How to cold email a gallery

Introducing a new series "Artist Relations"

This email is the first in a series that will run all Summer, titled Artist Relations. Similar to "Artists Should Have Newsletters," it will focus on tangible and marketable skills that artists can use to succeed in the art world. Paid subscriptions also give you access to in-person events, the next one is a studio visit with Brian Rideout on June 11th.

Rumour has it that you’re never supposed to cold email a gallery with your artwork. Many galleries note that they “don't accept submissions” and rarely reply to incoming portfolios. I get it. I’ve worked at galleries where hundreds, if not thousands, of artists emailed generic submissions of their art. Most of the work, if I’m being completely honest, was not strong or otherwise had no relevance to the gallery.

But I do think there’s a way to reach out to a gallery and get a response. Here are 9 tips on how to cold email a gallery and an email template: