Position: Gallery & Programs Manager

Location: Artawi Gallery, Addis Ababa

Type: Full-Time

About Artawi Gallery

Artawi Gallery is an independent art space based in Addis Ababa, founded in December 2023. The gallery focuses primarily on photography while also supporting emerging painters and multidisciplinary artists.

Since its opening, Artawi Gallery has hosted over 20 exhibitions, along with a range of public programs including art talks, workshops, and community-driven initiatives. The gallery continues to build a growing creative community through both exhibitions and experimental projects.

Role Overview

Artawi Gallery is looking for a dedicated and highly responsible individual to take on a central role in the gallery’s daily operations and program execution.

This position goes beyond traditional gallery management. The selected candidate will act as a key representative of the gallery—managing artists, coordinating exhibitions, leading community programs, and handling communications and content production on behalf of the gallery.

This is a hands-on role that requires ownership, initiative, and creative sensitivity.

Key Responsibilities

1. Daily Gallery Operations

  • Manage the day-to-day running of the gallery (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

  • Ensure the space is clean, organized, and professionally maintained

  • Create a welcoming and engaging experience for visitors

  • Receive guests, guide them through exhibitions, and represent the gallery

  • Handle small operational needs, including preparing basic refreshments when required

2. Artist & Exhibition Management

  • Receive, organize, and manage artist submissions and proposals

  • Coordinate with founders to review and select artists

  • Communicate with artists throughout the exhibition process

  • Assist in planning, scheduling, and executing exhibitions

  • Support installation and preparation of exhibitions (hands-on when needed)

3. Programs & Project Execution

  • Lead and execute gallery programs and initiatives, including:

    • Analog photography projects

    • Photography lab activities

    • Workshops, talks, and community events

  • Work closely with the founders to develop ideas and ensure implementation

  • Take responsibility for delivering projects from concept to completion

4. External Communication & Coordination

  • Manage communication with media, partners, and external organizations

  • Represent the gallery in external interactions and collaborations

  • Coordinate services needed by the gallery, including printing, production, and other vendors

  • Handle logistics and follow-ups on behalf of the gallery

5. Content & Promotion

  • Collaborate with the founders to create promotional content for exhibitions and programs

  • Assist in producing artist videos, documentation, and visual materials

  • Support storytelling around exhibitions, artists, and gallery activities

  • Help maintain a consistent visual and communication style for the gallery

6. Community Development

  • Build and maintain a database of photographers and artists

  • Register and manage members of the photography community

  • Organize events that engage and grow the creative network

  • Contribute to strengthening the local photography ecosystem

Qualifications & Skills

  • Strong interest in photography and contemporary art

  • Basic skills or interest in photo/video content creation is a plus

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

  • Highly organized and proactive

  • Ability to take initiative and work independently

  • Comfortable with hands-on tasks and problem-solving

  • Experience in galleries, cultural spaces, or creative projects is a plus

Working Conditions

  • Full-time position (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

  • Two days off per week

  • Flexibility required during exhibition openings and special events

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who is not just managing a space, but representing it and helping tell its story. This role is for a person who is willing to take ownership, grow with the gallery, and play an active role in shaping its future.