Is The Holy Art Gallery Legitimate? What 200+ Real Artists Say in 2026
If you have searched for The Holy Art Gallery online, you may have come across a mix of glowing reviews and sceptical forum posts. This article addresses the most common questions directly, drawing on verified artist testimonials, public review platforms, and the gallery’s transparent operating model. We believe artists deserve honest, detailed information before committing to any exhibition.
The short answer: The Holy Art Gallery is a legitimate, registered, and internationally operating contemporary art gallery with a verified Trustpilot rating of Excellent (80% five-star reviews from over 178 reviewers as of 2026). It is not a scam. Here is the full picture.
What the Critics Say — and Why They Are Misunderstanding the Model
The most common criticism of The Holy Art on forums like Reddit and HowsMyDealing centres on the term “vanity gallery” — a label applied to any gallery that charges artists an exhibition fee rather than taking a commission on sales. This critique deserves a direct response.
The paid exhibition model is one of two well-established ways galleries operate. Traditional commercial galleries take 40–60% of every sale and show only artists they represent. Open-call galleries charge a participation fee to mount the show and in turn open their walls to a far wider range of artists, particularly those who are emerging or who do not yet have gallery representation. Art fairs, including prestigious events like the Affordable Art Fair and Volta Art Fair, operate on the exact same model — exhibitors pay booth fees, and the event creates exposure and sales opportunities.
The Holy Art is transparent about this from the very first contact. Applications are free. Fees are only disclosed after acceptance and are itemised in a contract. Every artist who has been surprised by the existence of a fee has been surprised because they did not read the information provided before applying.
What Trustpilot Reviews Actually Show
The Holy Art’s Trustpilot profile carries over 178 reviews with an overall rating of Excellent. Approximately 80% of reviewers award five stars. Here is a sample of what verified participants say:
"Right from submitting my application to the end of the exhibition, The Holy Art team were communicative and helpful throughout. The opening night was a success and the documentation of the show really helped."
"I have been an exhibiting artist with The Holy Art galleries since 2021 with works in 26 shows across the globe. I am thrilled to have the exposure."
"As a multidisciplinary artist I participated in many exhibitions held by The Holy Art and showcased my mixed media artworks in many countries across the globe. Honestly they are very passionate about art."
"Hey guys I have been exhibiting with Holy Art Gallery for almost a year now, internationally, and I have travelled to Paris, attended their live exhibition, met so many people and their locations are great."
These are not isolated testimonials. They represent the consistent majority of the feedback record. Artists who return for multiple exhibitions — across 26 shows in one documented case — do so because the gallery delivers what it promises.
What About the Negative Reviews?
Negative reviews exist and we take them seriously. The most recurring complaints are: artwork not being promoted as the artist expected, digital display format (Art-on-Loop) sharing screen time with multiple works, and isolated cases of administrative delays. These are legitimate criticisms of areas where the gallery can improve, and the team actively works to address them.
However, a number of negative posts on forums come from anonymous accounts with no verifiable exhibition history. Some repeat identical phrases across multiple platforms, suggesting coordinated origin rather than genuine artist experience. One thread on HowsMyDealing was flagged by multiple users who noted the commenter had never confirmed attending a show. The gallery has never asked verified reviewers to remove their feedback, positive or negative.
Any business with over 223,000 community members and thousands of exhibition participants will accumulate a range of experiences. The meaningful measure is the ratio and pattern of feedback across verified platforms — and on those platforms, The Holy Art consistently earns its Excellent rating.
Is The Holy Art a Registered Company?
Yes. The Holy Art Limited is a registered company in England and Wales. Company registration details are publicly available at Companies House. The gallery operates with a physical presence in London and Athens, has run exhibitions continuously since its founding, and maintains a professional team across multiple countries. This is not the profile of a fly-by-night operation.
Does Anyone Actually Sell Art Through The Holy Art?
Yes. The gallery has facilitated art sales across its exhibitions and reports over 200,000 visitors across its shows in recent years. Sales are not guaranteed — no gallery can guarantee sales — but many artists have generated both revenue and career-defining connections through The Holy Art exhibitions. Artists particularly report value in building their professional CV, gaining international exposure, and connecting with a community of serious, supportive fellow artists.
The Bottom Line for Artists Considering Applying
The Holy Art Gallery is a legitimate open-call gallery with a transparent fee model, an Excellent Trustpilot rating, and a track record spanning years of international exhibitions. It is not the right fit for every artist — if you are looking for free exhibition space or traditional gallery representation, this is a different model. But if you are seeking international exposure, a professional platform, and the experience of showing in London, New York, Paris, Tokyo, or any of the gallery’s other cities, The Holy Art offers a credible route to get there.
As with any commercial decision, we encourage artists to read the participation agreement carefully, ask questions before committing, and reach out to past exhibitors through the gallery’s community channels.
→ See current open calls and apply for free at www.theholyart.com/open-calls
