Permabases vs flexispaces: which is better for commercial galleries?

"The art world and the art market change so quickly, and we don't want to be stuck... this is a model that we can adapt. For the bigger outfits such as Lehmann Maupin, that means picking one base (Icoz is clear that New York is its HQ) while taking opportunities as they arise elsewhere."

"Temporary showings in various locations may mean a one-off hit for galleries, but they don't require a longer-term financial commitment. When they work, galleries still make a high proportion of their sales at fairs (nearly a third on average, according to the latest stats)."

Lehmann Maupin's London strategy exemplifies evolving gallery business models in uncertain times. The gallery maintains a permanent first-floor presence for secondary market operations while booking the ground floor seasonally for primary market exhibitions three to four times yearly. This hybrid approach reflects broader industry consensus that permanent physical spaces are restrictive and expensive. Major galleries now prioritize one headquarters while opportunistically engaging in other locations aligned with seasonal art events. Art fairs provide an alternative venue requiring no long-term financial commitment, allowing galleries to generate significant sales without permanent overhead. This flexibility enables galleries to adapt quickly to market changes, optimize geographic presence, and reduce costs when necessary.

Read at The Art Newspaper - International art news and events