Gallery Owners and Directors
Overview
Introduction
Gallery owners are entrepreneurs who start or buy their own for-profit or nonprofit art gallery. They are responsible for all aspects of a business operation, from working with artists to overseeing day-to-day operations. Gallery directors are responsible for the profitable management and operation of art galleries.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Earnings for gallery owners vary widely and are greatly influenced by the abilities of the individual owner, the type of gallery (nonprofit or for-profit), the type and volume of art being sold, and existing economic conditions. Some gallery owners may earn less than $15,000 a year, while the most successful owners earn $50,000 to $100,000 or more.
Salaries for gallery directors depend o...
Work Environment
Most art galleries are pleasant, intellectually engaging places to work, and owners and directors often have comfortable offices. Most art galleries are open five or more days a week. They are typically open during regular business hours, but many offer extended hours in the evening. Owners and directors often work as many as 50 to 60 hours a week.
Some gallery owners and directors may t...
Outlook
The careers of gallery owner and gallery director are much-sought-after positions in the art world. As a result, competition for these jobs will be very strong over the next decade. Applicants with strong educational backgrounds, comprehensive knowledge of art, and extensive work experience—especially at large galleries-—will have the best chances of finding jobs.
