The purpose of this article is to give some guidelines for artists when entering into any commercial relationship with a gallery, particularly for the first time.  It is always a good idea to do a one-off project exhibition with a gallery, to test drive any future relationship before committing to a contract or ongoing representation.  A contract, however tightly worded, can never be a substitute for trust and respect, equally shared by the gallery and the artist.

This article is written by respected UK collector Richard Greer and Medeia Cohan-Petrolino of the University of the Arts London Emerging Artists Programme.

The Emerging Artists' Programme at University of the Arts London is the only programme of its kind in the UK.  This innovative scheme was created to provide opportunities for recent alumni from across the University's six Colleges to promote their work and develop their careers during the formative years immediately following graduation.  The Programme is made up of three strands - the Arts Gallery, the University Art Collection and the Artists' & Collectors' Exchange.  For more information on the Emerging Artists’ Programme, have a look at their website.