Representation at Black Fig Gallery

The Stable Artist program is Black Fig Gallery’s representation model.

It is grounded in supporting Northern Rivers artists and strengthening local creative practice. From time to time, the gallery may invite a small number of artists from outside the region where their work meaningfully aligns with the gallery’s values and contributes new perspectives, conversations, or cultural dialogue that supports and complements the local creative community.

Stable Artists are represented by Black Fig Gallery and form the core group of artists the gallery works with throughout the year. This group provides the primary pool of work drawn from to populate and rotate artworks within the physical gallery space.

This is a long-term, active representation relationship, rather than a one-off exhibition opportunity.

What Stable Artists Receive

Stable Artists receive active representation by Black Fig Gallery, including:

• Curatorial placement within the physical gallery, including curated in-gallery exhibitions and rotating displays throughout the year
  
• Representation online through the gallery’s platforms, including artist feature profiles
  
• Inclusion in gallery marketing, storytelling, promotions, and public-facing content
  
• Professional handling of all sales, enquiries, and administration
  
• Priority consideration for commission opportunities where relevant
  

Stable Artists are encouraged to engage with the gallery team for advice, discussion, and professional guidance as part of this ongoing relationship.

Artist Commitment

Stable Artists are expected to supply work consistently across the year.

• Artists submit work quarterly for consideration
  
• Artists may submit more than 2–5 artworks per quarter
  
• From submitted works, 2–5 artworks per quarter are selected by the gallery
  
• Minimum of 12 artworks selected per year. (unless otherwise agreed upon where an artist practice might not align).
  

Final selection is curated by the gallery and guided by curatorial balance, exhibition planning, spatial considerations, and alignment with the gallery’s broader program at any given time.

This approach ensures work is presented clearly and professionally, without over-saturating the space or underserving the artist’s practice.

While Black Fig Gallery does not require exclusivity, we ask that artists keep open lines of communication if offered exclusive representation elsewhere and honour the terms already agreed upon with the gallery; work exhibited in the gallery or listed online with us must not be for sale elsewhere during that period, as this ensures fair representation, pricing consistency, and a clear, trusted experience for collectors.

Community Contribution & Volunteer Participation

As part of the Stable Artist representation model, Stable Artists are required to contribute a minimum of five
(5) volunteer shifts per calendar year, including at least two (2) Saturday shifts. As well as one training shift prior.

Volunteer shifts may include, but are not limited to:

• Gallery sitting during opening hours
• Assisting at exhibition openings or events
• Supporting installations or de-installations
• Assisting with workshop days or special programs
• General event support
  

These shifts support the operational sustainability of the Gallery and contribute to the collective strength of the Stable Artist program.

Participation also forms part of the Artist’s professional development. Time spent in the gallery environment provides insight into curatorial decision-making, exhibition presentation, collector engagement, and the practical realities of running a commercial gallery. It strengthens an artist’s ability to confidently discuss not only their own work, but the work of others, contributing to a more informed, articulate, and connected creative community.

Volunteer participation is a shared responsibility across the Stable Artist group and reflects the reciprocal nature of representation at Black Fig Gallery.

Where genuine extenuating circumstances arise, flexibility may be discussed in advance.

Gallery Talks (Required)

Stable Artists are required to participate in Gallery Talks.

Gallery Talks are on-camera, recorded, conversational interviews between the artist and the gallerist. Discussions may cover the artist’s work and its context, industry insights, future goals, challenges, and broader conversations that support education and engagement for the gallery’s audience.

Gallery Talks are gallery-guided. Artists do not need to prepare topics in advance.

• Minimum length: 15 minutes
  
• Conversations may run longer depending on the discussion
  
• Filmed outside gallery hours
  
• Scheduled at onboarding orientation.
  

Gallery Talks are a compulsory part of the Stable Artist program, supporting artist commitment, audience connection, and the ongoing visibility and relevance of represented artists.

Fees & Commission

• No annual listing fees
  
• 35% gallery commission on all sales (in-gallery and online)
  

Commission covers representation, promotion, sales handling, administration, use of the gallery space, and inclusion in gallery events where curatorially relevant.

Notice Period

• 30 days’ written notice is required to remove work from the gallery
  
• 30 days’ written notice is required to end the agreement by either party
  

Program Term

The Stable Artist program operates on a 12-month cycle.

Curated Digital Exhibition Collections

The Online Artist program supports artists whose work is presented through Black Fig Gallery’s curated online exhibition collections.

These collections function as an online version of an exhibition - intentionally curated, thoughtfully presented, and designed to engage collectors discovering work digitally.

The Online Artist program is ideal for artists who are unable to commit to physical exhibitions, are based outside the region, or prefer a digital-first approach while still working within a curated gallery framework.

What Online Artists Receive

Online Artists receive:

• Inclusion in curated online exhibition collections
  
• Professional presentation through the gallery’s website and platforms
  
• Sales support through the gallery’s online systems
  
• A dedicated space to present selected works across a 12-month period
  

All works presented online are curated by the gallery to ensure quality, consistency, and alignment with the gallery’s audience and values.

Online Artists are selected by the gallery. Places are limited.

Artwork Submission, Curation & Expectations

Online Artists submit work regularly for consideration.

• Artists submit work quarterly
  
• Artists may submit more than 2–3 artworks per quarter
  
• From submitted works, 2–3 artworks per quarter are selected by the gallery
  
• Minimum of 12 artworks selected per year
  
• Artists are responsible for wrapping and posting artworks sold online.
  

Curation is guided by audience experience, presentation balance, and the intention to present each artist’s work clearly and professionally.

A focused selection helps avoid over-saturation and ensures the online collection highlights the artist’s practice without doing it a disservice.

As Online Artists are not seen regularly in the physical gallery, the gallery values broader insight into what artists are working on beyond submitted pieces. This helps inform future selections and curatorial decisions as well as marketing and promotion.

While Black Fig Gallery does not require exclusivity, we ask that artists keep open lines of communication if offered exclusive representation elsewhere and honour the terms already agreed upon with the gallery; work exhibited in the gallery or listed online with us must not be for sale elsewhere during that period, as this ensures fair representation, pricing consistency, and a clear, trusted experience for collectors.

Artist Information & Context

Online Artists are required to provide brief background information to support presentation and sales.

This does not need to be a formal CV or traditional artist biography. Short insights about the artist, their practice, influences, or working habits help provide valuable context for collectors and support stronger storytelling and marketing online.

Fees & Commission

• Annual listing fee: $65 (non-refundable)
  
• 35% gallery commission on all sales
  

The annual listing fee covers online setup, administration, hosting, and ongoing platform management for the duration of the 12-month program.

Commission covers the ongoing management of the online program, sales handling, advertising, and marketing costs.

The gallery reserves the right to review the annual listing fee after 12 months to ensure the program remains sustainable and operationally viable.

Notice Period

• 30 days’ written notice is required to withdraw from the program
  
• All works will be removed from the online platform following the notice period
  
• The annual listing fee is non-refundable, including where an artist exits early
  

Program Term

The Online Artist program operates on a 12-month cycle.

Not ready for our Stable or Online programs?

In addition to our Artist Programs, there are other ways artists may work with Black Fig Gallery throughout the year.

Gallery Shop

Black Fig Gallery includes a small, curated Gallery Shop featuring a thoughtfully selected range of artist-made and artist-designed items.

The focus is on quality, originality, and considered making, with an emphasis on handmade and one-off pieces, alongside select small-run or design-led works that align with the gallery’s values and audience.

Artists interested in the Gallery Shop are invited to email the gallery directly with clear, high-quality images and a short description of the items they wish to propose. Selection is limited and curatorially guided.

Exhibitions & Seasonal Shows

The gallery presents three-four open call curated exhibitions each year.

Artists who are not part of the gallery’s Artist Programs are welcome to submit work for consideration in these shows. Not all submitted works are selected for hanging. Exhibitions typically feature approximately 30–70 artworks (depending on side), curated to suit the space and the exhibition concept.

Details for each exhibition, including themes, submission timelines, and selection criteria, will be announced at the beginning of each year, so artist have ample time to prepare.

[Details to be confirmed]

One of these exhibitions is the gallery’s annual art prize, a major, juried event and a key part of the gallery’s yearly program. Full details for the art prize are available on a dedicated page.

Click here for - The Plateau Art Prize

Occasional Exhibitions

From time to time, the gallery may also make space for individual works or special exceptions outside of formal programs or exhibitions where they are curatorially relevant.

Communication & Submissions

Please be mindful that Black Fig Gallery receives a high volume of enquiries and submissions. To ensure your work can be properly considered, artists are asked to submit all relevant information in one clear, concise email.

This includes images, details, and any supporting information requested. Incomplete submissions may not receive a response.

The gallery is happy to review well-prepared proposals, but we are not able to chase information or assemble submissions on an artist’s behalf. Clear, thoughtful communication supports a smoother process for everyone.

FAQs

This page answers common questions about working with Black Fig Gallery.

We recommend reading this alongside our Artist Programs information before applying.

1. What is the difference between Stable Artists and Online Artists?

Stable Artists are represented by Black Fig Gallery and have work curated for the physical gallery space as well as online.

Online Artists are included in the gallery’s curated online exhibition collections only and do not exhibit in the physical gallery.

2. Can I apply for both programs?

Yes. You may apply for both programs, however artists are accepted into one program only at a time.

Stable Artists are automatically listed online as part of their representation. Online Artists are listed online only.

If you apply for both, the gallery may recommend the program we feel is the best fit at the time. This decision is based on curatorial needs, balance within the existing artist group, and the overall gallery program (for example, avoiding too many artists working in a similar style or medium).

3. Can Online Artists become Stable Artists later?

Yes. Movement between programs may occur over time, but this is by invitation only if you haven't specifically applied and based on curatorial fit, consistency of practice, and gallery capacity.

4. Are artists outside the Northern Rivers eligible?

Yes.

The Stable Artist program primarily supports Northern Rivers artists. Occasionally, artists from outside the region may be invited where their work meaningfully aligns with the gallery’s values and contributes to the local creative community.

Online Artists may be based anywhere.

5. How many artworks should I submit each quarter?

There is no maximum number of works you can submit for consideration.

The gallery curates a selective collection so collectors and buyers can engage meaningfully with the work, rather than having to navigate an overwhelming volume of listings.

From the works submitted, the gallery will select 2–3 artworks per quarter, with a minimum of 12 works selected per year. This approach supports clarity, quality, and a sense of exclusivity that benefits both artists and collectors.

6. Why does the gallery only select 2–3 works at a time?

A focused selection helps present work clearly, avoids over-saturation, and ensures each artist’s work is shown in a way that best represents their practice and serves the gallery’s audience. It also doubles as a regular date for Artist to work towards.

7. Can I submit new work outside the quarterly cycle?

Generally, submissions are reviewed on a quarterly basis. However, Artist can submit whenever.

The quarterly submission cycle creates structure and clear points in time for artists to work towards and helps maintain a consistent rhythm across the gallery’s program.

Occasional exceptions may be considered, but artists should not assume off-cycle submissions will be reviewed or selected.

8. Can I show the same work elsewhere?

The gallery aims to avoid exhibiting work that has just been shown elsewhere, as this can dilute a sense of exclusivity for both artists and collectors.

While there may be exceptions, recent exhibition history may be a reason a work is not selected - even if it is strong. Artists must disclose if a work has been exhibited elsewhere and are expected to maintain consistent pricing across platforms and galleries.

This approach supports a better experience for viewers and collectors, who often visit multiple galleries, and helps avoid artists being disadvantaged or devalued by repeated display of the same work or being inconsistent with pricing.

9. Why is the gallery commission 35%?

Commission contributes to the real costs of operating a professional commercial gallery. This includes, but is not limited to, commercial lease costs, utilities, insurance, staffing, industry memberships and subscriptions, administration, marketing, sales handling, and platform management.

The gallery aims to be transparent while recognising that costs evolve and cannot always be itemised in advance.

10. What does the annual online listing fee cover?

The annual online listing fee is $75 per year and is non-refundable.

The fee covers online setup, administration, hosting, and ongoing platform management for the duration of the 12-month program.

11. Is the annual online listing fee refundable?

No. The listing fee is non-refundable, including where an artist exits the program early. This reflects costs already incurred through setup, administration, and platform management.

12. What happens if I can’t meet the artwork commitment?

Artists are expected to communicate early if circumstances change.

The gallery is understanding within reason. However, repeated failure to deliver work without communication may result in the gallery withdrawing representation without notice, particularly where this begins to affect the gallery’s program, reputation, or the artist’s professional profile.

13. How do I end my agreement?

Either party may end the agreement with 30 days’ written notice.

14. What happens to my work after I give notice?

All works will be removed from the gallery space or online platform following the notice period. Any outstanding sales will be finalised in line with standard payment terms.

15. What are Gallery Talks and why are they required?

Gallery Talks are short, on-camera conversations between the artist and the gallerist.

They are required for Stable Artists because they demonstrate commitment, build audience connection, and support the ongoing visibility and relevance of represented artists.

16. What if my work requires special hanging, display, or lighting?

The gallery provides standard hanging and display systems.

If an artwork requires additional support, specialist hanging, lighting, plinths, or alternative display methods, the gallery will assist where reasonably possible. Artists are generally responsible for providing any requirements outside standard display methods. These needs should be discussed with the gallery in advance.

17. Is there a gift shop or retail area?

Yes. Black Fig Gallery includes a gift shop and small works retail area.

Stable Artists are invited and other artists may be invited to participate where work is suitable and curatorially aligned. Participation is by selection and subject to availability.

Final note

If you are unsure which program is right for you, you are welcome to ask questions before applying. Clear expectations help ensure a respectful, professional, and sustainable relationship for everyone involved.

Please email us at hello@blackfiggallery.com.au or text 0480 676 957

Have questions? Email us at support@example.com or call 1-800-123-4567.