With art galleries, museums, cultural events, and exhibitions galore, New York City is a hotbed of activity for the arts world. New York City has long been a hub for artists, and there are many artist communities and collectives located throughout the city. These communities provide artists with a space to work, collaborate, and network with other artists and industry professionals.
While the focus has often been on the artists themselves, there are also oft-overlooked roles that can be great for those looking to get into the art scene. There are also great opportunities for those already in the art world and looking for additional income sources by day.
Jobs in Art To Start
There are several entry-level jobs in the art world in New York City that can provide a great start to a career in the industry. Below are just a few examples that might help spur your art job search:
- Gallery Assistant: Gallery assistants provide administrative support to gallery owners and staff, including tasks such as answering phones, responding to emails, scheduling appointments, and preparing documents. They may also assist with installation and deinstallation of exhibitions, attend art fairs, and help with sales and client relations. Gallery assistant jobs are a great way to gain exposure to the gallery world and learn about artists and exhibitions.
- Art Handler: Art handlers are responsible for the packing, transport, installation, and deinstallation of artworks for galleries, museums, and other institutions. This is a physically demanding job that requires attention to detail and the ability to work in a team environment. Art handler jobs provide valuable experience working with artwork and exposure to the logistics of the art world.
- Administrative Assistant: Administrative assistants work in a variety of roles in the art world, including at galleries, museums, and nonprofit organizations. They provide general administrative support, such as answering phones, responding to emails, scheduling appointments, and preparing documents. Administrative assistant jobs provide an opportunity to learn about the day-to-day operations of art institutions and gain valuable administrative skills. These abilities are great for any resume—and even if you’re looking to strike out on your own, these skills are important for any aspiring artist looking to commercialize one’s work at some point.
- Registrar: Registrars are responsible for managing the inventory and logistics of artwork, including tracking artwork locations, coordinating shipments, and preparing condition reports. They work in museums, galleries, and other art institutions and require a strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Registrar jobs provide an opportunity to learn about the logistics of the art world and develop skills related to art inventory and management. This also can provide great exposure to the art itself.
As you can see, entry-level jobs in the art world in New York City provide valuable exposure to the industry and opportunities for growth and career development. These jobs require a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn and adapt to the fast-paced and constantly changing environment of the art world.
While that’s not necessarily any different than other industries that value these types of experiences, they provide an alternative window into the world of art that you might otherwise not have considered.
Other Art Jobs: If The Walls Could Talk
Beyond the standard roles listed earlier in this article, there are also more technical and/or certification-specific jobs that can be great fits for those with topical experience or looking to make a career pivot from jobs that share similar traits.
- Art appraiser: Art appraisers assess the value of artwork for a variety of purposes, including insurance, estate planning, and tax purposes. They use their knowledge of art history, market trends, and other factors to determine the value of artwork. Art appraisers may work for auction houses, galleries, or private clients.
- Art librarian: Art librarians manage collections of art-related materials, including books, periodicals, and digital resources. They provide research assistance to scholars, students, and other users, and may also curate exhibitions and programs related to the collection.
- Art therapist: Art therapists use art-making as a form of therapy to help people work through emotional and psychological issues. They may work with a variety of populations, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities or mental health issues.
- Exhibition designer: Exhibition designers are responsible for designing and creating the visual experience of exhibitions in museums, galleries, and other art spaces. They use their knowledge of art history, design, and visual communication to create engaging and immersive exhibition environments.
- Art educator: Art educators teach people of all ages about art history, techniques, and practices. They may work in schools, museums, community centers, or other institutions, and may also develop educational programming related to exhibitions or collections. These roles can be both part time and full time, depending on the museum hiring or institution looking for the right fit.
Regardless of educational background, degree, or experience level, there are more jobs in the art world than you may have expected or thought of before.
The Wider Art World Awaits
Whether it’s a role as an art museum security guard to a gallery assistant, Workwise can help your search! Check out Workwise Job Search: the easiest place to find and share high-quality jobs near you.
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