Gallery submissions are not just about sending images. A useful proposal shows that you understand the gallery, have a coherent body of work, can communicate clearly and can deliver an exhibition that suits the space.
Artists preparing submissions for artist-run spaces, regional galleries, commercial galleries, community galleries and curated exhibition programs.
You will know what to send, what not to send and how to approach galleries without sounding generic or unprepared.
This is written as a practical working page. Start with the four-step path, then use the detailed notes and checklist before you apply, buy, submit, document, plan or contact anyone.
Check exhibition history, artists and submission rules.
Select a coherent body of work and write a clear proposal.
Send a concise email with links and key details.
Record date, contact, response and follow-up timing.
Artist-run spaces may suit experimental, emerging or peer-led projects. Commercial galleries usually look for market fit, consistency and long-term artist development. Regional galleries often consider curatorial context, education value and audience fit.
Do not send the same pitch to every gallery. Your submission should show why the work belongs in that specific space.
A strong submission usually includes a short email, a PDF or website link, 6–12 images, artwork captions, a short bio, a concise artist statement, CV highlights and practical installation details.
If the gallery publishes guidelines, follow them exactly. If it does not accept unsolicited proposals, look for open-call pathways instead.
Keep it short and specific. Introduce yourself, explain why you are contacting that gallery, summarise the body of work and link to images or a proposal.
Avoid large attachments unless requested. Avoid generic compliments. Make the email easy to respond to.
Gallery researched and fit confirmed.
Submission rules checked.
Body of work narrowed to strongest images.
Captions include title, year, medium and dimensions.
Bio and CV updated.
Installation needs noted.
Email kept concise and specific.
Submission logged for follow-up.
Too many unrelated images make the work look unfocused.
Not following rules is an easy reason to be declined.
Use links or PDFs unless attachments are requested.
Explain real fit, not just that you like the gallery.
No. Send a focused body of work that suits the gallery and follows submission guidelines.
Use links or a concise PDF unless the gallery specifically asks for attachments.
Short, specific and professional is usually best.
A gallery wants to know why your work belongs in its program. Generic praise does not replace evidence that you understand the gallery’s artists, space and audience.
Use clear images, proper captions, a short statement and a concise biography. Do not force the reader to download huge files or guess what they are seeing.
If a gallery says it does not accept unsolicited submissions, look for open calls, artist-run spaces or other exhibition pathways.
Last reviewed: May 2026
Sources used: Gallery submission rules, artist CV/bio guides, exhibition proposal conventions and open-call pages.
How to use this page: Treat it as a structured starting point, then confirm official information before applying, buying, booking or travelling.
Gallery Submission Guide is part of the Artsoz flagship resource set. It is designed to help users move from broad research to practical next steps: comparing official sources, saving checklists, avoiding common mistakes and understanding what to verify before acting.
| User type | How to use this page |
|---|---|
| Artist | Use it to shortlist opportunities, plan materials, track deadlines or prepare submissions. |
| Parent/student | Use it to understand age-appropriate options, school pathways and checklist items. |
| Teacher/gallery/council | Use it as a reference page to point people toward official sources and practical next steps. |
Updated resource Reviewed May 2026
This page should help visitors, artists or organisers use gallery and regional art information practically. A useful gallery page includes how to plan a visit, what to check before travelling, how to understand the type of space, and how the page fits into broader Australian art discovery.
Artsoz pages are designed to make the first 10 minutes of research easier. They should help you work out what category you are dealing with, what details matter, where official information is likely to sit, and what documents or notes you should save before taking action.
Check opening hours, ticketing, access, transport, photography rules and whether exhibitions are free or paid.
A gallery page can help artists understand whether a space is public, commercial, artist-run, regional or university-linked before submitting work.
Regional art visits work best when you combine one anchor gallery with smaller venues, public art, local studios and council events.
| Field to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Record this before relying on the opportunity, guide or resource. |
| Current exhibition dates | Record this before relying on the opportunity, guide or resource. |
| Free/paid ticketing | Record this before relying on the opportunity, guide or resource. |
| Accessibility | Record this before relying on the opportunity, guide or resource. |
| Family/school suitability | Record this before relying on the opportunity, guide or resource. |
| Transport and parking | Record this before relying on the opportunity, guide or resource. |
A family planning a weekend visit could use this page to choose one major exhibition, one free nearby stop and a realistic travel plan. An artist could use it to understand whether a space suits their practice before approaching it.
This page should be reviewed when official sources change, when users submit corrections, or when Artsoz analytics show that people are finding the page but not continuing to related tools. This page is most useful when current examples, official-source references and practical tables are kept up to date.
Artsoz is designed to be a practical directory for artists, collectors, students, galleries and art lovers. Send useful art prizes, open calls, galleries, local council resources or learning links.