Commercial art gallery manager
A commercial art gallery manager is responsible for the commercial and artistic success of a gallery. This involves overseeing the diverse activities involved in running a gallery space.
Responsibilities range from dealing with clients to installing exhibitions. Because of this scope, the role demands a combination of artistic awareness, business acumen, interpersonal skills and practical abilities.
Commercial art galleries vary in style, size and purpose. The art market continues to diversify to include more regional artist-led spaces and a variety of different types of galleries with different approaches to the selling of art, but a period spent in London or another large city may still be necessary for managers to widen their job opportunities.
This is a market-led industry that demands commercial focus and flair, in addition to an interest in art.
Typical work activities depend on the size, commercial success and ethos of the gallery. Some gallery managers are generalists, while those working in larger galleries are specialists dealing with specific areas, such as finance, marketing and IT.
Typical activities include:
Although this area of work is open to all graduates, the following subjects may increase your chances:
For those aiming to manage contemporary art spaces, a good knowledge of the current art scene is essential.
Entry without a degree may be possible but, realistically, it is unlikely unless supported by significant relevant work experience or specialised knowledge.
A pre-entry postgraduate qualification, such as an MA in art history or a related subject, can be useful, but still needs to be supported by relevant practical experience.
Pre-entry work experience is highly desirable. Paid employment for new graduates is unlikely without evidence of experience.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
Strong administrative skills are a huge advantage and smaller galleries are likely to favour candidates with typing and IT skills, as well as specialist knowledge and the skills listed above. Knowledge of Photoshop, database management, social media and mailings may also be useful.
Experience can be gained through internships or unpaid experience. These internships are highly competitive but give excellent training and a good background to gallery work. Practical skills, such as a good knowledge of European languages, IT or DIY, as well as sales skills, can be particularly beneficial when applying for internships.
Competition is intense and staff turnover is low. Many jobs are never advertised but are filled through word of mouth, selective networking, speculative applications or even just by applicants being in the right place at the right time. You should target galleries that interest you and tailor your applications. Visiting galleries personally with a well-written, targeted CV can be helpful. Attending art fairs is highly recommended, as is registering with gallery mailing lists and attending shows and private viewings.
Applying for secretarial or PA work can occasionally be a sideways route into gallery management.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Training is mainly on the job and may include shadowing other managers or more experienced colleagues to gain skills related to dealing with artists and clients, framing pictures or installing exhibitions, as well as studying to gain administrative or secretarial skills.
Although many gallery managers have no formal training beyond their degree, a number of relevant postgraduate diploma and degree courses are available. These vary widely, from courses with a focus on art gallery management to those with a broader approach to museums and galleries. Courses in arts policy and arts management may be useful for existing arts managers. Postgraduate courses are also available in curating and art curating. Before applying for a course, it is important to check that it is relevant to your own particular career interests.
Those working in the more traditional commercial galleries may also be interested in courses run by the large auction houses, for example Christie's Education and Sotheby's Institute of Art .
Career development in this field can be a challenging process and difficult to secure. In smaller galleries, opportunities for progression are limited as vacancies arise so infrequently. Even in the larger and longer established galleries, there is very little movement as people tend to stay with one company for long periods. It may be possible to move to a larger gallery once experience has been gained in the smaller galleries.
In general, there is no formal career pathway because of the limited career structure and lack of security in the profession. However, routes to career development in larger galleries are slightly more clearly defined and there is a lot more scope to specialise in a particular field of art or to move into the marketing and sales side of the gallery.
Geographical mobility can be helpful for career progression as many of the large commercial art galleries are in London. Building up a network of contacts can also help with career development.
Gaining more responsibility and earning more money for the gallery through selling work is one way of increasing your role and earning power. With experience, business knowledge and a network of contacts, it may be possible to set up and run your own art gallery.
Gallery managers with specialist knowledge of a particular area, e.g. paintings, and a network of appropriate contacts may occasionally become antiques dealers, buying and selling art. To get started as a dealer, considerable capital is needed. Work experience with an established company is recommended.
Commercial art galleries range in size enormously, from one-person outfits to large international organisations. Contemporary art galleries can have a short life span and small galleries can also come and go, often depending on the economic climate.
The market also includes small, regionally based commercial galleries and artist-led spaces. These may receive some public funding while also relying on a commercial element.
Commercial galleries vary widely and include those that specialise in one or a number of the following areas:
Traditional galleries tend to sell photographs, prints and paintings. Other, more modern galleries buy and sell contemporary art.
Specialist agencies such as Sophie Macpherson and Drummond Read may also have vacancies.
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