At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in gallery operations, artist research, and exhibition preparation.
- Company: Mara Projects, a dynamic nomadic gallery bridging London and Tirana.
- Benefits: Earn £15.65 per hour with flexible hours and valuable art industry experience.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with the Director and build a network in the art market.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience at an art fair and develop essential skills in the contemporary art world.
- Qualifications: Passion for contemporary art, strong organisational skills, and good communication.
The predicted salary is between 15 - 15 € per hour.
Salary: £15.65 per hour
Hours: 150 Hours, from 1 September to 13 November 2026. We are happy to accommodate other work, study, or care commitments. Hours can be spread across the week as agreed. Some onsite presence will be required in London during 12 -20 October 2026.
Internship Length: 6 to 11 weeks
Internship Location: Hybrid. Onsite presence will be required during our participation at Minor Attractions art fair, held at Mandrake Hotel, London.
Responsibilities:
- Supporting artist research and helping to develop the gallery’s future exhibition pipeline.
- Researching and compiling funding opportunities, residencies, open calls, and art fair applications relevant to the gallery’s programme.
- Assisting with the preparation of grant and fair applications.
- Supporting participation in Minor Attractions art fair, London — including logistics, installation preparation, and on-the-ground assistance.
- Coordinating press outreach: drafting press releases, maintaining media contacts, and managing image requests.
- Managing the gallery’s Mailchimp newsletter, including building and scheduling email campaigns.
- General gallery administration: correspondence, maintaining records, coordinating logistics around exhibitions and events.
- Supporting exhibition documentation: photography coordination, artwork checklists, archiving.
What we are looking for:
Required:- Genuine interest in contemporary art
- Highly organised with good attention to detail; much of this role involves keeping track of multiple things at once
- Confident and comfortable communicating with new people
- Comfortable with administrative tasks
- Background in Curating, Art History, Fine Art or similar
- Familiarity with basic design tools (Adobe Illustrator)
- Interest in international or cross-cultural practices
- Some knowledge of the gallery/art market world
- Additional languages are a plus.
- Availability to work some evenings or weekends is desirable.
About us: Mara Projects is a nomadic gallery based between London and Tirana. Through collaborations with galleries, institutions, independent spaces, and international art fairs, it develops site-specific projects with emerging and mid-career contemporary artists. The programme operates across two registers: an international exhibition circuit and a sustained investment in building a commercial art infrastructure in Albania.
What will the internship offer the student and what will they learn while they are with you?
This internship offers hands-on experience of how a young, ambitious gallery operates nomadically across programme development, communications, and administration. The intern will work closely with the Director and gain a real understanding of art fair participation, exhibition organisation, artist liaison, and outreach for finding new opportunities.
A key moment in the internship will be participation in Minor Attractions, a London art fair, giving the intern direct experience of how galleries present and sell work in a fair context. Specific skills developed will include: arts writing and editing for public audiences; building and maintaining press and collector contacts; using email marketing tools (Mailchimp); researching funding opportunities and art fair applications; project coordination and production scheduling; and archiving and documenting artworks and exhibitions.
The intern will leave with a strong foundation in gallery operations and a practical understanding of two very different art market contexts — the established infrastructure of London, and the work of building one from the ground up in Tirana.
Disability Confident Employer: We can confirm that we are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 1-3) who can welcome a wide-range of disabled applicants within our level of training. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, regardless of their race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity and caring responsibility. We are committed to offering a working environment where everyone is valued and feels appreciated.
Creative Business Internship: Gallery Assistant at Mara Projects in London employer: UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON
Mara Projects is an exceptional employer for those seeking to immerse themselves in the dynamic world of contemporary art. With a hybrid work model and flexible hours, the internship offers invaluable hands-on experience in gallery operations, alongside opportunities for personal and professional growth. The supportive work culture fosters creativity and collaboration, making it an ideal environment for aspiring art professionals to thrive while participating in significant events like the Minor Attractions art fair in London.
Contact Detail:
UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Creative Business Internship: Gallery Assistant at Mara Projects in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the gallery! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Mara Projects. Familiarise yourself with their exhibitions and artists. This will show your genuine interest in contemporary art and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves liaising with various people, it’s crucial to be confident and articulate. Try role-playing with a friend or family member to get comfortable talking about your passion for art and your organisational skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational prowess! Bring examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects in the past. Whether it's coordinating an event or juggling coursework, demonstrating your ability to stay organised will impress the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from our site. It shows you're keen and ready to dive into the world of gallery operations. Plus, it makes it easier for us to keep track of your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Creative Business Internship: Gallery Assistant at Mara Projects in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Art:When you're writing your application, let your love for contemporary art shine through! We want to see your genuine interest and how it connects to the role. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your enthusiasm.
Be Organised and Detail-Oriented:This internship involves juggling multiple tasks, so make sure your application reflects your organisational skills. Use clear headings, bullet points, and a tidy layout to show us you can keep things in order. Attention to detail is key!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to the specific role at Mara Projects. Mention how your background in curating or art history aligns with what we’re looking for. It’ll make a big difference!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON
✨Know Your Art Stuff
Make sure you brush up on contemporary art and the gallery's past exhibitions. Being able to discuss specific artists or movements will show your genuine interest and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Organise Your Thoughts
Since this role requires a lot of multitasking, prepare examples of how you've managed multiple projects or tasks in the past. This will demonstrate your organisational skills and attention to detail, which are crucial for the internship.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
You’ll need to be comfortable talking to new people, so practice discussing your ideas clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to get feedback on your communication style.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Tools
If you have experience with design tools like Adobe Illustrator or email marketing platforms like Mailchimp, be ready to discuss it. If not, take some time to learn the basics before the interview; it shows initiative and readiness to learn.
