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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Gallery Worker

💰 $38,000 - $52,000

Arts & CultureSalesCustomer ServiceAdministration

🎯 Role Definition

A Gallery Worker is the welcoming face and operational backbone of a successful art gallery. This multifaceted role is pivotal in creating an exceptional experience for every visitor, collector, and artist. You will be responsible for front-of-house duties, engaging with clients to drive sales, providing in-depth knowledge about exhibitions, and ensuring the gallery space is impeccably maintained. Beyond sales and service, the position involves critical administrative tasks, inventory management, and hands-on participation in exhibition installation and events. The ideal candidate is a passionate, articulate, and highly organized individual with a deep appreciation for contemporary art and a desire to build a career in the art world.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Art Gallery Intern or Apprentice
  • Museum Docent or Visitor Services Associate
  • High-End Luxury Retail Associate
  • Studio Assistant for an artist

Advancement To:

  • Assistant Gallery Director
  • Gallery Registrar
  • Artist Liaison
  • Exhibition Manager or Curator

Lateral Moves:

  • Corporate Art Consultant
  • Art Handler or Collections Manager
  • Auction House Administrator or Specialist Assistant
  • Museum Development or Membership Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Act as the first point of contact for the gallery, greeting all visitors warmly and professionally to ensure a positive and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Proactively engage with visitors and potential clients, providing comprehensive information about the current exhibition, featured artists, and specific artworks.
  • Drive and facilitate art sales by cultivating relationships with new and existing collectors, understanding their interests, and confidently articulating the value and context of the artwork.
  • Maintain an in-depth and current knowledge of the gallery's roster of artists, including their biographies, artistic practices, techniques, and market history.
  • Manage all aspects of the sales process, including generating invoices, certificates of authenticity, and other necessary documentation with precision.
  • Assist with the physical installation and de-installation of exhibitions, which includes the careful handling, wrapping, packing, and moving of valuable and often fragile artworks.
  • Maintain the pristine appearance of the gallery at all times, including the exhibition spaces, viewing rooms, offices, and storage areas.
  • Respond to a high volume of phone calls and email inquiries from clients, press, and the general public in a timely and professional manner.
  • Meticulously maintain and update the gallery's inventory and client database (e.g., Artlogic, ArtBase), ensuring all artwork details, locations, and client interactions are accurately recorded.
  • Conduct daily opening and closing procedures for the gallery, ensuring security protocols are followed and the space is ready for business.
  • Provide comprehensive administrative and personal support to the Gallery Director(s) and other senior staff as needed.
  • Nurture and follow up on client relationships post-sale to encourage repeat business and build long-term loyalty to the gallery and its artists.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of gallery events, including opening receptions, artist talks, and private client viewings.
  • Prepare and assemble press kits, client portfolios, and digital presentations for specific artworks or exhibitions.
  • Conduct research on artists, art market trends, and potential clients to support the gallery's sales and curatorial strategy.
  • Assist with managing the gallery's digital presence, including updating the website with new inventory and exhibition details, and contributing to social media content.
  • Coordinate the complex logistics of domestic and international shipping of artworks, liaising with shippers, framers, and clients to ensure safe and timely delivery.
  • Create and maintain condition reports for incoming and outgoing artworks, documenting any changes with photographic and written records.
  • Manage and order office and gallery supplies, ensuring the operational needs of the space are consistently met.
  • Assist with archiving press clippings, exhibition documentation, and historical gallery records.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Art Handling: Demonstrable experience in the safe handling, packing, and installation of various art mediums, including painting, sculpture, and works on paper.
  • Gallery Management Software: Proficiency with industry-standard database systems such as Artlogic, ArtBase, or similar CRM/inventory management platforms.
  • Sales Acumen: Proven ability to engage clients and successfully close sales in a gallery or luxury goods environment.
  • Adobe Creative Suite: Basic to intermediate skills in Photoshop and InDesign for creating presentations, mock-ups, and minor image edits.
  • MS Office / Google Suite: Strong command of Word, Excel, PowerPoint (or equivalents) for administrative tasks, list management, and communication.
  • Art Historical Knowledge: A solid foundation in 20th-century and contemporary art history is essential.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional Communication: The ability to speak and write about art in a clear, engaging, and accessible manner to a diverse audience.
  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: Essential for managing inventory, processing sales, and handling priceless artworks.
  • Poise and Professionalism: A polished and sophisticated demeanor appropriate for interacting with high-profile artists, collectors, and VIPs.
  • Discretion and Confidentiality: The ability to handle sensitive artist and client information with the utmost integrity.
  • Proactive & Self-Motivated: A "no task is too small" attitude with the ability to anticipate needs and take initiative in a fast-paced environment.
  • Team-Oriented: A collaborative spirit and willingness to work closely with all members of a small gallery team.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent, supplemented with relevant work experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Art History
  • Fine Arts (BFA/MFA)
  • Arts Administration
  • Museum Studies

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1-3 years of professional experience in an art gallery, museum, auction house, or luxury retail environment.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience in a commercial contemporary art gallery setting is highly desirable.
  • A demonstrated history of responsibility that includes client-facing interaction, administrative support, and an involvement with fine art objects.
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