Becoming An Art Dealer
What does an art dealer do?
Is being an art dealer a full time job?
It can be as full time or as part time as you wish. But if you're working with artists, living artists like we do, it is pretty much full time.
How do you become an art dealer?
There are different paths to becoming an art dealer. Generally, one studies art history and then does a master's in art history, and then works in the gallery to get some experience working with an experienced art gallery owner. Alternatively you can become an art dealer through route of the auction house, but that's a completely different set up. Or by working with private dealers - private dealers are like traders who just buy and sell to clients, and they don't work actively with living artists. So, there are two kinds of art dealers - the primary and the secondary.
Is there any specific training to become an art dealer?
The best training you could do is just work in a gallery or with an art dealer for experience. That's the best experience one could possibly get. That's what I did, and I think that's what most people do before the set off on their own.
Do you need a masters degree?
You don't, but it probably puts you in better stead if you do have one. Everyone who works at this gallery, pretty much 90 percent, has a master's degree. A bachelor's degree in art history is ample, but it does help if you have a master's degree.
What roles can you combine with being an art gallery dealer?
A lot of people curate as well. They're curators, seeing how they curate exhibitions, either on a freelance basis or for mueseums, so you could do the two, or you could also be a collector.
Do you have to have an interest in art to become an art dealer?
Do you have to have been an artist to be an art dealer?
What advice would you give to an aspiring art dealer?
Go and study art history. If possible, get a master's degree in curating and/or museum studies, and then go work in a gallery. Get experience in a gallery, or work with an art dealer for at least three to five years. I would say five years minimum before you set up on your own, if that's what you wished.
