Art Gallery Jobs: Find the Perfect One for You
By Lindsay B | April 25, 2022 | 0 Comments

Art Gallery Jobs: Find the Perfect One for You

Do you love art? Are you passionate about contemporary art, art history, or the art world? If so, then a career in an art education may be perfect for you! There are many different art gallery jobs available, each with its own unique set of responsibilities. In this article, we’ll talk about the different types of art gallery jobs available and what type of person would be best suited for each one. We will also provide tips on how to find the perfect art gallery job for you!

Art History Jobs

Part-time and full-time jobs available in art history

If you are fascinated by a museum’s collections from the past or the history of art, there are a variety of part-time and full-time jobs and careers available in art history. Some of the most popular positions include teaching, art authentication, art restoration, museum director, art publishing, art conservation, and art appraising.

There are many different types of art gallery jobs available, so it’s important to find one that is the right fit for you. With so many options available, we’ve provided some tips to help you narrow down your search and find the perfect art gallery job for you!

First, consider what type of art gallery job would be the best fit for your skills and interests. There are a variety of positions available, so you should be able to find one that is a good match for your qualifications.

Art Historians

If you enjoy the history of art, then a job as an art historian may be perfect for you! Art historians research the history of art and often work in museums or art galleries. They may also teach art classes or give lectures on the history of art.

To become an art historian, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree in art history or a related field. Many art historians also have a master’s degree or PhD. If you are interested in working as an art historian, then you should consider pursuing a career in museum studies or arts administration.

Museum Director

As a museum director, you’d be responsible for the overall operations of a museum. This would include managing staff, developing and implementing exhibitions, and overseeing the budget. You’d also be responsible for fundraising and marketing the museum to the public.

To become a museum director, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree, although many directors have a master’s degree or higher. You should also have several years of experience working in the museum field.

Art Gallery Manager

As an art gallery manager, you would be responsible for the day-to-day operations of an art gallery. This would include tasks such as hiring and supervising staff, handling finances, and promoting exhibitions. To become an art gallery manager, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in art history or a related field, and you will need several years of experience working in an art gallery.

Art Curator

A curator is responsible for the care and management of a collection of artworks. This includes tasks such as researching and acquiring new works, preserving existing works, managing the collection of an art museum or gallery, and organizing exhibitions. To become a curator, you will need at least a bachelor’s degree in art history or a related field, and it is also recommended you have previous experience working in an art gallery.

Gallery Owner

If you are interested in running your own art gallery, then you will need to be a gallery owner. This involves tasks such as finding a suitable location for the gallery, acquiring artwork, and promoting the gallery. To become a gallery owner, you will need significant capital to invest in the business, and you should have several years of experience working in an art gallery.

As an owner, you create your own future and hire employees to work for you. Your backgrounds and creativity will be the driving factors of the art gallery. In order to be successful as a gallery owner, you need to have a clear vision for your business, an understanding of art culture, and the time to participate in the art world.

Art Dealer

An art dealer is someone who buys and sells artworks on behalf of artists or galleries. This includes tasks such as appraising artworks, negotiating prices, and shipping artworks to gallery spaces. Networking and a contact list is an essential resource for art dealers to be great at their job.

Art Education / Teachers

A university position teaching college students the history of art is one of the more common art careers. Many art teachers also teach at high schools. To become an art teacher, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field.

If you want to teach art at the elementary or secondary level, then you will need to get certified as an art teacher. This certification is usually obtained through your state’s department of education.

Art Therapists

Art therapists use art to help people who are dealing with mental health issues, physical ailments, or emotional problems. Art therapists must have a master’s degree in art therapy or a related field. They must also be licensed by their state’s board of professional counselors.

Art Authentication

Those with a knowledge for art may be interested in working as art authenticators. Art authenticators appraise the value of artworks and determine whether they are genuine. They typically have a bachelor’s degree in art or art history.

Visitor Services

If you enjoy talking to visitors of the museum or art gallery and providing them with information, then a job in visitor services is perfect for you. Visitor services associates typically have a high school diploma or equivalent. They may also be required to complete on-the-job training.

Contemporary Art Jobs

If you’re more interested in modern art, there are a variety of full-time and part-time jobs available. Contemporary art galleries are always looking for sales associates, art handlers, and art preparators. Museum education departments also hire contemporary art instructors to teach classes on history and appreciation too.

Visual Arts Jobs

Photographer

Showcase the world around us, whether you enjoy landscape photos in South Dakota, the deserts around Phoenix, or the cityscape of New York City, you can submit pictures to art galleries or sell your work to stock photo companies.

Illustrator or Animator

If you have the skill to draw or animate or are interested in learning, there are many opportunities for you in the art world. Illustrators and animators also support the work of painters, sculptors, and other artists by creating art for books, magazines, advertisements, computer games, and movies.

Teacher or University Professor

If you enjoy teaching about art, creativity, or our shared humanity then art education might be the perfect path for you. After getting your master’s degree, you could teach art at a high school or become a university professor.

Art Related Jobs Near You

How do I get a job in an art gallery?

How do I get a job in an art gallery?

Depending on whether you want to work in a national gallery or a local gallery, the process of getting a job in an art gallery can vary. Most art galleries will require at least a bachelor’s degree in art, art history, or a related field for any position. Many jobs will also require prior experience in the art world, whether through internships or other professional experience.

The best way to find out about open positions is to visit the website of the gallery you’re interested in and check their employment page, or ask for employment information at visitor services. You can also reach out to galleries directly and inquire about open positions or upcoming opportunities. Networking is also key in this industry, so attending art fairs, openings, and other events is a great way to meet people and get your foot in the door.

Much like any job or career, a good cover letter and resume is key to getting your foot in the door of an art gallery. Be sure to list any relevant experience, whether it’s through school, internships, or other professional work. If you have a personal connection to the gallery or the artist they represent, be sure to mention that as well.

The art world can be competitive, but if you’re passionate and knowledgeable about art or creating art, there’s a job out there for you. With a little research and networking, you can find the perfect art gallery job for you.

Are art gallery jobs in demand?

Whether you live in The United States, Mexico, Canada, or somewhere in Europe – art is appreciated worldwide and full-time and part-time positions in art galleries are always in demand and seeking employees. There are a variety of programs for art gallery workers to travel too, so if you’re looking for art gallery jobs, don’t limit your search to one type of job or one region.

What other careers are there in the art field?

In addition to dealing with art directly, there are tons of other full-time and part-time jobs that also contribute to the art industry. These include accounting, administration, retail, conservation, development, event planning, information systems, human resources, community partnerships, library and collections, membership services, operations, security, marketing, volunteer management, and a whole lot more.

Whether you want to work in an art gallery or a museum, with some efforts and training you can find the perfect art gallery job for you. Do some research to find out which art galleries best match your interests and skillset, then start applying!

Job Alerts at Finding Careers

Stay on top of new arts jobs with job alerts at Finding Careers. The benefits are endless! You’ll get notifications when new employment opportunities are available, both part-time and full-time positions, and we’ll customize your alerts around you so you only receive information about the jobs that are truly relevant to you.

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