Workplace Spotlight

What is it like to work in a Gallery?

Galleries serve as spaces designed to showcase and celebrate various forms of art and creative expression. They provide a platform for artists, both emerging and established, to exhibit their works to the public, fostering appreciation and understanding of art. Galleries create an atmosphere that encourages contemplation and exploration, allowing individuals to connect with the emotions, ideas, and messages conveyed by the artists.

As cultural hubs, galleries also play a significant role in enriching communities by hosting events, educational programs, and collaborative initiatives, helping to foster a vibrant and thriving artistic community.

While each gallery is different, they do have some things in common:

1. An appreciation for the arts – as you might expect, you’ll need to have a passion for art, from painting and sculpture to digital media and photography.
2. Communication is key – from explaining the meaning of artworks to the public to collaborating effectively with your co-workers.
3. Volunteering is common – while there are lots of paid roles in galleries, they also rely on the hard work of volunteers as well (and it can act as a great springboard for future opportunities).

Key Outcome

Artistic appreciation and cultural enrichment

The main purpose of a gallery is to exhibit and celebrate diverse forms of art, engaging and inspiring visitors.

Key Tasks

• Select and arrange exhibits with care and creativity.
• Engage with guests, providing information and guidance.
• Prepare the gallery space for new displays.
• Maintain detailed records of artworks and collections.
• Ensure proper handling and preservation of artworks.
• Organise exhibitions, workshops, and artist talks.
• Facilitate artwork sales and process transactions.
• Promote exhibitions and events to attract visitors.

Industry

You can find galleries in the arts and recreation services industry

Galleries are generally found in the arts and recreation services industry. Galleries can be general or specialise in a particular form of art (fine art, photography, etc.), and can vary in size from small pop-up facilities to huge buildings filled with artworks.

Work Environment

You can expect regular hours and flexible working arrangements

Regular hours  |  Work on-site or remote  |  Jobs more common in metro areas  |  Strong job growth

Specific opening hours can vary from gallery to gallery, but many of them are open during regular working hours, and often on weekends as well. They may also stay open late some days, depending on events and exhibitions that are currently running. When swapping between exhibits, galleries may close for a day or two to prepare.

There are plenty of roles in galleries that allow for both on-site and remote work, depending on your exact responsibilities.

Galleries tend to be more common in metropolitan areas due to higher population and demand, but smaller local galleries are still popular in regional and rural areas too, particularly in towns with a strong cultural or tourism focus.

How do we expect working in a gallery to change in the future?

Technology has greatly changed the landscape of art, from production to display, and will likely create more changes into the future.

Advancements in blockchain technology could be used for art authentication and provenance tracking, ensuring authenticity and transparency in the art market. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are also becoming more integrated into gallery spaces to create immersive and interactive experiences.

Online engagement will continue to be vital, with social media and other digital platforms serving as essential tools for galleries to interact with audiences, share art experiences, and promote exhibitions.

Particularly since the pandemic, some roles in galleries have become more flexible and remote-friendly. Many galleries have also shifted to providing fully online exhibitions, so visitors don’t even need to leave the house to experience the displays.

The art market is constantly adapting to new collector preferences, and galleries will need to focus on being more inclusive by showcasing diverse artists and perspectives. Sustainability has also become more important, and galleries must explore eco-friendly practices.