Navigating Art Opportunities: How to Spot Legitimate Galleries and Avoid Scams
Why Vetting Art Opportunities Matters
In today’s global art market, opportunities are everywhere: open calls, exhibitions, digital showcases, and collaborations. But with so many offers, how can an artist tell what’s real and what’s too good to be true?
Unfortunately, scams and predatory practices exist — and they can cost artists time, money, and credibility. Knowing how to research and evaluate a gallery ensures you focus on the opportunities that truly advance your career.
Red Flags: Warning Signs of Questionable Galleries
Not every gallery has an artist’s best interests at heart. Watch out for:
Vague or unrealistic promises — “guaranteed sales” or “instant fame.”
Hidden fees — charges not listed up front or explained clearly.
Lack of transparency — no clear submission process, criteria, or exhibition details.
No visible track record — no past exhibitions, reviews, or artist testimonials.
If a gallery can’t show credibility, proceed with caution.
Green Flags: How to Identify a Reputable Gallery
Legitimate galleries demonstrate trustworthiness through:
Consistent exhibitions in multiple cities or online.
Positive independent reviews (e.g., Trustpilot, Google, media articles).
Transparent submission guidelines published on their website.
Artist testimonials and success stories that highlight real outcomes.
Clear contracts and communication before any fees or commitments.
These are the hallmarks of galleries invested in building careers — not exploiting them.
Doing Your Homework: Research and Reviews
Before committing, take time to investigate:
Search for press mentions or blog coverage of the gallery.
Look at Trustpilot or Google Reviews to see consistent feedback.
Check if the gallery shares artist success stories on their website or journal.
Connect with past participants on social media to hear about their experience.
The more evidence you find of positive results, the more confident you can feel about moving forward.
Understanding Fees and Contracts
Many galleries — especially those supporting emerging artists — may charge participation fees. Fees are not automatically a scam if:
They are clearly explained up front.
The gallery shows where your money goes (venue rental, promotion, installation).
Artists receive tangible benefits (promotion, exposure, networking).
Transparency is the difference between a legitimate platform and a predatory one.
Choosing Opportunities That Grow Your Career
When evaluating an opportunity, ask yourself:
Will this exhibition put my work in front of the right audience?
Does the gallery have a track record of supporting artists?
Am I gaining more than just wall space — such as promotion, credibility, or connections?
If the answer is yes, it’s likely worth pursuing.
Conclusion: Trust Built on Transparency
Artists deserve platforms that empower their careers, not exploit them. By spotting red flags, looking for transparency, and learning from genuine artist testimonials, you can focus your energy on opportunities that truly make a difference.
At The Holy Art, transparency and artist support are at the heart of every exhibition — ensuring that each open call is not just an event, but a career-building opportunity.
