Gallery Assistant
| Posting date: | 23 December 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £12.21 per hour |
| Hours: | Part time |
| Closing date: | 22 January 2026 |
| Location: | B1 2HS |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Ikon Gallery |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: |
Summary
Gallery Assistant – Job Description
Overview
We are seeking a proactive and reliable individual with a strong interest in contemporary visual arts to join Ikon’s Front of House team. The successful candidate will be well-organised, punctual, and detail-oriented, with excellent communication skills and a commitment to delivering an outstanding visitor experience.
Operating in line with Ikon’s policies and control measures, you will provide a warm, informative welcome to all visitors, support exhibition invigilation, and assist with a range of administrative and operational tasks. This includes visitor surveys, data entry, maintaining exhibition security, answering queries, promoting memberships, and undertaking reception and shop duties. You will also support the delivery of events, including set-up, take-down, ticketing, and guiding visitors through the building.
Hours & Working Pattern
• Three days per week, including regular weekends and occasional evenings
• Core hours: 17 per week, with opportunities for overtime
• Set shift pattern
Key Competencies
We are looking for individuals who:
• Are responsible, reliable, and calm under pressure
• Respond dynamically to varying visitor numbers and needs
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of people
• Contribute positively to team efforts to deliver an excellent visitor experience
• Demonstrate strong administrative skills and attention to detail
• Are highly vigilant and proactive in maintaining safety and security
• Have a passion for contemporary art and a willingness to research exhibitions to enhance visitor engagement
Main Responsibilities
Visitor Experience & Invigilation
• Provide a friendly, informative welcome and engage with visitors in galleries and at reception
• Answer questions about Ikon’s exhibitions, events, and wider programme
• Prepare galleries for opening and ensure exhibits are displayed and functioning correctly
• Research exhibitions and deliver Spotlight Tours or group tours as required
• Conduct visitor surveys to gather audience insights
Health & Safety
• Monitor visitor safety and wellbeing within the gallery
• Ensure security of artworks and report any issues promptly
• Act as first point of contact for incidents, escalating as needed
• Follow security procedures and assist with invigilator cover when required
• Maintain signing-in systems and access fobs
• Respond proactively to emergencies and minimise risks
Reception & Retail
• Manage reception and telephone enquiries efficiently
• Keep visitor information points and reception areas tidy and well-stocked
• Welcome and brief pre-booked groups on health and safety
• Operate ticketing systems for events and brief visitors on arrival
• Undertake shop duties, including processing transactions via Shopify
• Promote memberships, donations, and Gift Aid
• Record and collate visitor data
Teamwork & Administration
• Attend meetings to share observations and suggestions
• Stay informed about Ikon’s programme to assist visitors
• Support inductions and training for new colleagues
• Adhere to Ikon’s dress code and professional standards
• Maintain productive relationships with colleagues and managers
Professional Development
• Undertake training provided by Ikon
• Participate in development meetings and reviews
• Identify opportunities for learning and growth
Overview
We are seeking a proactive and reliable individual with a strong interest in contemporary visual arts to join Ikon’s Front of House team. The successful candidate will be well-organised, punctual, and detail-oriented, with excellent communication skills and a commitment to delivering an outstanding visitor experience.
Operating in line with Ikon’s policies and control measures, you will provide a warm, informative welcome to all visitors, support exhibition invigilation, and assist with a range of administrative and operational tasks. This includes visitor surveys, data entry, maintaining exhibition security, answering queries, promoting memberships, and undertaking reception and shop duties. You will also support the delivery of events, including set-up, take-down, ticketing, and guiding visitors through the building.
Hours & Working Pattern
• Three days per week, including regular weekends and occasional evenings
• Core hours: 17 per week, with opportunities for overtime
• Set shift pattern
Key Competencies
We are looking for individuals who:
• Are responsible, reliable, and calm under pressure
• Respond dynamically to varying visitor numbers and needs
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of people
• Contribute positively to team efforts to deliver an excellent visitor experience
• Demonstrate strong administrative skills and attention to detail
• Are highly vigilant and proactive in maintaining safety and security
• Have a passion for contemporary art and a willingness to research exhibitions to enhance visitor engagement
Main Responsibilities
Visitor Experience & Invigilation
• Provide a friendly, informative welcome and engage with visitors in galleries and at reception
• Answer questions about Ikon’s exhibitions, events, and wider programme
• Prepare galleries for opening and ensure exhibits are displayed and functioning correctly
• Research exhibitions and deliver Spotlight Tours or group tours as required
• Conduct visitor surveys to gather audience insights
Health & Safety
• Monitor visitor safety and wellbeing within the gallery
• Ensure security of artworks and report any issues promptly
• Act as first point of contact for incidents, escalating as needed
• Follow security procedures and assist with invigilator cover when required
• Maintain signing-in systems and access fobs
• Respond proactively to emergencies and minimise risks
Reception & Retail
• Manage reception and telephone enquiries efficiently
• Keep visitor information points and reception areas tidy and well-stocked
• Welcome and brief pre-booked groups on health and safety
• Operate ticketing systems for events and brief visitors on arrival
• Undertake shop duties, including processing transactions via Shopify
• Promote memberships, donations, and Gift Aid
• Record and collate visitor data
Teamwork & Administration
• Attend meetings to share observations and suggestions
• Stay informed about Ikon’s programme to assist visitors
• Support inductions and training for new colleagues
• Adhere to Ikon’s dress code and professional standards
• Maintain productive relationships with colleagues and managers
Professional Development
• Undertake training provided by Ikon
• Participate in development meetings and reviews
• Identify opportunities for learning and growth
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.