Art galleries and art dealers what are their missions?

Understanding the Difference Between Art Galleries and Art Dealers

Art galleries and art dealers are often mistakenly conflated, yet they serve distinct roles within the art market. While both contribute to the art industry, they operate with different functions and objectives.

Art Dealers

Art dealers are professionals who buy and sell artworks. They may work independently or for auction houses or galleries. Specializing in specific art forms like painting, sculpture, or photography, art dealers are tasked with finding buyers for their inventory. They also acquire artworks from artists or specific collections. Knowledgeable in art pricing and valuation, art dealers advise buyers on potential acquisitions. They utilize various channels such as auctions, exhibitions, or online platforms to market acquired artworks effectively.

Art Galleries

Conversely, art galleries are physical or increasingly online spaces where artists exhibit and sell their works. Galleries can be independent or part of gallery chains and are managed by gallery owners or curators. Their responsibilities include selecting artists and artworks for exhibitions, organizing showings, and promoting artists and their works to potential buyers. Galleries often host events such as openings and lectures to engage with the art community and promote artists.

Key Differences

1. Focus: Art dealers primarily focus on buying and selling artworks, while art galleries prioritize promoting and presenting artists and their creations.
2. Specialization: Art dealers often specialize in specific art forms or genres, whereas galleries may offer a broader range of artworks across different genres.
3. Artist Interaction: Art dealers typically purchase artworks directly from artists for resale, while galleries provide exhibition spaces for artists to showcase their works.

Collaboration Between Galleries and Art Dealers

Art galleries and dealers can collaborate, jointly deciding on artist promotion strategies and exhibitions to enhance artists' visibility and market presence.

Bouillon d'Art: A Promotional Art Gallery

A promotional art gallery like Bouillon d'Art is dedicated to showcasing and promoting young and emerging artists. By providing exhibition opportunities and organizing events, Bouillon d'Art actively supports artists, fostering their visibility and introducing them to art enthusiasts and collectors. This commitment involves investing in long-term relationships with artists, taking risks, and nurturing professional connections to enrich the artistic landscape.

Discover our artists and their works