Arts Jobs Josh Lilley: Your Complete Guide to Landing a Career at a Leading London Contemporary Gallery
Why Josh Lilley Gallery Is on Every Emerging Professional’s Radar
Josh Lilley Gallery has built a reputation for discovering and championing emerging and mid-career artists, often acting as a launchpad to the global art-fair circuit. That same fast-growth energy extends behind the scenes: the gallery routinely advertises roles ranging from Gallery Assistant and Registrar to Operations or Communications Manager. Because the team is compact—yet pulls off international art-fair booths and museum-standard shows—staff gain wide-ranging experience much faster than at larger institutions.
The Commercial-Gallery Skill Set
Commercial spaces differ from museums in pace and profit focus. At Josh Lilley you will likely juggle:
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Artlogic or GalleryManager databases for inventory, invoices, and client records.
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Exhibition logistics—condition reports, packing, shipping, and insurance.
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Art-fair preparation (Frieze London, Art Basel Miami Beach).
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Marketing and press—drafting press releases, buyer previews, and social content.
Mastering these areas turns an entry-level Gallery Assistant into an indispensable colleague ready for promotions.
Related keyword spotlight: gallery assistant jobs London
London remains the UK’s largest market for art employment. Within Fitzrovia alone—Josh Lilley’s neighborhood— dozens of independent galleries need flexible assistants able to hang works, greet collectors, and update CMS entries on the fly.
Core Job Titles and What They Really Involve
Gallery Assistant
The gateway role. Expect front-of-house reception, private-view guest lists, artwork handling, and database updates. Strong written communication and a calm manner with VIP collectors are essential.
Registrar & Logistics Coordinator
If spreadsheets and precision are your thing, this role oversees shipments, import/export paperwork, and loan agreements. Experience with HMRC Customs Declarations and fine-art shippers such as Martinspeed will make your CV shine.
Operations & Exhibitions Manager
A hybrid post that plans calendars up to two years out, liaises with fabricators, and ensures each show opens on schedule and under budget. Practical knowledge of lighting, wall-build, and artwork conservation rounds out the profile.
Communications & Digital Content Lead
From press packs to Reels, you will craft the gallery’s voice. Photoshop, InDesign, and metrics-driven social strategy sit alongside traditional PR pitching. Expect to write copy that translates complex artistic concepts into collector-friendly language.
Related keyword spotlight: arts council jobs UK
Many applicants hone writing and project-management skills in publicly funded Arts Council roles before transitioning to commercial galleries like Josh Lilley.
Where Josh Lilley Advertises Vacancies—and How to Catch Them First
1. Gallery Website
The “News” or footer “Opportunities” section is the first port of call—often updated quietly before wider distribution.
2. ArtsJobs (Arts Council England)
A cost-free platform that London galleries use for broad reach. Setting an email alert for “Josh Lilley” ensures same-day notifications.
3. LinkedIn Company Page
The team reposts openings, and current staff occasionally share informal “We’re hiring” posts. Click “Follow” plus the bell icon for instant alerts.
4. Instagram Stories
Short-term install crew and internships frequently appear here. Turn on Story notifications for @joshlilleylondon to avoid 24-hour-only ads slipping by.
5. Shapes Lewisham & The Dots
These boards target creative graduates. Search categories “Gallery” or “Arts & Culture” and save your filters.
Related keyword spotlight: creative jobs London entry level
Broader searches capture spill-over roles at peer galleries, increasing your odds while you track Josh Lilley specifically.
Crafting a Stand-Out Application
Tailor Your CV
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Highlight hands-on install work—mention specific artists or fair booths.
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Quantify achievements (e.g., “co-ordinated shipment of 40 works to Frieze in under two weeks”).
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Show software fluency: Artlogic, Adobe Suite, Google Workspace.
Write a Focused Cover Letter
Open with why Josh Lilley’s curatorial program resonates with you, then pivot to the concrete ways your skills support sales and exhibition goals. Finish with availability and willingness to work late during install weeks.
Prepare for a Multi-Stage Interview
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Phone/Zoom screen—review your art-market vocabulary.
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On-site task—you might build a miniature exhibition checklist or draft a press blurb.
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Final culture-fit chat—demonstrate knowledge of current artists on the roster.
Related keyword spotlight: art gallery interview questions
Typical prompts include situational scenarios (“A crate is delayed at Customs the day before the fair—what’s your plan?”). Rehearse answers showing calm problem-solving.
Salary Benchmarks and Progression Path
| Role | Typical London Range | Promotion Window |
|---|---|---|
| Gallery Assistant | £25–30 k | 12–18 months |
| Registrar / Logistics | £30–38 k | 2 years |
| Operations & Exhibitions Manager | £38–48 k | 2–3 years |
| Communications Lead | £32–42 k | 18 months |
Landing at Josh Lilley accelerates your trajectory: involvement in blue-chip fairs and museum loans provides résumé lines normally reserved for larger institutions, positioning you for future Senior Director posts or independent consulting.
Networking the Fitzrovia Way
Thursday Private Views
Most galleries on Riding House Street schedule evening openings 6–8 pm. Attend regularly, introduce yourself to staff, and follow up with a brief LinkedIn note the next day.
Professional Groups
Join organisations such as Young Professionals in the Arts (YPIA) or the Association of Women in the Arts (AWITA). Members often share listings before they hit public boards.
Short-Term Fair Gigs
Sign up with art-fair staffing agencies; a week on Josh Lilley’s Frieze booth puts your work ethic in front of the team—and can lead directly to permanent offers.
Future-Proofing Your Art-Sector Career
The London art market is competitive but rewards versatility. By focusing on hard skills (registrar databases, logistics) and soft skills (client care, concise writing), you position yourself not just for arts jobs Josh Lilley but for a sustainable, upward career across the contemporary art landscape.
