Case studies: Commercial gallery manager: Lilly

Lilly initially started work as a gallery assistant and at the same time helped out at a small museum, promoting the gallery there. Through recommendations of people she met in both these jobs, she was contacted by another gallery owner who was looking for a manager, and was offered her present position.

My duties include everything related to the development and smooth running of the gallery. This has included setting up the gallery’s website and database, setting up mailing lists and identifying artists to approach for exhibitions, as well as assessing trends and gaining commercial awareness of what sells. I’m also involved in hanging shows, overseeing events and day-to-day gallery administration.

There are many different types of commercial galleries and graduates interested in this work should assess the ethos of the galleries they approach and whether it matches what they’re looking for. It’s also important to note that good advertising makes galleries successful and so marketing and publicity are very important.

I use a range of skills in my work and multi tasking is crucial. My initial degree was in photography and, as well as furthering a general appreciation of visual arts, this also gave me practical skills so that I can photograph images for the gallery website. Communication skills are essential, as well as being able to work on my own initiative. It’s important to be able to enjoy working with a variety of different people, as well as having an appreciation of art.

A frustration in my work is the lack of job opportunities within a provincial setting. And the work fluctuates, so things are sometimes extremely busy and sometimes very quiet.

The advice I’d give to people considering this sort of work is to network as much as possible in order to meet relevant people and get yourself known. Jobs often come along by word of mouth. Geographical mobility can help, and there can be more opportunities if you would consider moving to London to progress your career.