Art gallery workers perform a wide variety of duties which can vary according to the size and type of gallery and the level at which they are employed. Some may be qualified in a technical area such as carpentry or electrical work.
The work can include:
- Working with the general public on the front-desk – issuing tickets, selling catalogues, handling cash and dealing with enquiries
- Assisting with permanent, temporary and touring exhibitions and gallery displays including hanging pictures
- Patrolling galleries and ensuring gallery security and working with other security staff where necessary
- Helping visitors to make the most of their visit and assisting them with interactive equipment
- Ensuring visitors comply with museum regulations and dealing with any problems that may arise, referring to more senior staff as necessary
- A wide range of administrative duties which may include assisting with cataloguing using databases and other IT packages
- Assisting with the packing, transportation and installation of items
- Making sure all the public areas are clean and tidy
- Assisting with the storage and cleaning of artefacts
- Setting up displays and exhibitions, which may include lifting
- Helping to run special events, workshops and educational programmes
- Organising gallery tours and giving talks to visitors
- Assisting with marketing and fundraising activities
- Working as part of a team with a wide range of other staff including curators and technicians.
Many art gallery workers work a shift system to cover the opening hours of the gallery to include weekends and occasional evenings.
