Small independent art gallery

Local buyers, visitors, collectors and corporate or interior clients; artists paying exhibition fees where agreed.

Commission on sales, exhibition or wall-hire fees, and extras such as framing, prints, cards and event hire.

• Curating and hanging exhibitions
• Selling and building client relationships
• Marketing and running events
• Managing budgets and rent

• Rent, business rates and lease terms, so take advice before signing
• Check planning use class for the premises with your council
• Public liability, contents and artwork insurance
• Slow early sales, so keep a cash buffer for several months
• Written agreements with artists on commission, pricing and unsold work

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on the premises, the fit-out and how much you spend on your first exhibitions. These are estimates, so build your own figures before committing to a lease.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on location, the artists you show and how often you sell. Sales can be slow early on, so keep a cash buffer for several months.

Check rent, business rates and lease terms, and take advice before signing. Also check the planning use class with your council, public liability, contents and artwork insurance, and written agreements with artists on commission, pricing and unsold work.