Art Gallery Training

Working in art galleries offers training opportunities in several areas.

Art lovers can find interesting and fulfilling work in public and private galleries with as little education as a high school diploma and an eagerness to learn more about the industry. Art galleries employ a variety of workers to collect, maintain and sell pieces while educating patrons about the work on display. Proper education and training can lead to positions such as a curator, exhibit manager and fine arts packer in private or public galleries.

Education

It is usually desired that potential employees have taken courses in art, history, speech and English. Further studies in art history, fine art and marketing are often desired for those who want to pursue a career working in an art gallery. More advanced positions, such as a gallery director or curator, require at least a bachelor's degree in art or a related field, and some establishments even ask for a master's degree.

Collection Development

Art gallery employees can gain valuable training and experience in collection development and piece acquisition by working under the gallery or museum's curators. Employees will learn how to verify the authenticity of works of art, negotiate prices and transportation as well as discover the subtle art of adding appropriate pieces to a collection.

Display Maintenance

Maintaining the exhibits is something expected of every employee of a gallery or museum, and workers will be trained and educated as to the best ways to care for existing pieces on display. Members of a gallery's art installation team receive training on how to properly receive, handle and install new pieces according to an artist's specifications, and fine art packers learn how to properly prepare purchased art for shipment. Conservators and art technicians prepare pieces for exhibition and maintain, clean and repair them while they are on display.

Administrative Duties

Working in an art gallery exposes workers to training in a wide variety of common administrative tasks as well as duties that are found only in the art industry. Workers will learn how to serve as managers, receptionists and guides for gallery visitors and clients, and must gain a broad knowledge of the exhibits, tours and educational programs.

Promotion & Sales

While the marketing and management of the type of art sold is primarily left to the directors or gallery owners, the promoting and selling of pieces on display is an objective of every employee in a gallery. Those interested in working in art galleries receive adequate training as to the best ways to approach and deal with prospective buyers. Knowledge gained typically includes how to develop client lists, working with artists whose art is on display and promoting the exhibits.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Archivists, Curators and Museum Technicians