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Art Exhibition Organiser

Do you want to become a Art Exhibition Organiser? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

An art exhibition organiser is responsible for selecting and bringing together works of art and displaying them in an exhibition at a museum or gallery. The work involves:

• planning a programme of exhibitions
• applying for grants and sponsorship to fund them
• researching and identifying art to include in each exhibition
• negotiating with owners for the loan of art
• arranging insurance, transport and security
• deciding how to display the art most effectively
• helping to organise publicity and educational material.

Art exhibition organisers work between 35 and 40 hours a week, which may include weekends, evenings and bank holidays. They work in offices and exhibition spaces, but may travel to attend meetings and see exhibitions. Installing exhibitions may involve lifting, carrying, bending and working at heights.

Salaries range from £13,000 to around £30,000 a year.

An art exhibition organiser should:

• be strongly committed to working in museums and galleries
• have a good eye for visuals and be able to design effective ways of displaying art
• be creative and able to devise lively, innovative methods of helping the public to enjoy art.

There are over 2,500 museums and galleries in the UK. Most are found in cities and large towns, but there are some in rural areas. Employers include central government, local authorities, charitable trusts and private concerns. Entry is highly competitive and many jobs are offered on short term contracts.

A degree in history of art or a related subject is essential and most applicants also take a professional postgraduate course. Previous experience gained through volunteering in art galleries or museums with art collections is essential. There is no upper age for entry.

New entrants may receive on-the-job training and attend in-house or external courses. Art exhibition organisers can gain recognition of their skills and experience by working towards NVQs/SVQs, or Associateship and Fellowship of the Museums Association. PhDs in Museum Studies are available.

Promotion opportunities may be limited, but some art exhibition organisers move into management roles or find work with other visual arts organisations. They may also become self-employed and offer freelance or consultancy work.

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