Auction Specialist for Contemporary Art (Online Auctions)

33 AUCTION PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading auction house in Singapore seeks an experienced Auction Specialist for Contemporary Art. You will manage online auctions, source and curate artworks, and engage with clients to enhance their auction experience. The ideal candidate holds a degree in Art History or a related field and has 3-5 years of relevant experience. Strong communication skills in English and familiarity with online auction platforms are essential. This role offers a dynamic environment where art and technology intersect.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in an auction house, gallery, or art consultancy.
• Strong knowledge of international and Southeast Asian contemporary art.
• Excellent communication skills in English, with knowledge of Mandarin or another Asian language as an asset.

Responsibilities

• Curate and manage online auctions of contemporary artworks.
• Source and evaluate artworks, maintaining relationships with artists and collectors.
• Write engaging catalogue entries and manage auction lifecycle.

Skills

Knowledge of contemporary art

Client relationship management

Market analysis

Communication skills in English

Organizational skills

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Art History, Fine Arts, or related discipline

Tools

Online auction platforms

CRM systems

Job description

Roles & Responsibilities

The Auction Specialist for Contemporary Art (Online Auctions) is responsible for curating, managing, and executing online sales of contemporary artworks. This role combines art expertise, market insight, and digital strategy to deliver successful online auctions and strengthen the auction house’s digital presence. The specialist will oversee the end-to-end process—from artwork sourcing and valuation to catalogue preparation, client engagement, and post-sale follow-up.

Key Responsibilities

1. Curation & Consignment

• Source and evaluate contemporary artworks suitable for online auction, maintaining strong relationships with artists, collectors, and galleries.
• Conduct thorough research and authentication to ensure accuracy of artwork attributions, provenance, and condition.
• Advise consignors on pricing, reserves, and market positioning based on current trends and sales data.

2. Catalogue Production

• Write concise and engaging catalogue entries, artwork descriptions, and curatorial notes tailored for online audiences.
• Coordinate photography, editing, and layout of digital catalogues to ensure visual and editorial excellence.
• Collaborate with marketing and content teams to highlight key lots and thematic narratives.

3. Auction Management

• Manage the full lifecycle of online auctions—from lot creation and scheduling to sale execution and results reporting.
• Oversee data input and accuracy on the online platform (titles, dimensions, images, estimates, provenance, etc.).
• Liaise with operations and logistics teams to ensure smooth pre-sale and post-sale handling.

4. Client Relations & Sales

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with collectors, advisors, and institutions.
• Provide tailored advice to buyers and sellers before, during, and after auctions.
• Support live bidding and online sale monitoring to maximize participation and results.

5. Market Analysis

• Stay current with developments in the global and regional contemporary art markets.
• Monitor artist performance, emerging trends, and digital sales metrics to inform future strategies.
• Prepare post-sale analysis and market reports for internal review.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Art History, Fine Arts, Arts Management, or related discipline.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in an auction house, gallery, or art consultancy, preferably with exposure to online sales.
• Strong knowledge of international and Southeast Asian contemporary art.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (Mandarin or another Asian language is an asset to better communicate with clients, artists or stakeholders from Asian countries).
• Proficiency in online auction platforms and CRM systems.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to work efficiently under deadlines.
• Passionate about art, technology, and innovation in the auction field.