The 411 on Non-Profit Galleries

You may wonder what non-profit galleries are or why you might want to show your work in one. Let ArtBistro guide you through all you need to know about non-profit galleries; and then take the ArtBistro tour of some of the top non-profits around the country!

Non-profit galleries typically show the work of younger lesser know artists, with sometimes edgier or more experimental work. Why is this the case? Non-profit galleries do not depend on sales to keep in business. They rely on donations and grants to run. However, depending on the gallery, they will take a commission on you work but usually not more than 30% of the price. Non-profit galleries typically do not “represent” artists or enter into contractual relationships with them, but you should sign a loan/exhibition form before you leave your work or at the time it is picked up. This form will often state what kind of insurance they do or do not have to cover reparations if your work is damaged.

Artist, Karina Skvirsky, gives her perspective on non-profit galleries. “I find that there is a lot of overlap between for profit and non-profit galleries.  They both provide exhibition opportunities which lead to exposure which lead to more exhibition opportunities.  There are, however, some interesting differences. Non-profits traditionally take more risks with the work they exhibit often showing work that does not have proven market reach.  Because of their non-profit status they also provide funding sources. I have exhibited in numerous non-profit galleries and feel that those galleries have helped me tremendously. In showing at these galleries I have formed relationships with the galleries and the staff members which has provided a base of support for my work over the years.”

Getting In

Many non-profit galleries have a submission program. Visit their website, or stop by to pick up the materials that you would need to submit to be considered for a show or for their artists registry. Some non-profit galleries hold a registry for artists that are open to the public. Curators look at these registries to find artists to exhibit in shows that they are curating. Some registries are curated and you need to apply to be accepted. Other registries are open to all artists such as Artists Space pictured here.

Elizabeth Hirsch of Artists Space says,: “The Irving Sandler Artists File at Artists Space represents a commitment to emerging artists over 30 years in the making. The file now exists entirely online – extending the mission beyond the walls of the gallery to an interactive site.  It has become a useful resource for artists, curators and arts professionals worldwide, further supporting the ideas of dialog and experimentation so central to Artists Space’s mission.”

Benefits

Non-profit galleries have fundraisers so that they can financially support their gallery. The fundraisers come in many forms but they usually hold auctions of artists work. The artist donates their work of art and the money raised from purchases goes to the gallery. This is a good opportunity to get your work “out there” and network. You can find out the person who bought your piece and offer to put then on your mailing list or invite them for a studio visit. You can also invite your friends who will support you to the auction to bid on your work! Auctions are fun places to meet other artists.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to get to network with other artists and administrators. Your colleagues will likely ask about your work. Take that opportunity to invite them to your studio. Go and see their work too. Many artists overlook volunteering as opportunity to get your foot in the door.

Internships

Many non-profits have internship programs. They often take a few months for the whole process so start early. Interning is a great way to get to gain experience, get a look behind the scenes and make more contacts. The contacts that you make from an internship will be valuable for years to come.

Artist and curator, Letha Wilson” explains her relationship to non-profits: “In my case non-profits have influenced me quite a bit – first and most importantly as my introduction to the art world of NYC was as an intern at Artists Space. This internship led to a part-time job as the Artists File Coordinator which I kept as I went on to grad school at Hunter, and then worked there full time for two years after graduation as the Associate Curator. The great thing about this place its small scale and staff, openness to new ideas, and constant influx of artists / interns and new ideas. The downfall of course eventually was the time it took and eventually I left to give my studio work the time it needed to move forward.

Also as an exhibiting artist I have found the importance of non-profits is their often open structure to new artists, as that is what they do. A couple of shows I got in by answering an open call for a specific proposal, that was open for anyone to apply. This kind of chance is not possible at museums or commercial galleries, and it really gives a chance for artists to get their work out there and a foot in the door. This being said it also sometimes takes many many proposals and attempts before a piece will end up fitting with a show, so as usual try not to give up after one proposal is not accepted. The nice thing about non-profits in New York also is they get as much exposure as the other galleries and make your work available to that audience, and press persons, curators. etc. Additionally non-profits are usually pretty good about giving the artists at least a small honoraria and even a production budget in the best situation.”

Where are they?

The following is a guide to the many non-profit galleries in some of the art centers of the nation.

Manhattan, NY

Artists Space One of the first alternative spaces in New York, Artists Space was founded in 1972 to support contemporary artists working in the visual arts, video and electronic media, performance, architecture and design. The mission of Artists Space is to support artistic experimentation and dialog in contemporary culture.

White Columns is New York’s oldest alternative art space. It was founded in 1970 by Jeffrey Lew and Gordon Matta-Clark as an experimental platform for artists.Over the past thirty-seven years hundreds of artists have benefited from early exposure and support at White Columns

The Drawing Center has been a unique and dynamic part of New York City’s cultural life since 1977. The only not-for-profit institution in the country to focus on the exhibition of drawings, it was established to demonstrate the significance and diversity of drawings throughout history, to juxtapose work by master figures with work by emerging and under-recognized artists, and to stimulate public dialogue on issues of art and culture.
Brooklyn, NY

d.u.m.b.o Art Center Founded by artists in the wake of the first festival in 1997, DAC was the first non-profit arts organization in Dumbo. By attracting thousands of visitors and media attention to the once abandoned manufacturing area of Dumbo (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), DAC’s role has been pivotal in the establishment of Dumbo as a recognized neighborhood and cultural destination.

NURTUREart In 1997, George J. Robinson founded NURTUREart Nonprofit Inc. to realize his vision of an organization dedicated to helping emerging artists. He began by mounting guerilla exhibitions in donated spaces whenever and wherever possible, starting a slide registry in a filing cabinet in his Washington Heights apartment. In 2006 NURTUREart found a bigger and better permanent home on Grand Street in East Williamsburg and long time volunteer and trustee Karen Marston took the helm as Executive Director. NURTUREart has grown into the dynamic organization it is today, playing a vital role in the cutting-edge emerging art community.

Rotunda Gallery BRIC Rotunda Gallery presents contemporary art, exhibitions, public events and an innovative arts education program. The Gallery’s aim is to increase the visibility and accessibility of contemporary art while bridging the gap between the art world and global culture in Brooklyn and the world beyond.

Chicago, IL

Hyde Park Art Center As one of the oldest alternative spaces in the city, the HPAC has an exemplary record of exhibiting a wide range of work by emerging artists through its Exhibitions Program. Panel discussions, gallery talks, poetry readings, music performances, open house events, and a series of short pieces by guest writers expand upon the approaches and ideas presented in each exhibition and engage a broad audience.

Contemporary Art Workshop The Contemporary Art Workshop celebrates its 55th Anniversary this year. It has been a phenomenal achievement. We have had the privilege of working with thousands of emerging artists for over five decades and providing them with exhibition opportunities and support at crucial stages in their careers. We have come a long way since our beginnings in the old Cyrus McCormick carriage building on what is now Chicago’s Magificent Mile.

Evanston Art Center Each year, the Evanston Art Center presents 6 – 8 exhibitions in its galleries at 2603 Sheridan Road. These include curated group shows, occasional retrospectives, regular student and faculty exhibitions, and a biennial juried vicinity show. Additionally, the Center’s EAC On Tour program brings exhibitions of faculty and student work to off-site locations throughout the community.

Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles Art Association Today, LAAA continues to play a central role in the Los Angeles arts community by providing our artist members and the public with exceptional exhibitions and programs, as well as a forum for exchange and education through lectures, workshops and networking opportunities. LAAA serves a broad cross section of artists of all mediums, career levels and socio-economic backgrounds, including those from low income communities.

Swift Gallery Foundation is an artist’s run non-profit curatorial organization for provocative art and culture based in Los Angeles, California. Swift Gallery aims to stimulate and support the arts in the broadest sense of the word – from visual art, sound, film and video, performance, architecture, to the humanities and sciences. Swift Gallery initiates, directs and curates exhibitions where disciplines intersect, boundaries blur, cultures multiply and new hybrids form, giving emerging artists time and space to exhibit their work, frequent lectures, studio space and audio-visual presentations.

Art Share about  Los Angeles is a community arts incubator whose mission is to shape lives through art, education and community action. Operating out of a converted warehouse in the Arts District, Art Share offers free art classes with incredibly talented artists. With TEN years of established service to the community, Art Share has had inspiring results in creating a variety of programs that address educational and social needs by using the arts, counseling, mentoring and technology as tools for change.

San Francisco, CA

Galería de la Raza The Mission of the Galeria de la Raza is to foster public awareness and appreciation of Chicano/Latino art and culture. Galería De La Raza is an interdisciplinary space for art, thought and activism – Galería organizes cutting-edge art exhibitions, as well as multimedia presentations, performances and spoken-word events, screenings, computer-generated murals and educational activities.

The Oakland Art Gallery is dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of the Oakland Bay Area by exhibiting emerging and established professional artists. The gallery’s exhibition schedule focuses on exhibiting the richness and diversity of art, from traditional to new media, made within the Oakland/Bay Area as well as bringing to Oakland contemporary art from national and international artists.

The LAB is an interdisciplinary arts organization which supports the development and presentation of new visual, performing, media, sonic and literary art. We assist artists in the creation of new work and showcase work of the highest quality by emerging and underrepresented experimental artists. Of particular interest is work which crosses boundaries, encourages evolving artistic and social dialogue between artists and audiences, and develops the culture and community of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Seattle, WA

In a time of major advances in digital media 911 Media Arts Center envisions a future where independent voices thrive in a society that fosters diversity, innovation and artistic excellence.

Founded in 1995, SOIL is a collective and a nonprofit gallery established, supported, and managed by Seattle artists. SOIL exists as an experimental venue for artists and curators to exhibit, develop, and advance innovative art of diverse media and content.

Philadelphia, PA

BASEKAMP is a non commercial studio and exhibition space whose primary focus is to participate in the creation, facilitation and promotion of large scale collaborative projects by contemporary artists. Philadelphia is an example of a city whose visual art-world is currently in the process of self-definition. We have seen this as an opportunity to use the city as a home base to invite domestic and international collaborative groups in a joint experiment to develop new models of relations within overlapping art communities.

Crane Art Center Mission is creating a unique community that encourages and supports artistic production by both emerging and established artists and assisting the development and growth of Philadelphia’s creative resources, assets, and potential.

The FLUX Space We are an artist run organization supporting other artists through exhibitions, and public programs. FLUX enables artists to experiment in new practices for the purpose of advancing artwork, concept and thought.

Columbus, OH

ROY G BIV’s mission is to support vibrant, emerging artists by presenting exhibitions that increase the public’s awareness of the artists’ work while enhancing the cultural diversity of Central Ohio. ROY G BIV nurtures artists who choose to live and work in Ohio and who might not otherwise be able to find a venue to exhibit their work.

Madlab Gallery Because the Theatre’s mission is committed to expanding the parameters of contemporary performance, a theatre art gallery must be more specifically tuned in to its activities than the independent art museum. With its special responsibility to the patrons of both the theatre and the visual arts it should provide programs to enrich the experience of both. It should be willing to experiment, expand horizons and explore concepts in depth.

Atlanta, GA

Eyedrum is centrally located downtown at 290 M.L.K Jr. Drive SE, walking distance from the hottest new loft districts in Atlanta and historic Oakland Cemetary. Founded in 1998, this unique gallery continues to intrigue the community here and abroad, remaining critics’ choice for the best venue for emerging artists in town.

Boston, MA

The mission of the Green Street Gallery continues to be: To move contemporary artwork into contact with a wider and more diverse audience, to redefine the term “Gallery” by opening non-commercial exhibition venues in existing pedestrian traffic patterns and to educate people outside of contemporary art’s traditional audience and encourage them to experience today’s art.

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