What Are Art Rental Programs?
An art rental program provides a means of making an income and gaining public exposure of your work that may have otherwise been collecting dust in your studio. A professional art rental program can be administered by a local art gallery, art association, state agency or foundation, or even an independent organization solely created for such purpose.
The rental program may contract on a number of works from an artist for a set period of time and make them available to their clients for a set fee and time-period. If the renter wishes to buy the piece, the rental organization will likely take a commission. But remember to agree to this commission rate in your contract before hand, as some organizations may get a bit overzealous in their expectations, but may be flexible in this area with negotiation.
The type of organizations that rent art could be businesses for their offices or temporary events, realtors, restaurants, etc.
Always make sure that the rental program you are dealing with insures the work for damage and theft, this is their responsibility. You on the other hand will be required to pay for framing as well as shipping and handling. Many artists have gotten involved in art rental programs, to greater and lesser degrees of success. You should always do research on the organization and its reputation prior to agreeing to any contract.
Success in the rental world is dependent on whether or not your work is renting, which can be dependent on any number of factors as it relates to the clientele’s needs. If you are thinking about getting involved in a rental program, have done your research, and believe you have found a reputable organization, you may still want to start slowly and build up this part of your career based on the experience you gain from renting over time, e.g.,
- how frequently your work rents
- the type of work that is renting
- how much you typically spend in shipping and handling
- how many sales or contacts have been made because of the program, etc.
