Gallery Assistant

Creative Scotland; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An artistic organization in Edinburgh is seeking Gallery Assistants to support major exhibitions. Responsibilities include safeguarding artwork, assisting with installations, and enhancing visitor experiences through engagement. Ideal candidates should have a strong knowledge of Scottish contemporary art and experience in customer service. Positions are fixed term from March to June 2026 with hourly pay of £12.60. This role provides an excellent opportunity to represent Scottish contemporary artists during notable exhibitions, making a meaningful impact in the gallery environment.

Qualifications

• A passion for and familiarity with contemporary art, especially Scottish.
• Prior experience in retail or customer service is beneficial.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Safeguard artworks while on exhibition.
• Assist in installation and dismantling of exhibitions.
• Engage visitors to enhance their experience.
• Uphold visitor conduct codes throughout exhibitions.
• Participate in gallery tours and events when necessary.

Skills

Knowledge of Scottish contemporary art

Public communication skills

Independent work capability

Artwork handling skills

Customer service experience

Job description

Overview

We're looking for Gallery Assistants to join our team to support us with our two biggest exhibitions of the year, RSA New Contemporaries and the RSA Annual Exhibition.

Based within the RSA Galleries this position will provide exhibition supervision and installation assistance for the Royal Scottish Academy exhibitions programme between the dates of the contract.

• Hours: There are currently several three, four and five day-per-week positions available.
• Location: Royal Scottish Academy, The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL.
• Remuneration: £12.60 per hour, rising to £13.45 from April 2026. Hours worked after 5pm paid at time and a half
• Contract Type: Fixed term: 15 March – 21 June 2026 (exact start date subject to shift pattern)
• Shift information: Monday to Saturday shifts begin at 9:45am, ending at 5pm. Two fifteen-minute breaks and a half hour lunch. Sunday shifts begin at 11:45am, ending at 5pm and one half hour break. Breaks are paid.

Your key duties will include:

• Safeguarding the integrity of the artworks on exhibition.
• Assisting with the exhibition installation and take-down.
• Proactively engaging with exhibition visitors to ensure that all visitors have the best possible experience.
• Ensuring the visitor code of conduct is upheld.
• Participating in gallery tours / educational events as and when required.
• Selling tickets and exhibition catalogues (including cash handling and credit card sales).
• Working with artists and participants to assist with exhibition-based events.
• Representing the Royal Scottish Academy and our work in a public setting.
• Sharing knowledge and appreciation of the artworks on view with visitors.
• Ensuring that high standards of presentation are always maintained in the gallery.

Required Skills / Qualifications

• A knowledge of, and interest in, Scottish contemporary art.
• Previous retail and/or customer service experience would be desirable.
• Experience of working independently in a small team.
• Excellent public communication skills and ability to speak confidently about artwork.
• Ability to work independently and prioritise.
• Artwork handling skills are essential and some knowledge of exhibition installation.
• The postholder will be expected to be outgoing and professional, representing the Royal Scottish Academy and Scottish contemporary artists during high-profile exhibitions.

Full job description and details on how to apply can be found here: https://bit.ly/3LSYihg

The deadline is Saturday 07 February 2026 at 12:00.