Co-op Galleries
By Karen Atkinson, courtesy of Side Street Projects
Members meeting at ARC, a Chicago women artist-run cooperative
The information below is part of a series of guides that outline the pros and cons of various types of venues.
ABOUT: Based on artist participation and membership, in which the artists share the expenses and business responsibilities of the gallery.
EXPECTATIONS: Monthly or annual fees in return for a guaranteed show for each member. Artists must apply for membership.
PROS: Guaranteed venue. Some of the older ones are well respected and reviewed.
CONS: Dealing with a group can get political. Artist pays to exhibit work.
RESEARCH: Same procedures as most commercial galleries. Inquire about co-op’s financial standing. Do your homework.
RESOURCES: Online research and Art in America Annual Guide.
Excerpted from Get Your Sh*t Together, an artist's professional development software produced by Karen Atkinson. This came out of her involvement wth Side Street Projects, Los Angeles.