Studio Manager

ORGANIZATION:
Martha Sturdy

DEADLINE:
Until Filled

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
Martha Sturdy’s contemporary sculptural practice investigates the primal qualities of raw and rugged materials, often combining industrial processes with organic matter to explore properties that are found in nature. Materiality plays an essential role within Sturdy’s work, involving a highly physical manipulation of rigid and challenging media ranging from resin, brass, steel, and aluminum, to salvaged wood from the rural and mountainous Canadian landscape. From the maquette-like wearable sculpture that adorned the models of New York in the 1980s, to her contemporary large-format sculptural practice, she has been featured in American, Italian and French Vogue, Wallpaper*,* Wall Street Journal, Harper’s Bazaar España, and Architectural Digest.

WEBSITE:
http://www.marthasturdy.com

JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Studio Manager role is a unique opportunity for a passionate and driven individual who has an understanding of the global contemporary art market. We are seeking a candidate with strong communication skills and the ability to build lasting connections with clientele and collectors. The role is designed for a detail-oriented, self-starter who is comfortable working independently. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3 years of experience in a related field, with a strong background in sales. The position will directly support the artist in all aspects of studio operations, with a primary focus on artwork acquisitions, loans, and exhibitions.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Art Acquisitions & Client Relations: Manage artwork acquisitions including incoming leads and proactive outreach to collectors, advisors, interior designers, and clients; liaise with museums, galleries, and institutional partners; facilitate sales initiatives with a focus on international markets.
● Project Management: Support private and public art projects from concept to execution, including proposals, renderings, vendor coordination, and timeline management.
● Studio Operations: Oversee studio operations, including warehouse logistics and warehouse team coordination; support with shipping, installation, scheduling, and artwork condition reporting.
● Artwork Inventory: Maintain up-to-date artwork inventory; arrange professional photography; produce sales documentation; manage contracts.
● Administrative Support: Handle day-to-day studio administration including artist calendar, scheduling, travel arrangements, and events; maintain CRM and contact databases; archive materials and press clippings; collaborate with PR team on capturing social media content and approval of publicity materials.

QUALIFICATIONS:
● 3+ years of experience in a similar role, preferably in a contemporary art studio or gallery setting.
● A strong background in sales and building client relationships is essential to the role.
● Familiarity with contemporary art market and gallery relationships; passion for the visual arts.
● Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, creative setting.
● Strong interpersonal skills with a calm, steady presence when managing timelines and team dynamics.
● Excellent written and verbal communication, as well as organization skills.
● Proficiency with technology including ArtGalleria, Salesforce, Sage, Outlook, and Adobe Creative Suite.
● Comfortable with physical studio work; lifting and handling of art objects.
● Experience supporting fabrication, installation, and hands-on studio practices.
● Bachelor’s degree in a related field is considered an asset.
● Eligible to work in Canada; currently live in the Vancouver area.

HOW TO APPLY:
Please forward your cover letter and resume to Martha Sturdy by email at info@marthasturdy.com

REMUNERATION:
The range for the hourly rate is $30 to $50 based on experience, with opportunity for additional performance-based commission on sales. The successful candidate may be required to work flexible hours. Expectation of 2–3 days of in-studio hours combined with remote work for ongoing management of artwork acquisitions and sales initiatives.