How to Price Your Art for Venue Placements

When a venue wants to display your work, the pricing conversation is different from a gallery sale. You're not just selling a piece, you're entering a partnership.

There are three main models: paid loan (your art is displayed for an agreed loan fee), revenue share (you split sale proceeds with the venue), and direct purchase. Each has its place.

Paid loan works well when you want guaranteed income regardless of sales. Revenue share is ideal for high-traffic venues where sales are likely. Direct purchase suits venues that want permanent pieces.

The key is understanding what each venue needs and matching your pricing to their model. A cafe rotating art monthly has different needs than a hotel buying for their lobby.

Start with revenue share at 5-15% to the venue, it's the most flexible and aligns incentives for both sides.