Fair Manager - Gallery Liaison (Maternity Cover)

Fair Manager – Gallery Liaison (Maternity Cover)

Affordable Art Fair

Post Date: 04 Jan 2025

JOB OVERVIEW

Affordable Art Fair has revolutionised and democratised the art market with its fun and welcoming approach. Founded in 1999 by Will Ramsay with the aim of making buying art accessible to all, it is now one of the largest art businesses globally, with fairs in 10 cities around the world, including three a year in London’s Battersea Park and Hampstead Heath. Since our return to physical events in the UK, we’ve welcomed 62,000 visitors and generated £15.4million of art sales for our exhibitors. Each fair offers something unique, with over 100 handpicked local, national and international galleries showcasing 1,000s of contemporary artworks in all styles and mediums. With special installations and commissions, Late nights, family hour and more, there’s something for every art lover to enjoy.

THE ROLE

This is a dynamic and practical role focused on all aspects of gallery relations toward executing large scale art fairs in the UK. This involves managing art galleries participation and overall relationship with Affordable Art Fair. Ensuring all galleries participating are onboarded to the highest standard, and setting them up for success. Reporting directly to the Fair Director and currently working across three UK fairs, this role requires a high level of organisation and the ability to work under pressure in a team environment. The individual must be a doer with problem solving attitude. Further to this, we are seeking someone who can balance the enjoyment of being in the detail of planning, analysis (demonstrating an aptitude for using excel, salesforce and ideally sketch-up), all while demonstrating creative thinking. Whilst the core role is focused on gallery account management, the Fair Manager has influence across fair team, and therefore should have the ability to think laterally, holistically and analytically about the bigger picture of our business sustainability and art fair mission.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Exhibitor Relations, and operation

• Primary contact for exhibitors throughout the year
• Manage all aspects of exhibitor participation in all three UK Affordable Art Fairs from applications, through to onsite experience
• Manage the application launch, processing and communication of results
• Work closely with Fair Director to manage artist selection and approval process for the fair
• Support the Operation Fair Manager in creating and plotting the fair floorplan
• Update and send out Exhibitor Manual and Exhibitor Forms along with stand allocation to exhibitors
• Conduct one-to-one welcome calls and stand workshops with new and returning exhibitors. Advise on stand build and hang.
• Process all exhibitor layouts and stand extra orders. Communicate final order and build to our stand builders
• Responsible for organising the creation and installation of exhibitor stand signage
• Sign-off on exhibitor listings in press releases, Affordable Art Fair website and the Fair Guide
• Welcome Exhibitors onsite and be a strong presence on the floor throughout the fair
• Work with the Fair Coordinator and Information Desk onsite to ensure exhibitor processes are carried out correctly
• Maintain up to date information for each fair cycle in company CRM and Exhibitor Portal

Cross team collaboration

• Work with the Fair Coordinator to review and update the Exhibitor manual
• Cross team collaboration (Fair Director, Operations Manager, Fair Coordinator, Marketing) and wider AAF staff in research, planning and implementation of content ideas and fair development

Finance and Reporting

• Produce reports and analyses on exhibitor data throughout the year to feed into post fair reports and future planning build-up and breakdown of the events. Manage snagging/troubleshooting as appropriate
• Close liaison with finance team to ensure accurate and timely invoicing, payment and reporting, and efficient information flow
• Administration associated with maintaining accurate budgets and financial reporting

DETAILS

• Based in Oval, London – hybrid
• Evening and weekend work will be required; in these instances we provide time off in lieu (TOIL)
• The candidate must have exceptional spoken and written English, and ideally be based in London.

HOW TO APPLY

Thank you for considering the role. To apply, please email a CV and Cover Letter to UKapplications@affordableartfair.com with the subject line; ‘Application for UK Fair Manager’

We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace fosters innovation, creativity and productivity, and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply. Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognise that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role. If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this role. Ramsay Fairs is committed to building a workplace that is welcoming, inclusive, and respectful of all employees.

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