Associate Director – Arts, for a major, contemporary Art Gallery, based in New Delhi, India

Our client is an established contemporary art gallery which primarily deals in modern art by emerging and established artists. They are looking for an Associate Director – Arts, who can embody their company values: Integrity, Accountability and Transparency. The Gallery has an international reach and reputation within contemporary art which are integral to this role. The successful candidate will join a gallery known for its influential presence both in India and the global art stage. They will also help carry forward the gallery’s mission to promote groundbreaking contemporary art worldwide.

The Gallery is seeking an empathetic, organized, and culturally attuned Associate Director – Arts to manage and nurture relationships with the gallery’s artists. This Delhi-based leadership role involves working closely with artists from across the country, coordinating on upcoming shows, providing logistical and emotional support, and serving as the primary liaison between artists and the gallery.

This role is ideal for someone with a deep passion for contemporary art, strong interpersonal skills, and an ability to support creative processes while ensuring timely outcomes.

Responsibilities

Artist Relationship Management

• Build strong, trust-based relationships with both emerging and established artists in India and target markets
• Act as the primary point of contact for the gallery’s roster of artists.
• Regularly engage with artists across cities to understand their creative process, motivations, and future plans.
• Provide feedback and encouragement to artists and maintain open channels of communication to keep them inspired and connected.

Coordination of Artistic Production

• Liaise with artists to ensure timely production and delivery of artworks for exhibitions and art fairs.
• Collaborate with artists on planning exhibitions, understanding their curatorial vision, and supporting them with documentation and execution.
• Coordinate logistics, framing, shipping, and installation in collaboration with the operations team.

Program Development & Curation

• Contribute to the curatorial calendar by suggesting new artists, exhibition ideas, and collaborations.
• Support the gallery’s curatorial and communication teams by providing artist information, artwork details, and background context for catalogues, wall texts, and press.

Network Building & Artist Outreach

• Identify and connect with promising contemporary artists from across India, especially in emerging art hubs.
• Facilitate studio visits, mentoring sessions, and relationship-building activities to expand the gallery’s artist network.
• Represent the gallery in artist circles, art schools, residencies, and cultural events.

Goals of the role:

• Position the gallery as a global thought leader in contemporary art by curating groundbreaking exhibitions and forging visionary collaborations.
• Champion emerging and diverse artistic voices while expanding the gallery’s influence across digital, institutional, and international platforms.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• 7–10 years of experience in the art world (gallery, museum, artist management, curation, or cultural institution roles).
• Deep understanding and appreciation of contemporary Indian art and artist practices.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to navigate creative temperaments with patience and care.
• Strong organizational abilities to coordinate multiple artist timelines and deliverables.
• Clear and articulate communicator — both written and verbal.
• Willingness to travel periodically to meet artists and attend events across India.

Salary: USD$60k-75k DOE

Start Date: ASAP