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Differences between nonprofit and commercial galleries

Mission and Ownership

Nonprofit art galleries exists to serve the public good. A board of directors oversees it and is not privately owned. Its primary mission is to engage communities through education, cultural programming, and public access to art.

A commercial art gallery, is a privately owned business. Its goal is to sell artworks to generate revenue . Success is measured through sales performance, artist market value, and profit margins. The focus is discovering marketable artists, increasing their visibility, and turning exhibitions into sales opportunities.

Programming and priorities

Nonprofit galleries function like the German Kunsthalle: non-collecting art institutions emphasizing rotating exhibitions, community engagement, and experimental programming.
Their exhibitions can spark dialogue and support underrepresented voices, regardless of their commercial viability.

In contrast, commercial galleries tailor their programming to what sells. Their exhibitions are designed to promote market-ready artists and maximize financial return. So they tend to take fewer curatorial risks and prioritize trends.

Artist relationships

Nonprofit galleries generally offer artists more autonomy. Artists can choose whether to sell their work, and commissions are typically lower if sales happen. The relationship focuses more on exposure and development than commercial gain.

Commercial galleries often take on the role of artist representatives, managing sales, pricing, and promotion in exchange for a commission (usually 50%). They may require exclusivity or long-term contracts.