If you have searched for contemporary art online, you have almost certainly landed on Artsy. It has become one of the biggest names in the online art world, a place where collectors discover new artists, compare prices and buy directly from galleries. Naturally, many artists and gallery owners ask the same question: how do I get on Artsy?
The answer is a little different from what most people expect. Here is how Artsy actually works.
What Is Artsy?
Artsy is an online art marketplace that brings together galleries, art fairs, auction houses and museums in one place. According to Artsy, its platform reaches more than 60 million visitors a year across more than 190 countries. Collectors use it to research artists, follow galleries, save works they love and buy art with features like “Buy Now” and “Make Offer.”
Who Can Join Artsy?
This is the most important thing to understand. Artsy is built around partners, not individual sellers. Its partner programme is designed for galleries, along with art fairs, museums and auction houses. Unlike open marketplaces, you cannot simply create an account and upload your paintings as an independent artist.
For artists, the usual route onto Artsy is through gallery representation. When a partner gallery represents you, it lists your work on its Artsy page and your artist profile grows from there.
How to Apply as a Gallery
- Visit the Artsy Partners site — Go to partners.artsy.net and open the “Become a Gallery Partner” page.
- Fill in the application — Tell Artsy about your gallery, your programme, the artists you represent and your exhibition history.
- Talk to the team — If your gallery looks like a good fit, the Artsy partnerships team contacts you to discuss the options available.
- Agree on a plan — Artsy does not publish its partnership pricing. Fees and terms are discussed directly with the team, so ask clear questions about subscription costs and any commission before signing.
The Benefits of Being an Artsy Partner
- Global reach — Your artists are seen by collectors around the world, not only those who walk past your door.
- Collector insight — Artsy has partnered with Artnet, giving galleries access to Artnet’s Price Database and more context on the collectors who send inquiries.
- Tools and support — Partners get dedicated onboarding, ongoing support and access to advertising opportunities.
- Credibility — Being listed on a curated platform signals to buyers that your gallery has been reviewed and accepted.
What Independent Artists Can Do Instead
If you are an artist without gallery representation, Artsy is a goal to work toward, not a starting point. Build a strong body of work, document every piece with clear photos, sizes and materials, and sell through open marketplaces or your own website first. A consistent sales history and a recognisable style are exactly what galleries look for when they take on new artists.
What This Means for Art Buyers
Platforms like Artsy have changed the way people collect. Buyers now expect to see the full picture online: the artist’s style, the medium, the exact size and a clear price. The best studios and galleries offer that same transparency directly.
If bold, gallery-quality work is what draws you in, explore our Contemporary Art collection, where every painting is an original with its medium, size and price clearly listed. For expressive colour and movement, our Abstract Paintings are a great place to start.
Want to know more about a piece before you buy? Get in touch with us and we will answer every question.
