How to Submit Art to Galleries in 2026| Complete Guide for Artists

Getting your art into galleries can feel overwhelming, especially if you're just starting out. Where do you begin? What do galleries look for? How do you stand out among thousands of submissions?

The good news is that with the right approach, you can significantly increase your chances of getting accepted. This guide covers everything you need to know about submitting your artwork to galleries in 2026.

If you're ready to take action now, The Holy Art Gallery is currently accepting submissions for exhibitions in London, New York, Paris, Tokyo, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Athens, Amsterdam, and Mexico City.

Research the Right Galleries

Before you submit anywhere, take time to research galleries that are a good fit for your work. Not every gallery is right for every artist, and submitting to the wrong places wastes your time and theirs.

Start by looking at galleries that show work similar to yours in style, medium, or theme. Visit their websites, look at their current and past exhibitions, and get a sense of their aesthetic. Follow them on social media to understand their voice and the artists they champion.

Look specifically for galleries that accept submissions or host open calls. Many galleries, like The Holy Art, have ongoing open calls that welcome applications from artists worldwide. These are your best opportunities because the gallery is actively looking for new artists.

Consider location as well. Do you want to exhibit locally, or are you ready for international exposure? Exhibiting in major art capitals like London, New York, or Paris can dramatically expand your reach and collector base.

Prepare Your Portfolio

Your portfolio is your first impression, so make it count. Select 10 to 20 of your strongest works that represent your current artistic direction. Quality matters far more than quantity.

Aim for consistency. Your portfolio should feel cohesive, showing a clear artistic vision rather than a random collection of different styles. Galleries want to see that you have a developed body of work and a recognizable voice.

Professional photography is essential. Poorly lit, blurry, or distorted images can sink an otherwise strong application. If you cannot afford professional photography, learn to photograph your work properly. Use natural light or a two-light setup, shoot with your camera parallel to the artwork, and edit for accurate color representation.

For each piece, include the title, dimensions, medium, and year created. This information should be readily available and consistently formatted.

Write a Compelling Artist Statement

Your artist statement tells galleries who you are and what your work is about. It should answer three key questions: What do you create? Why do you create it? How do you create it? Start with what drives you. What themes, ideas, or emotions do you explore in your work? What questions are you asking through your art? This is the heart of your statement.

Describe your process briefly. Do you work spontaneously or plan meticulously? What materials do you use and why? This helps viewers connect with your work on a deeper level.

Keep your statement concise, ideally between 150 and 300 words. Avoid jargon, pretentious language, or overly academic writing. Write as if you're explaining your work to an intelligent friend who isn't an art expert.

Create a Professional CV

Your artist CV is different from a job resume. It should include your education and training in art, your exhibition history with the most recent first, any awards or recognition you've received, publications or press coverage, and relevant collections that own your work.

If you're an emerging artist with limited exhibition history, don't worry. Everyone starts somewhere. Include any group shows, student exhibitions, online exhibitions, or local shows you've participated in. Galleries understand that emerging artists are building their CVs.

Keep your CV updated and formatted cleanly. One to two pages is typically sufficient.

The Submission Process

When you're ready to submit, read the gallery's guidelines carefully. Every gallery has different requirements, and failing to follow instructions is one of the quickest ways to get rejected.Submit all required materials. This typically includes images of your work, your artist statement, your CV, and sometimes a cover letter or project proposal. Make sure your images meet the specified file size and format requirements.

Meet deadlines. Late submissions are usually not considered. Set reminders for yourself and aim to submit a few days early in case of technical issues.

When possible, personalize your application. A brief note explaining why you're interested in that specific gallery shows that you've done your research and aren't just mass-submitting everywhere.

For online submission portals like The Holy Art's, the process is streamlined. You upload your images, fill in your information, and submit. It's designed to be straightforward for artists.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many artists hurt their chances by making avoidable mistakes. Submitting work that doesn't fit the gallery's focus is a major one. If a gallery specializes in abstract painting and you submit realistic portraits, you're wasting everyone's time.

Poor quality images are another common problem. Even brilliant artwork looks amateur when photographed badly. Take the time to get this right.

Generic cover letters that could be sent to any gallery don't impress anyone. If you include a cover letter, make it specific to that gallery and explain your genuine interest. Missing deadlines or submitting incomplete applications shows a lack of professionalism. Galleries receive hundreds or thousands of submissions, and they need artists who can follow through reliably.

Finally, don't get discouraged by rejection. Even successful artists face far more rejections than acceptances. Each no brings you closer to a yes.

What Happens After Submission

After you submit, be patient. Galleries receive many applications and need time to review them all. Response times vary from a few weeks to several months.

If the gallery provides an expected timeline, wait until after that period to follow up. A brief, polite email asking about the status of your application is appropriate. Don't follow up repeatedly or demand immediate responses.

If you're accepted, congratulations. The gallery will provide details about next steps, including logistics, timelines, and any agreements you need to sign.

If you're rejected, don't take it personally. It doesn't mean your work isn't good. It may simply not be the right fit for that gallery at that time. Keep applying elsewhere and keep creating.

Building relationships with galleries takes time. Even if you're not accepted initially, staying on their radar and reapplying to future opportunities can eventually lead to success.

Take the Next Step

Submitting your art to galleries is a numbers game combined with quality. The more you apply, with strong materials, the better your chances.

The Holy Art Gallery welcomes applications from emerging and established artists worldwide. With exhibitions in London, New York, Paris, Tokyo, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Athens, Amsterdam, and Mexico City, you have the opportunity to show your work on an international stage.

Your art deserves to be seen. Submit your artwork today at theholyart.com and take the next step in your artistic career.