortable seating, etc. all must be addressed. The location of the ArtSphere within sight of the harbor and the town landing has all the potential for superior atmosphere compared to a typical rectangular classroom at a state college.

LivePlan Logo

See why 1.2 million entrepreneurs have written their business plans with LivePlan

Company summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">.

The “ArtSphere” was registered DBA jointly in the names of Paul and Hannah Nash several years ago.

The ArtSphere is located on the corner of Main and 1st  Streets in Birmingham, AL. facing the town’s public landing. Approximately 75 students, mostly adolescents, are signed up for lessons at $10/hour which includes materials. The recently increased facilities have made possible an increase in the number of students. Lessons are offered a total of 49 hours weekly. Maximum capacity is considered eight at any one time, which works out to a possible sales potential of 392 learning hours/week. Limiting to eight students at any one time allows sufficient room for each student to sit or stand comfortably at an easel.

As penetration into the 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. market increases, Hannah will give up her teaching position in a pre-school and concentrate on the ArtSphere. Hannah also paints portraits on a contractual basis for customers (approximately $800 per month). This activity will continue unchanged, but will take place on weekends when classes are not offered. Paul Nash’s artwork will continue as well, also with concentration on weekends.

Saturdays and Sundays are when students’ and owners’ artwork is displayed in the Gallery; buyers and interested potential students are encouraged to come in the Gallery, have a cup of espresso, and watch an artist at work.

2.1 Company Ownership

The ArtSphere is registered DBA jointly under the names of Paul and Hannah Nash. Earnings are taxed according to the personal tax rate schedule.

Paul Nash graduated with a BFA degree from Boston University in 1977. He has been painting since 1970 and teaching since 1980. His work has been featured at many group shows and sometimes at one-man shows such as at the Court Street Gallery in Bessema. Paul has sold seven pieces of his artwork during the past 12 months. Paul is also the owner of “ArtSphere Productions” located in Beverly. “ArtSphere Productions” is involved in film/video production and editing.

Hannah Rogerson Nash graduated from Bessemer High and attended Bessemer State College, Rhode Island School of Design. She has extensive experience in painting, specializing in portrait and still life. She has sold 11 pieces of her work during the past 12 months. Her work is known under her maiden name Rogerson. Her teaching skills are widely recognized, having taught pre-school in Europe as well as locally. She is presently employed at the Orchard School in Birmingham, AL. where she has been a teacher since 1993. In addition, Hannah worked from 1984-1993 as a self-employed photo retoucher.

2.2 Start-up Summary

Our planned expenses for our first full year are shown in the following chart and table.

Art school gallery business plan, company summary chart image

2.3 Company Locations and Facilities

The ArtSphere is located on the corner of Main and 1st Streets in Birmingham, AL. Total square footage comes to 787, with two doors onto the street. The facilities at this location are leased from the owners, John Smith and Andrew Abbot, at a monthly rate of $1,225. Electricity runs about $50/month, and gas about $600 annually. The lessors have indicated their intentions to sell the property and have entered into negotiations with the owners of the ArtSphere. The asking price is $148,000. The unit is one of six units of 1st Street Wharf Condominium Trust which has recently undertaken an extensive condition-of-building study prepared by professional consultants. Current plans are to renovate the 1st Street side of the building including new siding, new corner boards, and paint. The Trustees of FSWCT are committed to a high standard of maintenance.

Products and Services

The ArtSphere is expanding its offerings. Our primary focus is now on offering art instruction classes. We will tailor our classes by market segment and time of day, providing instructional opportunities during the morning and mid-day, after school sessions, and evening classes.

We will have a wide range of art supplies available to complement student sessions as well as for sale to the general public.

Additionally, the owners will continue to show and sell their own work in the Gallery, as well as produce commission portraits and other work.

Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan.">

The offerings by ArtSphere require, by their very nature, an investment of time on the part of the purchaser. Three customer groups have been identified based on the availability of time on their part:

  • School-aged (over 10 yrs).
  • Retired/non-working.
  • Working/evening class.

This accounts for virtually everyone in Birmingham, AL older than 10 yet younger than 75. It would be more accurate to state that these people will seek, during their respective free hours, some hobby, some pleasant, time-filling activity, or other form of relaxation.

4.1 Market Segmentation

The total figure of 16,353 accounts for virtually everyone in Birmingham, AL older than 10 yet younger than 75. Even though there are people older than 75 and younger than 10 who actually take art lessons, the market analysis should not be taken to mean that 16,353 persons in Birmingham, AL are in search of art instruction.

Art school gallery business plan, market analysis summary chart image

4.2 Target Market Segment Strategy

Our ultimate goal is to fill all of our scheduled class offerings and fully utilize our newly expanded teaching space. To do that we have looked at the daily time periods when we wished to teach, and then identified the market segment most likely to seek art instruction during those times. We then tailored our class offerings to appeal to the interests and life styles of those people.

We then priced the classes competitively for adults and children and then grouped the lessons into prepaid monthly blocks to fit peoples’ various budgetary needs.

4.2.1 Market Needs

There currently is a need in Birmingham for regularly scheduled, moderately priced, locally sited art instruction classes, available at different times of the day. Existing venues are either fully booked and unable to serve a larger market segment, are membership groups, or are sideline businesses.

The people of Birmingham need more art instructional opportunities, especially ones focused and tailored to the interests, skill levels and time availabilities of the students.

4.3 Service Business Analysis

Art instruction is offered in several ways:

Artists who teach classes

  • To supplement or support their own fine art endeavors.
  • Sideline businesses.
  • Poor setting, usually taught in “extra” or crowded space.
  • Limited class offerings.
  • Prices vary.

Private tutors

  • Very focused instruction for serious students.

Arts associations/museums

  • Offer classes to members or the general public.
  • Limited offerings.
  • Often taught by volunteers.
  • Prices generally affordable. May vary with membership.
  • Employ artist instructors – classes are marketing tool.
  • Sponsor classes by artists currently displayed.
  • Class offerings often limited to gallery’s genre.

Schools and Colleges

  • Classes may be academia focused.
  • Travel may be necessary.
  • Time slot offerings may be limited.
  • Long term committment to class.
  • Prices may vary.

4.3.1 Main Competitors

Outside of the ArtSphere there are other locations in Birmingham where art lessons are available:

ART SCHOOL OF BIRMINGHAM

This school is located in a room of the Professional Building at 1331 Milgray Lane. Paul Nash has been teaching there in the evenings and on Saturday mornings  since 1975. He has room for about 12-15 and teaches a structured approach. Paul is well-known within the town, having taught art on the local TV channel. The main thrust of his business appears to be his portrait business which is located on School Street across from the Cafe Roma. Lessons are sold in blocks of four for $56. Each lesson is an hour and one half.

Paul mentioned that his classes are generally booked up. He does not offer lessons during the day.

The Art School of Birmingham is listed in the Yellow Pages, Nash’s artwork is shown in several local galleries, and as a teacher, he gives a convincing impression of professionalism when talking about his teaching method.

BIRMINGHAM ART WORKS

Hannah Rogerson Nash has a studio located on the second floor of the same School Street building which houses Paul Nash’s portrait studio. Hannah has, using her own description, a very unstructured approach to teaching art. She is willing to teach anything a person might want to learn. Her Friday afternoons are completely occupied with children, but other than then she is wide open. She did mention teaching two women and a 12-year-old. No schedule of classes or fees is posted outside her studio door and she is not listed in the Yellow Pages. She has placed a small ad in the local paper offering an “Art Workshop.” Within the same ad she offers “orchids, plants, & plant care” indicating that art lessons are not her major line. She mentioned on the phone a price of $20 for a two hour group lesson and $30 for a private lesson. Being able to offer a “private” lesson would indicate a rather light teaching load.

BIRMINGHAM ARTS ASSOCIATION

Birmingham Arts offers a selection of four art classes during the day. They are described in their news letter which is mailed out only to members. Enrollment in the classes does not always reach the cut-off point of six in which case the class is cancelled. A typical class is two hours one morning a week, and runs for six weeks. Cost is $84 for members, slightly more for non-members. This works out to $7.00 per instruction hour.

There are also some courses offered in near-by Bessemer:

BESSEMER STATE COLLEGE

The Bessemer State College Community Enrichment Program offers several art classes in the evenings. A typical class (Introduction to Drawing) is offered Thursday evenings from 7:00P.M. to 9:30 P.M. and costs $68 for six sessions. Average cost works out to be about $4.50 per instruction hour. Notification of these courses is mailed to all residential addresses in Birmingham.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

The ArtSphere recognizes that the real product it sells is different from the art instruction given. Helena Rubenstein is quoted as saying, “in the factory we manufacture cosmetics, but the product we sell is called ‘hope.'”

This thinking holds true at the ArtSphere. The product sold is viewed differently by different buyers. A serious young student with potential may need special help in compiling his portfolio when applying to art school. A retired 70 year-old woman may be seeking a fun way to fill up an otherwise empty day. A stress-ridden executive may be seeking solace and relaxation. Encouragement, technical advice, stress-relief, escape from loneliness, self-expression, etc are just some of the products sold by the ArtSphere. The owners of the ArtSphere recognize that art lessons can be had at less than $5.00/hour in some state college evening courses. The ArtSphere cannot attempt to compete with these prices. It is only by tailoring the “real” product sought by customers that we will create and maintain a high level of sales.

5.1 Competitive Edge

There are many facets of the ArtSphere which make it a top-notch competitor in the art class business, a few are outlined below:

  • All day multi-time slot schedule.
  • Classes tailored to market segment.
  • Two instructors.
  • Dedicated instructional space
  • Art supplies available on-site.
  • Gallery venue for student artwork exhibits.
  • High profile location.

5.2 Marketing Strategy

When comparing the market segment table below with ArtSphere’s available capacity, it is evident which direction the marketing thrust should take:

The school-age market group with its potential market size of 1,666 has within the space of a couple months of operation taken up nearly all the limited 88 teaching hours of capacity for that time slot with some spill-over into the smaller evening class time period. This latter time period in the evening should be the easiest to fill considering its potential market of 12,042.

Clearly, the marketing strategy at ArtSphere needs to be concentrated on the biggest time slot, the 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. period. As of this writing, nearly all of the 8 easels are unoccupied Monday through Friday.

5.3 Sales Strategy

The ArtSphere has no sales force outside of its owners, Paul and Hannah, who will close the deals with interested customers created by actions of the marketing strategy. Many of the initial contacts will come via telephone inquiries responding to the offer of a free art lesson. Whoever takes the call should draw out the calling party and jot down a brief profile. Developing a sixth sense for the goals of the customer (stress relief, find new hobby, etc.) is key. If a customer is looking for stress-relief, then peaceful surroundings are essential. That potential customer should not be given his or her first free lesson during a crowded time slot, but rather when things at the studio are quiet and less active. Someone looking to escape boredom on the other hand should be scheduled when there are more people in the studio. A conscious decision also needs to be made concerning which teacher the caller is likely to relate to. If a caller does not come in for the offered free lesson, a follow-up call should be made by one of the owners. There is a direct relationship between the number of free lessons given and the number of people who will sign up.

Directly upon completion of the free lesson, an unabrasive effort should be made to effect a sign-up. If the person does not sign up, a follow-up call should be made. If Paul gave the free lesson, Hannah should make the follow-up call. It could be that the potential customer will respond better to the other teacher.

Walk-in inquiries should be handled in a similar fashion. Brochures containing particulars and an up-to-date price schedule should be available in a box by the door. Because of the studio’s high-profile location with large picture windows facing onto a busy pedestrian area, it is common for passers-by to look in. Good salesmanship will result is developing an ability to differentiate the interested from the merely curious. It is important not to be shy with interested parties. If the same person is noticed frequently looking in the window, or picks up a brochure and scans it, one of the owners must make a sales approach, even if it means opening the door and inviting the person in. Offer a cup of coffee, try to form a rough profile and offer to set up a time for a free lesson.

5.3.1 Sales Forecast

It is assumed that Hannah’s portrait contracts will continue at historical levels (1/month @ ave. price $650).

Sale of Paul Nash’s artwork will continue at historical levels ($3,600 annually, spread out evenly).

School-aged art lessons represent only 88 instruction hours/week taking up the 3:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. time slots each day (6:30 P.M. on Fridays). These slots are nearly all filled now. It is assumed that these hours will remain full throughout the year. Assume 75 of the possible 88 will be filled each week, four weeks/month at a sales price of $10/hour lesson.

The retired/non-work art classes will begin to grow after the planned renovations scheduled for January. Projections assume that price for four 90 minute instruction sessions will be $79. Sales to begin in March starting with the one fully booked 90-minute lesson daily Monday-Friday. These classes will have eight students each. A second daily class will be formed six months later, and after one year, there will be a third. This will bring this section of ArtSphere capacity up to 75% (four and one half of six hrs/day, or 180 instruction hours out of 240 possible). Assume each month to contain four weeks exactly.

This sector at the moment is practically nil. Growth depends on completion of modifications to premises, and success in ArtSphere’s marketing approach to this group.

Art school gallery business plan, strategy and implementation summary chart image

5.3.2 Sales Programs

  • Classes will be offered in many time slots throughout the day and evening, with instruction tailored to the customers.
  • A wide variety of art supplies will be available for purchase by students during their classes, and by the general public.
  • Hannah will continue her commission portrait work and exhibit in the gallery.
  • Paul will continue to produce his artwork and exhibit and sell in the gallery.
  • Weekend gallery exhibitions of owners’ and students’ work will encourage the sale of finished works and supplies and registration of new students.

5.4 Milestones

We have set some milestones to help us focus on needed projects and to keep us on track to complete them.

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

The ArtSphere is owned and operated by Paul Nash and Hannah Rogerson Nash. There are no plans to hire any employees.

Initially, Paul will provide the bulk of instruction. Hannah is currently employed at the Orchard School in Birmingham, and as ArtSphere’s class offerings fill, she intends to leave Orchard School to concentrate fully on ArtSphere.

Hannah and Paul will take minimal salaries during this start-up period to ensure adequate cash flow and cash balance.

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

The following subtopics present our financial plan.

7.1 Break-even Analysis

The following table and chart summarize our break-even analysis.

Art school gallery business plan, financial plan chart image

7.2 Projected Profit and Loss

Our projected profit and loss is shown in the following table and charts.

Art school gallery business plan, financial plan chart image

7.3 Projected Cash Flow

The following chart and table show our projected cash flow.

Art school gallery business plan, financial plan chart image

7.4 Projected Balance Sheet

The following table outlines our projected balance sheet.

7.5 Business Ratios

The following table compares computed standard business rations for this plan against averaged ratios for the Fine Arts Schools industry, NAICS code 611610.

Start your own business plan

Your business plan can look as polished and professional as this sample plan. It's fast and easy, with LivePlan.

Garrett's Bike Shop

The quickest way to turn a business idea into a business plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

No thanks, I prefer writing 40-page documents.

LivePlan pitch example

Discover the world’s #1 plan building software

business plan of art gallery

business plan of art gallery

Press Herald

Account Subscription: ACTIVE

Questions about your account? Our customer service team can be reached at [email protected] during business hours at (207) 791-6000 .

  • Local & State
  • Life & Culture

Portland Museum of Art is eliminating 13 positions

The museum cites the financial strains caused by the pandemic and a resulting 35% decrease in visitations since 2020.

business plan of art gallery

You are able to gift 5 more articles this month.

Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Learn more .

With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month.

It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. To get one, go to the subscriptions page .

Loading....

The Portland Museum of Art announced on Thursday that it is reducing its staff by 13 positions, citing the financial strains caused by the pandemic and a resulting 35% decrease in visitations since 2020.

The museum issued a statement Thursday thanking the community for its continued support, saying “the PMA will forever be in the public trust, and it is in that trust that we openly share a few present challenges for the museum, and the difficult decisions we’re making today to build a more sustainable tomorrow.”

business plan of art gallery

The Portland Museum of Art on Wednesday. Aimsel Ponti/Staff Writer

The museum said the 13 layoffs include salaried and hourly employees on its roughly 100-person staff. Front-line support staff, including gallery ambassadors and security associates, who recently voted to unionize , will not be impacted by staff reductions. The layoffs took effect Thursday.

Mark Bessire, the museum’s director, is taking a voluntary 20% reduction in his annual salary of about $440,000 as part of the restructuring effort.

A museum spokesman said the layoffs should not be misconstrued as a sign the Congress Square landmark is in decline.

Portland Museum of Art gallery ambassadors, security guards vote to unionize

A pause is needed for the museum to stabilize its finances as it prepares for a brighter future that envisions an expanded museum on its Portland campus at the intersection of High, Congress and Free streets, Graeme Kennedy said in a phone interview. Advertisement

“(The layoffs are) truly a financial decision, a last resort,” Kennedy said. “We need to expand and build more infrastructure in order to have a shot at thriving. If we can do this, this could really cement Portland’s status as a cultural destination. We believe that having an arts and culture center will help all of the city thrive.”

“Like many museums, municipal, and cultural organizations, we continue to be adversely impacted by the instability of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the museum said. “As expenses continue to remain high and unpredictable, the real and persisting negative effects of this historic moment have necessitated changes in the PMA’s operations.”

The Portland Museum of Art purchased the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine on Free Street in 2019 with an eye toward growth. The buildings are within a few feet of each other and overlook Congress Square.

Hearing on plan to demolish former Children’s Museum draws passionate crowd

The museum is in the midst of trying to convince the city to remove a historic designation from the 1830s building, an approval it needs before the building can be demolished and used to accommodate the museum’s plans for an expansion. The city’s planning board held a five-hour hearing this week on the request before voting to table the discussion.

Museum officials have said the expansion will more than double its size and transform Congress Square into a cultural destination for the region. The museum says it no longer has space in its current building for its growing collection of artwork.

The museum said its outdated facility and “the deterioration of the Congress Square neighborhood,” makes the expansion project all that more important.

Since 2020, the museum said it has seen a 35% decrease in attendance “because fewer visitors and workers are coming back to Congress Square and our spaces for programmatic growth are limited.” Visitation peaked in 2019, the year before the pandemic started, at 175,000.

“We are carefully and collaboratively designing long-term plans for a stable and scalable future. In the meantime, we will continue to bring art into the PMA collection that expands narratives and creates conversation,” the museum said.

This story was updated at 11:40 a.m. Friday to correct the salary of museum director Mark Bessire .

Related Headlines

Portland Museum of Art and new employee union reach first contract agreement

Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.

Enter your email and password to access comments.

Forgot Password?

Don't have a commenting profile? Create one.

Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. Already have a commenting profile? Login .

Invalid username/password.

Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.

Create a commenting profile by providing an email address, password and display name. You will receive an email to complete the registration. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate.

Already registered? Log in to join the discussion.

Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why .

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.

Send questions/comments to the editors.

« Previous

Talk on climate change and the ‘blue acceleration’ in Maine takes place in Lewiston

Next »

China-based propaganda accounts flourish on X as others try to curb them

Biz Headlines

  • Enter email address

Every member of Bates College’s famed debate team resigns

More than 200 evacuated from ski lift at sunday river, maine proposes $250,000 fine for worcester wreath cabins built without permits, white house announces plan to cancel $5.3 million in student loan debt for 700 mainers, bridge over bottled water hannaford shoppers sing praises for new in-store music, member log in.

Please enter your username and password below. Already a subscriber but don't have one? Click here .

Not a subscriber? Click here to see your options

business plan of art gallery

Related Guides:

Moscow Art Galleries

(moscow, central federal district, russia), galereia elisium (elysium art gallery), gertsev art gallery, khodynka state exhibition gallery, marat guelman gallery, moskovskii dom skul'ptury (moscow sculpture house), muzei konstantina vasilieva (konstantin vasiliev museum), tretyakovskaya galereya (state tretyakov gallery / national museum of russian art), muzei narodnoi grafiki (folk graphics museum and gallery), muzei sovremennogo iskusstva (modern art museum), pushkin fine arts museum, schatz i gallery, shilov art gallery, soiuz tvorchestvo (contemporary russian art gallery), tret'iakovskaia galereia (tretiakov art gallery), tsentral'nyi dom khudozhnikov (central house of artists).

© Copyright TravelSmart Ltd

I'm looking for:

Hotel Search

  • Travel Guide
  • Information and Tourism
  • Maps and Orientation
  • Transport and Car Rental
  • SVO Airport Information
  • History Facts
  • Weather and Climate
  • Life and Travel Tips
  • Accommodation
  • Hotels and Accommodation
  • Property and Real Estate
  • Popular Attractions
  • Tourist Attractions
  • Landmarks and Monuments
  • Art Galleries
  • Attractions Nearby
  • Parks and Gardens
  • Golf Courses
  • Things to Do
  • Events and Festivals
  • Restaurants and Dining
  • Your Reviews of Moscow
  • Russia World Guide
  • Guide Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy / Disclaimer

Women in Arts festival returns to Dixon, Theatre Memphis

<strong>Soprano Tanisha Ward (right), accompanied on the piano by Tammy Holt, sings &ldquo;Summertime&rdquo; from the George Gershwin opera &ldquo;Porgy and Bess&rdquo; at Women in the Arts 2024 at Theatre Memphis on Saturday, Feb. 24.</strong> (Alys Drake/The Daily Memphian)

Soprano Tanisha Ward (right), accompanied on the piano by Tammy Holt, sings “Summertime” from the George Gershwin opera “Porgy and Bess” at Women in the Arts 2024 at Theatre Memphis on Saturday, Feb. 24. (Alys Drake/The Daily Memphian)

Theatre Memphis and Dixon Gallery and Gardens are on their fifth year of conducting the partnership event that’s immersive to the public and centered around women’s art.

Kambui Bomani

Kambui Bomani

Kambui Bomani is the general assignment and breaking news reporter for The Daily Memphian. He is a graduate of Jackson State University’s multimedia journalism program and earned a master’s degree in digital journalism from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School. His work has been published in Pro Football Focus, The Southside Stand, HBCU Legends, FanSided and Wisconsin Sports Heroics.

Want to comment on our stories or respond to others?  Join the conversation by subscribing now.  Only paid subscribers can add their thoughts or upvote/downvote comments. Our commenting policy can be viewed here . 

Section Emails

Sign up to get the latest articles from The To-Do List.

Enter your e-mail address

Please check your inbox to finish the signup process. If you haven't received an email within 10 minutes, check your spam/junk folder or contact us at [email protected] for assistance.

You are already signed up

Manage Your Email Subscriptions

Trending Now

Dandridge out against fau as memphis launches investigation, road closures to affect germantown traffic, broken bottles: an update on smash-and-grab sting indictments, arrests, vote for the high school girls basketball player of the week, week 11, developer says plan is ‘liquidation’ in second day of lake district bankruptcy case.

  • Moscow Tourism
  • Moscow Hotels
  • Moscow Bed and Breakfast
  • Moscow Vacation Rentals
  • Flights to Moscow
  • Moscow Restaurants
  • Things to Do in Moscow
  • Moscow Travel Forum
  • Moscow Photos
  • All Moscow Hotels
  • Moscow Hotel Deals
  • Things to Do
  • Restaurants
  • Vacation Rentals
  • Travel Stories
  • Rental Cars
  • Add a Place
  • Travel Forum
  • Travelers' Choice
  • Help Center

Art Galleries to Purchase Paintings - Moscow Forum

  • Europe    
  • Russia    
  • Central Russia    
  • Moscow    

Art Galleries to Purchase Paintings

  • United States Forums
  • Europe Forums
  • Canada Forums
  • Asia Forums
  • Central America Forums
  • Africa Forums
  • Caribbean Forums
  • Mexico Forums
  • South Pacific Forums
  • South America Forums
  • Middle East Forums
  • Honeymoons and Romance
  • Business Travel
  • Train Travel
  • Traveling With Disabilities
  • Tripadvisor Support
  • Solo Travel
  • Bargain Travel
  • Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
  • Central Russia forums
  • Moscow forum

business plan of art gallery

We have been thinking about the flea markets in both cities, but are concerned that the paintings could be taken away from us at the airport due to "cultural value". As a result, we were wondering if anyone had recommendations for reasonably-priced art galleries? The plan would be to purchase a painting (probably max budget per painting is about $500), have them certify it for export, and then we can take it home.

Any recommendations?

' class=

$500 sounds more like street-market level than gallery level to me but why not try galleries first. What I would suggest is go to the House of Artists in Krymsky Val, it's the same building as New Tretyakov Gallery. There are a lot of galleries inside AND there is an art market outside on the embankment, so you will have both options and a large choice all in the same place.

> my concern was that my flea-market purchase would get taken away at the airport

Just to clarify, are you looking for an old painting or a contemporary one? Any old one (older than 50 years) might be tricky to export but if it's conspicuously new and you have a receipt showing that it does not cost a fortune then I guess it should not be a problem at the customs. But I don't have any personal experience bringing art OUT OF the country so you should better talk to the gallerists about that.

As for galleries in St.Pete I would suggest you repost your query in the St.Pete forum.

business plan of art gallery

Last time I checked the export of any painting required a permit from the Ministry of culture. So this is a concern

The painting would be painted within the past couple of years. In the past, we've bought from street artists that have painted the work themselves within the past few months (presumably). I am not looking for a painting that is 50+ years old, just something that we think is cool to own.

I suppose one option could be purchasing a flea market type painting and seeing if a helpful gallery will certify it for export for a small additional fee. Do you think that could work?

Which part of "any painting" did you not understand? It means a painting painted yesterday or a million years ago

I would start with visiting the galleries at the House of Artists and talking to them. I am not sure a gallery can quickly "certify" a painting for export - the cerificate must be issued by the Ministry of Culture. In any case they have the experience and will tell you what can and what can not be done.

I was responding to Marassa's post first, and I should have been more specific. I agree that an export certificate is needed for any painting to be safe, and I have read that galleries, as marassa is suggesting, will provide the needed paperwork.

I agree that it does make sense to start with the House of Artists, and see what they suggest. I suppose it could be possible to mail the painting back as well, but we'll see what the House suggests with any paintings that we'd like to purchase.

Galleries in their eagerness to make a sale can be a bit optimistic with their information.

> Galleries in their eagerness to make a sale can be a bit optimistic with their information.

It better fits a nameless street vendor you'll never see again rather than a reputable gallery permanently resident in a prime spot and regularly selling to foreigners.

  • Dual Citizen Arrested in Russia today
  • about clothes yesterday
  • NOTE - border crossing from Finland into Russia closed Feb 09, 2024
  • Snow boots in Red Square Feb 04, 2024
  • Travelling to Moscow & Murmansk with toddle in winter Feb 02, 2024
  • Anyone traveling from London to Moscow this week ? Jan 27, 2024
  • Booking accommodation Jan 11, 2024
  • Traveling friends (Designers preferred) :) Jan 05, 2024
  • Are shops and things closed during Christmas and New Week ? Dec 15, 2023
  • Union Pay debit card Nov 25, 2023
  • Traveling to Eastern Russia Nov 17, 2023
  • Travel to russia september 2023 tips welcome Oct 17, 2023
  • Traveling buddies Sep 10, 2023
  • I am looking for a travel companion to Moscow Sep 10, 2023
  • Moscow to St Petersburg train or air?? 32 replies
  • New Sapsan Express Train from Moscow to St Petersburg 18 replies
  • New year's in moscow 8 replies
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour 5 replies
  • How do you purchase Bolshoi Ballet tickets at a great price? 2 replies
  • Select-a-room.com Are they legitimate? 3 replies
  • Weather Moscow and St. petersburg in May 8 replies
  • Night train to St Petersburg 3 replies
  • ATM Access 12 replies
  • Visa needed if on layover at Moscow Airport??????? 15 replies
  • Where can I get initial answers to ANY question?

  Plutenko's work has been shown many times over the last years, including the exhibitions in Moscow (from 1988), Stockholm and Helsinki at Interart 89 (1989), Chicago, USA (1990), Ulm, Germany (1991), London, UK (1996).

2019 HELIKON–OPERA, Moscow, Russia

2017 East West Fine Art Gallery, Naples, USA

2013 Henley Festival by Hay Hill Gallery, Henley On Thames, UK 2013 ArtMoorHouse by Hay Hill Gallery, London, UK

2002-2012 Hay Hill Gallery, London, UK

2011 The Central House of Artists supported by the Gallery “Vizit”, Moscow, Russia

2009 “ARTMANEG”, Manezh, Moscow, Russia

2008-2009 Gallery «Graal», 174 Bd de la République, Agen, France

2007 “ARTMANEG”, Manezh, Moscow, Russia

2006 The Biannual Forum of Contemporary Art ‘Art Miami’, Miami, USA

2005 ‘ARTMANEG', Manezh, Moscow, Russia

2005 The Central House of Artists supported by the Gallery “Vizit”, Moscow, Russia

2005 ‘Extravaganza Moscow 05’, Radisson Slavyanskaya Hotel, Moscow

2004 The Central House of Artists, Moscow, Russia

2003 “Golden Brush” competition, Maliy Manezh, Moscow, Russia

2003 Radisson Slavyanskaya Hotel, Moscow, Russia

2003 Museum of Contemporary Art, Madrid, Spain 2002 Exhibition of "Medici Haus", Tolyatti, Russia

2001 Gallery "Visit", Moscow, Russia

2000-2001 «Medici Haus» Zurich, Switzerland

1999-2000 Aspire Gallery, Moscow, Russia

1999 Moscow International Art Salon «CHA-99», Moscow, Russia

1998 Moscow International Art Salon «CHA-98», Moscow, Russia

1998 «Albatros» gallery, Moscow, Russia

1997 "Golden Brush". The Central House of Artists (CHA), Moscow, Russia

1996 Institute of Contemporary Arts, "ICA" Mall, London, UK

1992 "Golden Brush". The Central House of Artists (CHA), Moscow, Russia

1992 Exhibition in the Artists’ Union’s Central Salon, Ukrainsky Boulevard, Moscow, Russia

1991 «Gallery + Keramuk Baltiya» Ulm Donau, Germany

1989 «Art Russia», Helsinki, Finland

1989 «Seppe Gallery», Stockholm

RUSSIAN art has flourished in the heady atmosphere of freedom since the end of the communist era. Now a pair of amateur enthusiasts have beaten professional art dealers at their own game by bringing an exciting new talent to the attention of the West. The powerful works of Stanislav Plutenko went on sale in the West End of London last Thursday. The mainly British buyers of the paintings by Plutenko, 35, a fast-rising Russian artist with no specialist training who started his working life designing turbines, had a remarkable coup to celebrate. The coup's roots are in the early 1990s when Russia began to loom large in the careers of Alan Hendrickson and Geoffrey Roughton, who are businessmen, scientists and art collectors. The privately sponsored show of Plutenko's works at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), The Mall, was their idea. They had set up a successful software business in Moscow which entailed monthly visits to the Russian capital, but as the business grew it made vastly greater demands on the time of Hendrickson and his colleagues. Luckily, there was still time for art. The two partners "discovered" Plutenko's works in a gallery named Arbat-34, in a district of Moscow where art, craft and antique shops proliferate, and immediately bought the three paintings by him on offer there.

"I bought them because I liked them, but I must admit I also thought the day might come when I would make a profit on them," says American-born Hendrickson, who enthusiastically changed his nationality as a gesture to Britain which gave him the opportunity to make his first million.

On subsequent visits to Moscow, Hendrickson and Roughton found themselves in keen competition with several other western private collectors who had also discovered Plutenko's work. The artist had one-man shows in Stockholm, Helsinki, Ulm in Germany, other exhibitions in Russia and at private galleries in America. His paintings invariably sold as quickly as they came off the easel, and the partners often arrived at the gallery in Moscow only to find there was nothing available. They eventually resorted to paying the gallery owner a "sight-unseen" reservation fee, and over three years managed to build up a small collection of Plutenko's paintings.

Meanwhile back at the dacha, Russian dealers are reported to be spending much more time and effort on home ground in Moscow and St Petersburg. This is believed to reflect the increasing confidence of an expanding group of Russian collectors who try to impress their colleagues with the symbols of success: the houses, cars, holidays in the West - and paintings such as glitzy 19th and 20th century works by Aivazovsk, Repin, Chepik and Shishkin: from a few thousand pounds to Pounds 150,000. James Butterwick, a well-travelled British dealer, said in Moscow: "People now realise that the market is here and prices are now almost on a level with those in the West."

In Britain the weekly Antiques Trade Gazette quoted a Russian banker at Sotheby's Russian auction last December. Asked why he had bought one particular portrait, the banker replied: "Because it was expensive."

He continues, “Inspiration comes like a hallucination or a vivid dream that only children have. With time, these dreams become bleaker, fainter, and disappear. First, I feel nostalgic, then the artistic drive takes over, I dissolve into the canvas, losing all track of time.”

“Cock Fight” is a representative example, recording Plutenko’s observations from India, Pakistan, and the Middle East. As he draws upon his love of Orientalism, we find an energetic group of men who crowd around a pair of cocks, their feathers raised in powerful, aggressive fashion. Despite the painting’s subject, the painting is — in fact — an intense study of emotion, individuality, culture, and expression. Plutenko writes, “This painting is an illustration of human passions and the human character. There are mixed emotions in this work — the excitement of the approaching victory, greed, cruelty, and disappointment. So many emotions at the same time — a treasure trove for genre painting.” Indeed, each onlooker is treated with astonishing sensitivity, their expressions, gestures, individuality, and emotions captured with clarity. The captivating composition and attention to each character recall the traditional works of Baroque masters and has a timeless quality.

“Christ in the Desert” is a fantastic modern reinterpretation of a traditional artistic theme. Sitting at center among piles of rubbish and debris, a weary Christ appears in worn white and green robes. Christ does not engage the viewer, but gazes downward with a saddened expression. “This painting is how I see the second coming of Christ,” writes the artist. “War and urbanizations have ravaged the land, physically and spiritually. Who should be saved? Who will listen to the truth?”

Especially fascinating is how open Plutenko is to his artistic communication, describing himself like a chef who has several key ingredients or spices at his disposal. He writes, “I am like a chef who has several spices (themes) in my arsenal — Romanticism and sugar, Surrealism and salt, Orientalism and spice, the grotesque and hot peppers. I mix everything and hope to nourish the world with the ‘soup.’”

Indeed, Surrealism comes to the fore in works like “Tree-Cloud,” which recalls the famous poetic tale  The Little Prince  by French poet  Antonie de Saint-Exupéry . The painting here shows an otherworldly escape in the clouds. Plutenko describes, “‘Tree-Cloud’ is my escape from the big world into a tiny, quiet and cozy world.”

In the future, Plutenko wants to continue pushing his artistic boundaries and working in a variety of mediums. “There are times that I wish to get away from the usual subject matter and paint a series of works that are uncharacteristic of my usual style,” he asserts. “Maybe someday I will do something under a pseudonym!”

Plutenko is currently represented through a number of galleries and private collections in the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Monaco, Finland, France, Switzerland, and the United States at  Gallery on Fifth  in Naples, Florida.

IMAGES

  1. Art Gallery Business Plan Template [Free PDF]

    business plan of art gallery

  2. FREE 10+ Art Gallery Business Plan Samples in MS Word

    business plan of art gallery

  3. How to Make an Art Gallery Business Plan

    business plan of art gallery

  4. Art Exhibit Small Art Gallery Floor Plan

    business plan of art gallery

  5. Business Plan For Art Gallery

    business plan of art gallery

  6. The Visual Business Plan Template for Artists

    business plan of art gallery

VIDEO

  1. The Art of Negotiation in Business

  2. BEFORE YOU QUIT ART, WATCH THIS

COMMENTS

  1. Art Gallery Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

    A business plan provides a snapshot of your art gallery as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans. Why You Need a Business Plan

  2. Art Gallery Business Plan Template + Example

    What Is an Art Gallery Business Plan? What Are the Main Types of Art Galleries? What Are the Main Sources of Revenue and Expenses for an Art Gallery Business? How Do You Get Funding for Your Art Gallery Business Plan? What are the Steps To Open an Art Business? Other Helpful Business Plan Templates Nonprofit Business Plan Template

  3. How to Open an Art Gallery in 2024 in 13 Steps

    Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You Pros and cons Opening an art gallery has pros and cons that you should consider before deciding if it's the right path for you. Pros Live Your Dream - Rewarding work sharing culture and helping artists

  4. Art Gallery Business Plan Template: A Step-by-Step Guide (2024)

    Art Gallery Business Plan Outline This is the standard business plan outline which will cover all important sections that you should include in your business plan. Executive Summary The Financing Mission Statement Management Team Sales Forecasts 3 Year profit forecast Expansion Plan Company Overview Ownership Purpose of Starting A Business

  5. How to Start an Art Gallery

    STEP 1: Plan your business A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are: What will you name your business? What are the startup and ongoing costs? Who is your target market? How much can you charge customers?

  6. Art Gallery Business Plan [Sample Template]

    Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) - $60,000. The cost for start-up inventory (stocking with a wide range of art works, and other related merchandize) - $250,000. The cost for store equipment (cash register, security, ventilation, signage) - $13,750.

  7. How to write a business plan for an art gallery?

    Why write a business plan for an art gallery? What information is needed to create a business plan for an art gallery? How do I build a financial forecast for an art gallery? The written part of an art gallery business plan What tool should I use to write my art gallery business plan?

  8. Art Gallery Business Plan Template

    The following art gallery business plan template lets you know what elements you need to include in a successful art gallery business plan. To ensure your art gallery business success in this highly competitive market, you need a properly structured art gallery business plan. With over 12 years of experience, we have helped over 5,000 ...

  9. Art Gallery Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

    Below are links to each of the key sections of an example art gallery business plan. Once you create your plan, download it to PDF to show banks and investors. Art Gallery Business Plan Home I. Executive Summary II. Company Overview III. Industry Analysis IV. Customer Analysis V. Competitive Analysis VI. Marketing Plan VII. Operations Plan

  10. How to Start an Art Gallery

    Step 6: Create a Business Plan. Creating a business plan is an important step in starting an art gallery. A business plan should include an executive summary, a description of the business, a market analysis, an organizational structure, a description of the products and services, a marketing plan, a financial plan, and an appendix.

  11. Art Gallery Business Plan Template

    Art Gallery Business Plan Template (Microsoft Word) - $47.00 +Add Excel Worksheet (Recommended) - $35.00 +Add Funding Package Pitch Deck PowerPoint + 4 funding eBooks - $55.00 +Add Business Startup and Raising Capital Documents Bundle. 115 documents - $85.00 +Add Operational, Employee and Policy and Procedure Documents - $35.00 Buy Now

  12. Art Gallery Business Plan Sample

    2.1 The Business Start your Business Plan Now Start My Business Plan Art House will be a bonded, insured and licensed art gallery located in Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, New York in Delaware Park. Art House will be owned and managed by Zac Hurtmin, a renowned American artist, entrepreneur, and art collector.

  13. Art Gallery Management: Strategies, Tools and Resources

    Art Gallery Management The art world is evolving to provide many more options for art collectors. Art gallerists must also adapt their business to work smarter and more efficiently. Here you can learn about art gallery management, art collector trends and creative ideas for running an art gallery business.

  14. How to Make an Art Gallery Business Plan

    How to Make an Art Gallery Business Plan The business world is a competitive one as it's all about attracting the most people into purchasing whatever it is you have to offer. Even in the world of art, opening up your own photo art gallery can prove to be a troublesome task considering that there's a lot of things that have to be thought out.

  15. PDF Art Gallery Business Plan Example

    Business Plan [YEAR] John Doe 10200 Bolsa Ave, Westminster, CA, 92683 (650) 359-3153 [email protected] https://upmetrics.co Table of Contents Executive Summary 4 The Financing 5 Mission Statement 5 Management Team 5 Sales Forecasts 6 3 Year profit forecast 6 Chart 6 Expansion Plan 6 Company Overview 8 Market Analysis 16 Market Trends 17

  16. Art Gallery Business Plan Operations Plan

    6/1/202X - Finalize lease agreement for 5,000 square foot art gallery. 6/10/202X - Begin light construction for modernization of the art gallery space. 7/1/202X - Recruit first round of local artists to display their artwork. 7/15/202X - Begin social media campaign for Visual Haven Art Gallery. 8/1/202X - Final walk-thru of completed ...

  17. Business Plans for Artists

    Art business ideas are an important part of planning. Just a few tips: save ideas. As you know, the best assistant in this matter is paper. And even better - cloud data storage. For example, get yourself to Trello, where you can record all the positions of your artist's business plan. This is a great way for a recording artist's business plan.

  18. Art Supply Store and Gallery Business Plan Example

    We will open with the two owners operating the store. As our business expands, we will hire additional employees, our projections include six employees, with the owners managing the store and cold-call selling. Marketing and advertising will remain at or below 5% of sales. We will finance growth mainly through cash flow.

  19. Art School Gallery Business Plan

    1.1 Objectives The greatest opportunity for the ArtSphere is through the teaching of art to paying customers. The capacity to do this is limited in size to approximately eight persons at one time. The most important objective is to successfully penetrate the 9 A.M. to 3 P.M. day-time market.

  20. Portland Museum of Art is eliminating 13 positions

    Business; News; Local & State; Life & Culture; Portland Museum of Art is eliminating 13 positions. The museum cites the financial strains caused by the pandemic and a resulting 35% decrease in ...

  21. Art Galleries in Moscow

    Russian Art Gallery RusArta is one of the leading Russian art galleries in Moscow, situated on the beautiful Frunzenskaya embankment, opposite to Neskuchny Garden. Founded in 1999 in Moscow, the gallery concentrates on exhibiting professional works of contemporary Russian painting and graphics. Address: 38/1 Frunzenskaya nab

  22. Moscow Art Galleries: Moscow, Central Federal District, Russia

    Tret'iakovskaia Galereia (Tretiakov Art Gallery) Address: Lavrushinskii Pereulok 10, Moscow, RU-119017, Russia, RU. Tel: +7 0495 953 5223.

  23. Memphis: Women in Arts festival returns

    Soprano Tanisha Ward (right), accompanied on the piano by Tammy Holt, sings "Summertime" from the George Gershwin opera "Porgy and Bess" at Women in the Arts 2024 at Theatre Memphis on Saturday, Feb. 24. (Alys Drake/The Daily Memphian) Theatre Memphis and Dixon Gallery and Gardens are on ...

  24. Art Galleries to Purchase Paintings

    Answer 1 of 13: Hi, We are going to Moscow and St. Petersburg in June, and one of our vacation things to do is to purchase a painting to take home with us. We have been thinking about the flea markets in both cities, but are concerned that the paintings...

  25. Hay Hill Gallery

    2017 East West Fine Art Gallery, Naples, USA. 2013 Henley Festival by Hay Hill Gallery, Henley On Thames, UK ... but as the business grew it made vastly greater demands on the time of Hendrickson and his colleagues. Luckily, there was still time for art. The two partners "discovered" Plutenko's works in a gallery named Arbat-34, in a district ...