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I wanna be a gallery manager

What qualifications do you need?

The first thing you need is a passion for art. A relevant qualification will be a great advantage too. I have a masters degree in communication design from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London.

What sort of person does the job suit?

Someone who is an art lover and outgoing. Having some basic knowledge about art is a bonus.

What's the best way into the industry?

The best is to sell yourself to art-related societies.

What work hours do you keep?

Most of the galleries are open from around noon until 9pm and are closed on Mondays. Sometimes you need to work overtime setting up new exhibitions or hosting events such as exhibition opening parties.

Is there a clear career path?

For commercial or private galleries, you usually start as a gallery assistant. After two to four years, depending on your performance, you will be promoted to assistant manager, then gallery manager or exhibition curator. But for some large art museums, there are more specific posts, involving work like researching, exhibition set-up, and being the artists' contact.

What's the best part of your job?

Meeting different art lovers, and sharing and promoting art.

What's the worst?

I'm very lucky to work with a non-profit gallery. If you are working for a commercial gallery, you sometimes have to strike the balance between commercial and artistic values. You have to bear the risk of losing money. That is a tough job in Hong Kong.

Who is your role model?

No one specifically but I do have a few favourite museums. The Victoria & Albert Museum and the Design Museum in London feature collections from the greatest designers. They are places everyone must go. The Science Museum and the Natural History Museum, also in London, have more than just exhibitions. They are very interactive, turning boring subjects into something interesting. You will learn a lot from these places.

Salary?

The starting rate for a gallery assistant is usually around $5,000 to $7,000.

Last word?

Enjoy life as living is a form of art.

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