Demystifying the Art World: What is a Commercial Gallery?

Session 9 of the series Demystifying the Art World: Practical Knowledge & Skills for Early-Career Artists answers the question: What is a commercial gallery?

Many artists are represented by commercial galleries. How does a commercial gallery differ from the other models we heard about in our earlier “Get to Know Curators” session? Daniel Faria, founder of Daniel Faria Gallery will speak about how the gallery functions, the role of a commercial gallery, the relationship between a gallerist and a represented artist, how one comes to be represented, and how to arrive at the value of work.

This session is free and open to all early career and emerging artists. It will be offered in-person at Daniel Faria Gallery (188 St. Helens Ave. Toronto). Space is limited, registration is required, please arrive on-time. The gallery is wheelchair accessible. If you have accommodation needs, please let us know through the registration form or contact dmg.utsc@utoronto.ca.

Daniel Faria Gallery was founded in 2011 and is one of the premier commercial galleries in Canada. Gallerist Daniel Faria worked in commercial galleries prior to opening his own space and his involvements in contemporary art also include work as a board and committee member of many art organizations. He has worked with and nurtured early career artists, seeing their increasing success and recognition. He also represents established senior artists such as Douglas Coupland.

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This session is offered as part of the series Demystifying the Art World: Practical Knowledge & Skills for Early-Career Artists, running from September 2023 - May 2024.

Whether you’ve attended art school, pursued other forms of art education or are self-taught, there are foundational professional skills and practices that are rarely taught in formal environments. Artists often glean such knowledge through trial and error, having mentorship, or through information shared in their social and professional circles. Conceived of for early career and emerging artists, this series, organized by curator and educator Su-Ying Lee for the Doris McCarthy Gallery, aims to make key information accessible and demystify how artists approach essential tasks. Through nine sessions, some in-person and some online, participants will be familiarized with the practical knowledge needed to enhance and support their careers, through advice offered by a wide-range of experienced artists, curators, writers, and arts workers. The entire series is free, and participants can sign up for one session, multiple sessions, or the whole series – choose your own adventure and learn with us!

Session 1
Professionalism Starter Pack: Besides making art, what makes an artist a professional?
Thursday, September 21, 12:30 – 2 pm

Session 2
How to Talk About Yourself: Writing CV’s, artist statements, and artwork descriptions
Monday, October 23, 12:30 – 2 pm

Session 3
Get to Know Curators: What do they do, why approach them, and how?
Thursday, November 16, 6:30 – 8 pm

Session 4
See and Be Seen: Documenting your artwork
Saturday, December 9, 12 – 3 pm

Session 5, 6 & 7
Finding Funding: Where and how to apply for grants
Toronto Arts Council / Thursday, January 18, 12:30 – 2 pm
Ontario Arts Council / Thursday, February 15, 12:30 – 2 pm
Canada Council for the Arts / Thursday, March 21, 12:30 – 2 pm

Session 8 & 9
Selling Artwork
On Your Own / Thursday, April 18, 12:30 – 2 pm
What is a Commercial Gallery? / Saturday, May 11, 11 am - 12:30 pm