In case you haven’t noticed, a lot has happened over the past year. Once stable careers don’t feel so safe anymore, while completely new jobs that we could never have imagined have been created. It goes without saying that most things have become a lot more digital in nature. But who really are the power players in our “new” art world?! Let us tell you!
The NFT Artist
Did you know what an NFT was one month ago? Because we sure as hell didn’t! It looks like for the short-term at least, NFTs are a sure fire way to make your voice heard if you’re an artist. From Beeple to Damien Hirst, everyone’s cashing in on this new craze. Whether it’ll still be a thing in 2022, we’re not sure. But for 2021, you need to swot up on your knowledge of non-fungible tokens!
The Clubhouse Queen (Or King)
The art world has long been obsessed with social media. While Instagram used to be the app of choice, it’s shifting more and more towards Clubhouse. Part Zoom, part LinkedIn, it has an air of professionalism about it. The fact that it’s been such a hit is a little unexpected, since there’s absolutely no visuals, but hey, nothing surprises us these days!
The Online Gallerist
Online galleries were once sneered at, but now, they’re the future! As IRL spaces were forced to close their doors last year, blue-chip galleries which previously would never have been seen dead creating a digital space, completely embraced the introduction of technology. Being pretty much pandemic proof, and without high rent prices to worry about, the online gallery space seems like a win-win for everyone. Not to mention, people can pop in from all over the world!
Diversity Officers
OK, we’re not sure about the exact title for these jobs, but the museums and institutions are really trying to diversify their collections, as well as attract wider audiences. We’re super down with this, and we’re glad that the arts sphere is trying to make itself more accessible to people who previously felt un-welcomed. Art should be for everybody.
Social Media Managers
Those working in socials have finally received the credit they deserve. Possibly the most important staff at galleries and museums in 2020 (and remaining so in 2021…), social media professionals have proved to hold an ever-more vital role in connecting the art world with its audience. As more and more social networks pop up all the time, getting a job in the social media sphere is sure to be a safe bet.
Text Lizzy Vartanian
