How to Get a Job at an Art Gallery

After graduating from college, many Art and Art History majors dream of finding a job at an art gallery, but competition for these positions is extremely fierce due to their relative scarcity. Getting your foot in the door can be difficult, but with a lot of determination and the right tools and techniques, you will be able to secure the gallery job to help you launch your career.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Decide on a particular geographical area to concentrate your search. If you are planning to move to New York, target galleries in Manhattan or Brooklyn. If you live in a smaller town and want to stay close to home, explore the art scenes in the surrounding metropolitan areas.
2. Check online for job listings. You can find a few great resources simply by querying terms like “gallery jobs” or “art employment” in your favorite search engine. Email your cover letter and resume to job openings that suit your qualifications. Be honest with yourself: if the main requirement for the job is five years experience and you have zero, don’t expect to hear back. But, by all means, hone your skills by applying and mention that you would be interested in other positions as well.
3. Network with as many people in the arts as possible. If you did an internship in college, make sure to get in touch with your former supervisor to let them know you are job hunting. Attend art openings and artist lectures to meet art professionals and come prepared with your business card.
4. Call galleries that you really admire to inquire about any available positions. The best time to do this is on a Monday or after 6 o’clock, when most galleries are closed. If they are interested, they will call you back.
5. Follow up on completed applications and express your continued interest. Sometimes employers put searches on the back burner and take a few weeks to respond. Be persistent, but do not overdue it. If you followed up once, leave it up to the potential employer to make the next move.
6. Once you secure an interview, dress professionally and fashionably (a suit is not necessary), and bring extra copies of your resume and cover letter. Don’t forget to send a hand written thank you note after your interview.

Tips & Warnings

• Knowing software applications like Photoshop and Art Systems can be a real asset when looking for a job in an art gallery. If you already have these skills, be sure to advertise them in your cover letter. If not, consider taking a class so you can get a leg up on your competition.

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