Art Gallery Manager Job Description

What is the job description of an Art Gallery Manager? What are the duties and responsibilities of an Art Gallery Manager? What does an Art Gallery Manager do?

Job description of an Art Gallery Manager

Commercial art galleries vary in style, size and purpose, and because of this, the role of a gallery manager can differ. The role can also change depending on whether it is in a public or private gallery. In a public gallery, the role can be quite technical, making sure exhibitions are installed correctly. It may also cover operational tasks such as health and safety and facilities.

Working in a smaller private gallery may mean having a more varied and all-round management role, which includes sales, marketing, budgeting and communicating directly with the artists. An art gallery manager may work underneath the gallery director or owner but will still have responsibility for the commercial and artistic success of the gallery.

The role of art gallery manager demands a combination of artistic awareness, business acumen, interpersonal skills and practical abilities.

This Art Gallery Manager job description example includes the list of most important Art Gallery Manager duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Art Gallery Manager profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Art Gallery Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Art Gallery Manager job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Promoting and selling artists’ work, through both exhibitions and personal contacts;
  • Overseeing the type of artwork sold;
  • Planning, organizing, presenting and marketing exhibitions and shows, including responsibility for public relations;
  • Keeping up to date with industry developments and market trends;
  • Developing and updating the gallery website;
  • General administration, budgeting, finance and accounts.
  • Arranging transportation of work to and from the gallery, both nationally and internationally;
  • Organizing equipment hire and ensuring correct installation of the artwork;
  • Working closely with individual artists, developing relationships with new artists, and extending relationships with established artists from the gallery ‘stable’;
  • Promoting exhibitions and work by individual artists;
  • Ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the gallery;
  • Developing and/or maintaining the gallery’s remit;
  • Developing client lists by notifying potential clients of particular works and exhibitions, according to their stated interests;
  • Extending the client database;
  • Maintaining ongoing promotion and advertising of the gallery;
  • Assessment and selection of artwork;
  • Curating shows in cooperation with artists and technicians;
  • Cataloguing acquisitions and keeping records and archives;
  • Negotiating with gallery managers and curators from other galleries to arrange for loans;
  • Keeping front of house staff briefed on technical and artistic matters relating to programming;
  • Liaising with visiting artists and negotiating sales;

Art Gallery Manager Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Art Gallery Manager job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • A bachelor’s degree in fine arts, art history, art education, or related field is required
  • Additional background in advertising, computers and internet media, business administration and museum work is advantageous
  • Good accounting and administrative skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Good marketing and presentation skills

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Art Gallery Manager starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Art Gallery Manager job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of an Art Gallery Manager may also reference it in preparation for the interview.