The contracts toolkit

• Using the contract checklists
• Gallery, Dealer, Agent checklist
• 1 Using the gallery, dealer and agent checklist
• 2 Relationships
• 3 Exclusivity
• 4 Work on consignment / sold outright
• 5 Sale of work
• 6 VAT
• 7 Copyright / reproduction rights
• 8 Exhibitions and art fairs
• 9 Termination
• The lot
• Licensing reproductions checklist
• Commissions checklist

Contracts checklists

2 Relationships

Relationships between artists and gallery/dealers can vary from:

• a gallery which will mount one-off shows and which represent the artist only for the duration of the show and in relation to the work on show
• commercial galleries who develop long-term relationships with their artists, they may put on regular shows and between shows act as general agents for the artists they show, often holding stock of their work and arranging commissions for new work
• private dealers/agents who usually try to sell the artist's work or get commissions but have no premises for exhibiting

Given the developmental nature of the relationship, gallery/dealers are unlikely to issue a formal written contract when they begin to represent a new artist. Many arrangements are agreed verbally, but it is good practice whenever possible to write a letter to the gallery/dealer confirming these verbal arrangements so that there is a written reminder of each party's commitments.