Gallery Roles

Question 1

Curator

Answer 1

• manage gallery’s permanent collection
• responsible for planning, coordinating + researching current + future exhibitions
• give lectures + assist w edu programs
• catalogue works of art + research artists + artworks that the gallery is planning to acquire/ exhibit
• maintain detailed records of permanent collection + loan works
• liaise w artists when working on exhibitions + have awareness of conservation + preservation factors in gallery environment
• contribute to writing of catalogues + other print material relating to exhibitions + collections
• work w exhibition design + instillation

Question 2

Exhibition Designer

Answer 2

• responsible for organisation of gallery space
• put together floor plans + layouts
• details (e.g. wall colours, printing of info in gallery space)
• provide advice on framing, mounting, general presentation of artworks
• height of artworks, distance b/w artworks, placement + direction of free standing installations
• consider plinths, vitrines (glass cases), audio visual equipment
• consider strength and material of walls as well as hanging fixtures that suit the weight limitations
• lighting design to enhance works through particular effects or atmosphere (flood lights, spotlights)
• consider positioning of power sources for particular works (e.g. interactive works)
• work with program managers and construction specialists
• collab process brings together physical space, design aspects
• address both functional + aesthetic considerations
• audio-visual equipment, power sources
• seating

Question 3

Director

Answer 3

• responsible for financial decisions, acquisition of artworks, development of marketing strategies, allocation of gallery staffing roles + resources
• create long term vision for ongoing development of gallery collection
• work collaboratively. w all gallery staff, particularly curators

Question 4

Sponsors

Answer 4

• donate $ + services to help w costs of gallery acquisitions + dev. + presentation of artworks
• govt, corporate, philanthropic + support sponsors gift or provide services + materials –> logos assoc. w exhibition + gallery
• bus.es likely to sponsor for marketing purposes

Question 5

Marketing/ Publicity Officer

Answer 5

• Art almanac, gallery websites, art magazines (Art Monthly Australia), radio + tv promos, local media sites/ publications
• campaigns (inc. signs + posters) in high profile contexts + network w other org.s
• sponsors, patrons, art industry professionals (inc. art critics) invited to previews, openings +professional events

Question 6

Education Officer

Answer 6

• expand public’s understanding + appreciation of art
• dev. programs about current exhibitions + permanent collections

Question 7

Artist

Answer 7

• sometimes artists may be commissioned to create n artwork for a specific exhibition context or given complete freedom to respond to particular space/ idea
• smaller galleries –> artist may work closely w other artists, the owner, director or gallery manager to develop and present an exhibition
• larger public gallery –> team of professionals, work together to present exhibition. Living artist may have vision/ intention + will collaborate. w professionals to plan + present their work
• artists may have to compromise original vision due due various considerations + constraints (e.g. cost, available resources, OH&S)