Assistant of FOCUS Art Fair
Hours
4 full days during the art fair, but flexible according to the schedule of the applicant
Closing Date
01 September 2025
Benefits
lunch expense
Volunteering Location
London, Saatchi Gallery
Volunteering Length
4 days
Supervisor Job Title
Operational manager
Description
The intern will be assisting our team of curators for the overall organization of the fair and also help the galleries and artists that will be exhibiting at the fair. He/She will be in constant communication with our teams abroad and will be responsible for researching galleries and help find potential partners that will help our team for the fair. They will participate in all parts of the fair (back of the house and front of the house) and will have the opportunity to experience and learn all the procedures that takes place behind and during an art fair. It will be a chance to work in a team environment among international staff and be a part of a large-scale contemporary art event.
Main Duties
- Assist the curatorial team with the overall organization of the art fair
- Support participating galleries and artists throughout the fair process
- Communicate regularly with international teams and collaborators
- Help identify and connect with potential art fairs to connect
- Participate in all phases of the fair, from planning to on-site execution
- Gain hands-on experience in the logistics and operations of a contemporary art fair
- Work within an international team environment and contribute to a large-scale cultural event
What will the volunteering role offer the student and what will they learn while they are with you?
- Project coordination: Learn how to support and manage multiple aspects of organizing a large-scale art fair.
- Communication: Strengthen both verbal and written communication through regular contact with international teams, artists, and galleries.
- Research & analysis: Gain experience researching venues, storage facilities, and potential partners, and assessing their suitability.
- Problem-solving: Tackle logistical challenges and contribute to smooth on-site operations.
- Team collaboration: Work closely with a diverse team of curators, staff, and external collaborators in a fast-paced environment
- Event planning: Learn the step-by-step process of producing a public art event—from early planning to execution.
- Networking: Build professional connections within the art world, including artists, gallerists, and creative partners.
- Cultural fluency: Work in an international context, gaining insight into cross-cultural communication and global art fair dynamics.