Behind the Art: My Experience as a Gallery Management Intern.

Introduction

Art galleries are more than just spaces to display works of art; they are cultural hubs that foster creativity, facilitate artist-patron interactions, and contribute to the preservation of art. My internship in gallery management provided a firsthand look at how these dynamic spaces operate.

Why I Chose Gallery Management

Art has always been a passion of mine, and I’ve long been interested in understanding the business side of the art world. A gallery management internship was the perfect opportunity to combine my love for art with practical skills in curating, marketing, and operations.

Responsibilities of a Gallery Management Intern

Working as a gallery management intern involved balancing artistic sensibilities with logistical and business acumen. My tasks included:

• Curating exhibitions: Assisting the gallery director in selecting and arranging artwork for upcoming exhibitions. This required a deep understanding of both the artists’ work and the message the gallery wanted to convey.
• Event planning: Helping organise gallery openings, artist talks, and other public events. This involved everything from coordinating with vendors to sending invitations to patrons and the press.
• Client relations: Engaging with visitors, answering questions about the artwork, and helping potential buyers navigate the acquisition process.
• Art handling and installation: Learning the proper techniques for handling, framing, and installing artworks to ensure they were displayed safely and attractively.
• Marketing and social media: Managing the gallery’s social media platforms and assisting in the development of marketing strategies to attract visitors and potential buyers.

Skills I Developed

• Curatorial skills: I learned how to create coherent and visually appealing exhibitions by selecting artwork that complemented one another while staying true to the gallery’s vision.
• Customer service and sales: Interacting with visitors and clients taught me valuable communication skills, especially in explaining artwork and building relationships with potential buyers.
• Event coordination: Planning and executing gallery events improved my organisational and multitasking abilities.
• Marketing: Developing promotional strategies for exhibitions through social media, email newsletters, and traditional marketing channels sharpened my marketing skills.

Challenges I Encountered

One of the biggest challenges I faced was managing the logistics of installations. Coordinating the arrival of artwork, arranging transportation, and ensuring proper installation timing required careful planning and attention to detail. Another challenge was balancing the artistic vision of an exhibition with the practical aspects of making it accessible and appealing to the public.

Key Takeaways

• The importance of curation: Curating an exhibition is not just about choosing beautiful pieces. It’s about creating a narrative, guiding the visitor through a visual story that connects each work.
• Art as a business: Art galleries are businesses at their core. Understanding the commercial aspects, such as pricing artwork and building client relationships, is crucial to sustaining a gallery’s success.
• Engaging with the community: Successful galleries have strong relationships with both local and international art communities. I saw firsthand how important it is to foster these connections through events, collaborations, and outreach programs.

Advice for Aspiring Gallery Managers

1. Learn the art of negotiation: Whether you’re negotiating with artists, clients, or vendors, understanding the value of art and how to communicate it effectively is key.
2. Stay organised: Managing the logistical aspects of a gallery requires meticulous organisation. Keep track of everything from shipment details to event schedules.
3. Network, network, network: Building relationships with artists, collectors, and other gallery professionals is crucial to thriving in this industry. Attend as many art events and exhibitions as possible to expand your network.

Conclusion

My internship in gallery management was an enlightening experience that deepened my appreciation for the work that goes into running a successful gallery. From curating exhibitions to managing client relations, this internship helped me develop a diverse skill set that is essential for anyone looking to pursue a career in the art world. If you have a passion for art and an interest in the business side of the creative industries, gallery management could be the perfect path for you.