As we prepare to celebrate the 16th anniversary of Sculptures in the Garden (SIG) this October, we’ve once again received one of our most frequently asked questions: “How should I price my work for sale at SIG?”

It’s a question that comes up every year—and for good reason. Pricing your work thoughtfully is one of the most important factors in helping it connect with buyers and ultimately find a new home.

Understanding the Market in 2026

While the appetite for art remains strong, the broader economic climate continues to influence buyer confidence. Rising living costs and ongoing financial pressures mean many collectors are purchasing more carefully and thoughtfully than ever before.

That doesn’t mean people have stopped buying art.

In fact, the 2025 Sculptures in the Garden exhibition featured more than 260 sculptures, with over half the exhibition sold or commissioned during the event. Buyers are still investing in work that resonates with them emotionally—and that feels appropriately priced for the current market.

The key is understanding your audience and pricing strategically.

1. Start With Your Goal

Before pricing your work, ask yourself:

Are you aiming to win a major acquisition prize?
Are you hoping to build your profile and collector base?
Or is your primary goal to sell your work during the exhibition?

If your work is a strong contender for one of the acquisitive awards, price it confidently in line with its artistic merit and market value.

However, if your priority is to secure a sale, it’s important to understand the exhibition’s most active price range.

Historically, SIG’s strongest sales bracket sits between $800 and $2,000, particularly for emerging and mid-career artists.

2. Price Realistically — Not Emotionally

As SIG founder Kay Norton-Knight often reminds artists:

“You never really get paid for the hours you put in—so do it for the love of creating. Pricing by the hour will almost always push your piece out of reach.”

This doesn’t mean undervaluing your work. It means pricing with clarity, realism, and an understanding of your audience.

A well-priced sculpture is far more likely to find a buyer than a work priced beyond market expectations.

3. Research the Market

Take the time to look at comparable works by artists at a similar stage in their career.

Consider: scale, materials, complexity, durability, reputation, previous sales history

Reviewing past SIG catalogues is also a useful exercise. Pay attention not only to pricing—but to which works actually sold.

4. Factor in Costs — But Don’t Let Costs Dictate Price

Yes, you should account for your materials, studio expenses, installation costs, and transport—but don’t simply add up your costs and apply a markup. Buyers are motivated by value and connection—not just raw materials. Build in a profit margin, but keep it realistic.

5. Consider Your Career Stage

Emerging artists often benefit from pricing accessibly in order to establish a collector base and build momentum.

As your reputation, exhibition history, and sales record grow, your prices can naturally evolve alongside demand.

More established artists with a proven collector market may be able to command higher prices—but those prices still need to feel justified within the context of the exhibition.

6. Ask for Advice

Pricing can feel difficult—even for experienced artists. Ask peers, curators, or past SIG artists for feedback. The SIG team is also happy to provide guidance where possible, particularly if you’re exhibiting for the first time and feeling unsure about pricing within the broader exhibition context.

Final Thoughts

Pricing artwork is always a balance between:

artistic value
market reality
accessibility
confidence

The artists who tend to succeed at SIG are those who approach pricing strategically and realistically while remaining true to the value of their work.

Sculptures in the Garden has helped hundreds of artists connect with new collectors, galleries, and public collections over the past 16 years—and we look forward to doing the same again in 2026.

Keep creating, keep refining, and most importantly—keep making the work you believe in.

Entries for Sculptures in the Garden 2026 close Friday 31st July 2026.