Working in an art gallery: Gallery Technical Manager

Category: Working in an art gallery — Published: 5 May

Hear from our Gallery Technical Manager, Luke about their day-to-day and advice for those interested in wanting to work in technical roles in gallery or art spaces. 

Part of our Working in an art gallery series of interviews with Whitechapel Gallery staff members — offering insight into the kind of roles available in gallery settings.

Moving Grounds: 15 Years of Duchamp & Sons, installation process, February 2025

How would you describe your job? 

As Gallery Technical Manager, I take responsibility for the planning, installation, and maintenance of all exhibitions and commissions, ensuring that every artwork is handled with care and installed to museum standards. I manage all technical aspects of the gallery’s programme — up to ten exhibitions and displays annually — working closely with artists, curators, the Participation team, and a range of internal departments and external contractors.

My role spans everything from technical planning, supervising art handling, coordinating AV and fabrication, to overseeing our conservation practices and managing the upkeep of our gallery, workshop, and art stores. I also line manage the Exhibitions Technician, manage freelance technicians, and liaise with our Operations team to ensure safety, access, and building readiness for each install.

What makes the role especially dynamic is that projects rarely happen in isolation—it’s not unusual for me to be managing multiple installs simultaneously, each with different curators and creative challenges. During these periods, I act as Duty Manager, balancing timelines, logistics, and budgets, while ensuring artist vision and safety standards are upheld.

At its heart, this job is about collaboration—turning creative ideas into real, tangible exhibitions that are accessible, engaging, and carefully executed. No two days are the same, and that’s exactly what I love about it.

What are some of the skills or interests which might be important to someone doing your job? 

To thrive in this role, you need a mix of practical skills and strong organisational abilities. Experience in art handling, installation, and working with tools and AV equipment is essential, as is knowledge of conservation and health and safety practices. Confidence in leading teams and managing budgets is also key.

Communication and collaboration are central to the job — you’ll be working with artists, curators, external contractors, and staff from across the gallery. Flexibility is crucial, too. Every project brings different requirements, and being able to problem-solve and adapt quickly is what helps keep things moving.

You don’t need to come from a traditional academic route — hands-on experience is just as valuable. If you’re someone who enjoys working with your hands, solving technical puzzles, and creating safe, beautiful environments for art and audiences, this kind of role could be a great fit.

Zineb Sedira: Dreams Have No Titles, 15 February–12 May 2024, Whitechapel Gallery, London. Photo: Damian Griffiths

What do you most enjoy about your role or working in the arts more generally? 

The most rewarding part of my job is seeing an exhibition space transform — from an empty room to a finished, fully realised show. I enjoy the collaborative aspect of working with artists, technicians and curators, especially when creating new work or finding creative solutions for complex installs. Every project is different, so there’s always something new to learn. Being part of a team that makes contemporary art accessible to the public — especially in such a historically rich and locally embedded gallery — is a real privilege.

What’s the biggest challenge about your job?

One major challenge is juggling limited time and budgets while maintaining the highest standards of care and presentation. Exhibition timelines can be tight, and unexpected issues often arise during install. Projects rarely happen in isolation—I’m often managing two or three at once, each with different curators, artists, and logistical needs. Balancing creative vision with safety, technical requirements, and conservation considerations requires clear communication, flexibility, and fast problem-solving. While it can be intense, this is also what makes the role exciting and fulfilling.

Any advice you’d give to someone looking to work in a similar role to yours?

Start by getting hands-on experience — whether in galleries, theatres, live events, artist studios or building and film sets. Learn how to safely handle art, use tools, and understand the behind-the-scenes logistics of exhibition-making. Internships, technician assistant roles and working for art shippers are great entry points.

My first role was an internship at Ikon Gallery in Birmingham.

You don’t need a Fine Art degree — practical experience, a proactive mindset, and attention to detail are just as valuable. Focus on building a broad skill set that includes basic carpentry, AV, and project coordination. Be someone who listens well, communicates clearly, and enjoys working as part of a team.

Also, take the time to understand conservation basics and health and safety protocols. These may not seem glamorous, but they’re fundamental to doing the job well. Most importantly, stay curious and open — every project offers a new challenge, and a willingness to keep learning is key.

Want to find out more? Read the rest of our Working in an art gallery series.