Submitting artwork to galleries requires careful preparation, professional presentation, comprehensive documentation, attention to gallery requirements, and strategic submission planning. Whether you are submitting to galleries for the first time or are an experienced artist, this comprehensive checklist covers every aspect of gallery submission. From 2 months before through 1 month before, 2 weeks before, 1 week before, day before, submission day for digital and physical submissions, and post-submission activities, this guide ensures your gallery submissions are professional and complete.
This detailed checklist walks you through gallery research and targeting, artist statement and biography preparation, resume and exhibition history updates, artwork selection and documentation, high-quality photography, portfolio preparation, submission material organization, cover letter preparation, digital and physical submission procedures, and post-submission follow-up. Each phase addresses specific submission needs, ensuring your gallery submissions present your work professionally and meet gallery requirements.
Two months before submission establishes the foundation for your submission strategy. Research target galleries and their submission policies to understand requirements. Review gallery exhibition history and artist roster to identify appropriate galleries.
Identify galleries that align with your artistic style and medium. Review gallery submission guidelines and requirements carefully. Prepare artist statement and biography that represent your work authentically. Update artist resume and exhibition history with recent accomplishments. Plan artwork selection for submission. Begin portfolio documentation and photography. Review submission deadlines and timing. Prepare submission budget and costs. This phase establishes your submission strategy.
One month before submission focuses on documentation and material preparation. Complete high-quality artwork photography using professional techniques. Edit and optimize artwork images for submission requirements.
Finalize artist statement and biography. Update artist resume with recent exhibitions and accomplishments. Prepare artwork descriptions and information. Create digital portfolio presentation. Review gallery submission requirements carefully. Prepare submission materials and documents. Test submission format and file compatibility. Prepare cover letter or introduction letter. Documentation ensures professional presentation.
Two weeks before submission involves finalization and organization. Finalize artwork selection for submission. Complete all artwork documentation.
Review and proofread all written materials for accuracy and clarity. Prepare submission package organization. Test digital submission system if applicable. Confirm gallery contact information and addresses. Prepare physical submission materials if required. Review submission deadlines and requirements. Prepare artwork inventory and checklist. Plan submission delivery or mailing if needed. Organization ensures completeness.
One week before submission focuses on quality review and verification. Conduct final review of all submission materials. Verify all gallery requirements are met.
Test all digital files and formats. Prepare submission package final assembly. Review cover letter and personalization for each gallery. Confirm gallery submission deadlines. Prepare submission tracking and documentation. Review artwork presentation and quality. Prepare backup copies of all materials. Plan submission delivery timeline. Quality review ensures professional submission.
The day before submission involves final verification. Conduct final quality check of all materials. Verify all submission requirements are complete.
Test digital submission upload if applicable. Prepare physical submission package if required. Review gallery contact information. Confirm submission deadline and delivery method. Prepare submission tracking information. Review cover letter and personalization. Ensure all files are properly named and organized. Prepare submission confirmation and follow-up plan. Final verification prevents errors.
Digital submission requires careful attention to online requirements. Review gallery submission portal or email requirements. Prepare all digital files in required formats.
Verify file sizes meet gallery requirements. Organize digital files according to gallery guidelines. Complete online submission form accurately. Upload all required files and documents. Review submission before final submission. Submit digital portfolio and materials. Save submission confirmation and receipt. Document submission date and details. Digital submission requires technical precision.
Physical submission requires professional packaging and delivery. Prepare physical submission package assembly. Include all required documents and materials.
Organize materials according to gallery guidelines. Prepare professional packaging and presentation. Include return postage if required. Address submission package correctly. Mail or deliver submission package. Obtain delivery confirmation and tracking. Document submission date and delivery method. Save submission receipt and confirmation. Professional packaging presents your work effectively.
Post-submission activities maintain momentum and prepare for responses. Document submission date and gallery information. Save submission confirmation and receipts.
Prepare submission follow-up timeline. Review gallery response timeframes. Plan appropriate follow-up if no response. Continue creating new artwork. Prepare for potential gallery responses. Maintain submission records and documentation. Continue submitting to other galleries. Update portfolio with new work regularly. Post-submission activities maintain career momentum.
Throughout your submission process, keep these essential practices in mind:
Art gallery artist submission requires thorough research, professional preparation, comprehensive documentation, attention to requirements, and strategic submission planning. By following this detailed checklist, researching at 2 months, preparing documentation at 1 month, finalizing at 2 weeks, reviewing quality at 1 week, verifying the day before, submitting digitally or physically on submission day, and following up post-submission, you will be fully prepared for professional gallery submission success. Remember that thorough preparation presents your work professionally, following guidelines demonstrates professionalism, quality materials increase consideration, personalized submissions show genuine interest, and persistence creates opportunities for gallery representation.
For more art gallery resources, explore our opening night preparation checklist, our exhibition installation guide, and our portfolio development checklist.