Auction Specialist for Contemporary Art (Online Auctions)

33 Auction Pte Ltd; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A contemporary art auction house in Singapore is seeking an Auction Specialist for Contemporary Art to manage online auctions and curate contemporary artworks. The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of relevant experience, strong knowledge of contemporary art, and excellent communication skills. This role requires a passion for art and technology, with opportunities for market analysis and client engagement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in an auction house, gallery, or art consultancy.
• Strong knowledge of international and Southeast Asian contemporary art.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Source and evaluate contemporary artworks for online auction.
• Write concise catalogue entries and coordinate photography.
• Manage the full lifecycle of online auctions.
• Cultivate relationships with collectors and advisors.
• Monitor artist performance and market trends.

Skills

Knowledge of contemporary art

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Market analysis

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Art History or related discipline

Tools

Online auction platforms

CRM systems

Job description

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.