Gallery Manager

Our Organization:

Art Enables is an art gallery and vocational arts program dedicated to creating opportunities for artists with disabilities to create, market, and earn income from their original work while building the skills, relationships, and experiences necessary for a successful career in the arts. We offer our artists the studio space, materials, and marketing support they need to develop and succeed as professionals. We envision a world where artists with disabilities can discover their creativity, showcase and market their work, and achieve professional success and a sense of self-determination.

Position Overview:

The Gallery Manager is responsible for creating and curating immersive and powerful exhibition opportunities that celebrates and showcases the talent and skill of Art Enables artists and the power and beauty of their work. This includes creating an accessible and engaging experience for the community, supporters, and art collectors locally, nationally, and internationally. The Gallery Manager coordinates all aspects of Art Enables art inventory management and supports critical aspects of studio activity and production. The Gallery Manager also works closely with Art Enables resident artists, supporting their studio activity and goals of developing as professional artists. This role is both strategic and tactical, requiring the ability to think big while effectively managing the detail-oriented duties of the role. The Gallery Manager must be a savvy project manager who is comfortable juggling multiple deliverables on different timelines. This role will report to and work closely with the Executive Director (ED), in addition to partnering with Art Enables staff, artists, and community partners.

Responsibilities:

• Gallery & Exhibitions Management:
• Coordinate annual exhibitions calendar and facilitate all on-site and off-site exhibitions, shows, and seasonal markets. 
• Provide curatorial oversight of the Art Enables gallery and exhibitions program.
• Manage preparation of artwork for exhibition (i.e. matting and framing work, etc.) and exhibition installation (i.e. hanging/displaying work). 
• Oversee online gallery and exhibitions experience (through AE’s online art inventory system and website). 
• Coordinate exhibition opening & closing receptions. 
• Collaborate with Development and Communications Manager on artist and exhibition marketing materials, collateral, and publicity. 
• Partner with Art Enables artists and staff to determine themes and projects for exhibitions and shows.
• Serve as representative for Art Enables within the broader arts community and develop relationships and partnerships with area galleries, studios, artists, and arts organizations.
• Coordinate Monthly “Second Saturday Workshop” Series

Artwork Inventory Management:

• Oversee the management of Art Enables’ physical inventory of artwork.
• Manage process to digitally catalog inventory (i.e. photograph artwork, edit images, upload work to online inventory system, etc).
• Manage online gallery and marketplace, ensuring accurate art inventory and sale information.
• Studio Materials, Merchandise Management, and Sales:
• Manage inventory and procurement of studio art materials and framing supplies.
• Develop and oversee merchandise strategy, selection, procurement, and inventory.
• Manage art commission inquiries and requests. 
• Support individual and corporate sales opportunities.
• Manage and facilitate projects for interns and volunteers. 

Studio & Program Support:

• Participate in studio shifts providing artists with artistic and technical assistance, as needed, to support their development as professional artists. 
• Provide additional support to artists throughout the day as needed (i.e. getting settled in the morning, with coffee and lunch breaks, and other routine aspects of the day).
• Maintain up-to-date resumés for each artist
• Regularly participate in artwork jury and review process.
• Participate in and support other organizational planning as needed.

Who Should Apply?

The Gallery Manager is committed to Art Enables’ mission, comfortable working with individuals with disabilities, and committed to sharing multicultural and global perspectives with diverse audiences. The Gallery Manager must have: 

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in arts administration, curatorial practice, fine arts, art history, or related field
• At least 4 years working experience in the arts, gallery management and/or curation experience preferred, but not required
• A proven record of organizing, producing and executing exhibitions of the highest quality that are thoughtful, accessible and capable of engaging a wide variety of audiences
• Experience with contemporary exhibition practices and audience engagement
• A creative, flexible, enthusiastic, empathetic, resourceful work style and have the ability to work under pressure and be an objective decision maker
• Effective communication, organizational and time management skills
• A hands-on work ethic and an ability to work in a collaborative environment to build positive and mutual relationships with artists, board members, staff, and the community
• Strong skills working in a variety of software and online applications
• Strong digital photography skills preferred, but not required 
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends
• A vehicle and a willingness to transport artwork as needed strongly preferred. Art Enables to reimburse transportation costs.