Our client, an internationally renowned gallery specialising in 20th century and contemporary art with spaces in US and London, is seeking to find an experienced Gallery Manager to join their gallery in London.
About the role
You will work alongside a small but successful team. This role is not sales focused but you will manage everything from exhibitions, research, shipping, artist and client liaison through to overseeing the day to day of the gallery and the team. This is an ideal role for somebody who enjoys being involved in all aspects of gallery management with a proactive and diligent attitude.
About you
The gallery is seeking someone who has a minimum of 5 years of experience and comes from an established gallery/auction house background with the ability to step into the role with confidence and be flexible to the needs of the gallery. Ideally you will have an established network and know the major players within the art world.
Key Responsibilities
(Duties include but are not limited to the following)
- Be a first point of contact for all visitors to the Gallery, whether collectors, art critics, journalists or members of the public, greeting visitors with gallery guide and assisting with any questions. Be an ambassador for the Gallery in all written and verbal communications.
- Respond quickly and accurately to general enquiries on the telephone and correspondence and, when necessary, pass requests to relevant colleagues for their immediate action.
- Familiarise yourself with the Gallery programme (including current and past exhibitions) so as to be able to handle enquiries from the public.
Gallery Management Tasks
Be responsible for the day to day running of the gallery including:
- Organising physical security for exhibitions and training
- All building maintenance (air-con, painting, electrical, builders, cleaners)
- Phones & IT – liaise with suppliers as necessary
- Security – fire & burglar alarm/CCTV maintenance, doors
- Liaising with catering for events and any required equipment – chairs, technical equipment for panel discussions etc.
- Maintain and build professional relationships with other external resources: printers, framers, conservators, scholars and galleries. Promote efficient use of external resources.
- Maintain a log and organisation of catalogues on premises as well as maintaining stationary stock.
- Oversee the websites.
- Maintain the Gallery’s image and video library and co-ordinate photography for catalogues and for stock and consignment purposes.
Registrar Tasks
- Oversee all in-coming works (on site or off site) are recorded onto Artlogic with all their movements and organising condition checking as required. Oversee the art-storage on premises is in immaculate order arranging regular times for Art Technicians to re-organise as necessary.
- Deal with all aspects of administration for exhibitions, liaise and organise shipments, and be in regular contact with insurers for insurance certificates and keeping an up-to-date log of insurance under the gallery.
- Serve as a primary liaison with shippers. Be in charge of the Gallery’s TA account, ensuring all imports/exports are recorded and relevant paperwork on file.
- Co-ordinate with Art Technicians for the set up and de-install of exhibitions, private viewings, ensuring collection of works, coordination with conservators for condition reports and any necessary framing etc. Organising any display requirement as necessary – plinths, vitrines etc.
Other
- Assist with any special projects: dinners, targeted events, gathering lists, preparing proposals, research etc.
- Become knowledgeable of Gallery’s client roster and able to recognise gallery’s top clients and members of the press and greet accordingly.
- To attend exhibition openings, dinners, auctions or other events will be an integral part of your role.
- Given the nature of the Gallery, and the essential role you play, it is very important you coordinate with the team, provide cover for each other over holiday periods as well as times of heavy workload.
Requirements
- At least 5 years’ experience in a similar role.
- Proven organisational skills with an ability to prioritise, multi-task and work to tight deadlines.
- Ability to manage a busy workload.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Client Facing experience.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to work collaboratively, a team player.
Location: London
Hours: Fulltime
Salary: £30k to 45k DOE