Sophie Macpherson — international vacancies and career opportunities in the arts

Building a career in the international arts sector can be just as challenging as finding a grant or residency. Job opportunities are scattered across museum and gallery websites, requirements vary from country to country, and recruitment processes often require a good understanding of the art market. This is why many arts professionals use Sophie Macpherson — a specialised international recruitment agency focused on the arts and culture sector.
For more than 20 years, the company has helped galleries, museums, art fairs, auction houses, artists’ studios, collectors, and cultural organisations find qualified staff, while supporting candidates in developing their professional careers internationally. Unlike traditional job boards, the platform combines job listings with career guidance and candidate support.

What jobs can you find
The platform features opportunities from galleries, museums, artists’ studios, art fairs, auction houses, and non-profit organisations. Some of the most frequently advertised positions include:
— artist assistants;
— gallery staff;
— arts managers;
— art sales professionals;
— marketing specialists;
— exhibition technicians;
— directors and managers of cultural institutions.
The platform is particularly valuable for artists. It regularly features artist assistant, studio assistant, and studio manager positions that are rarely advertised on large international job platforms. Many listings include detailed information about responsibilities, required experience, and salary ranges, allowing candidates to assess opportunities before applying.

How the application process works
After submitting an application, a recruitment consultant responsible for the position reviews the candidate’s CV. If the applicant’s experience matches the employer’s requirements, the consultant contacts them directly and guides them through the recruitment process.
The company specifically emphasises that candidate information is never shared with employers without prior consent, and all applications are handled confidentially.
Even if there is no suitable vacancy at the moment, candidates can submit their CV to the agency’s database and receive information about future opportunities as they become available.

Geographical focus
Although the company operates internationally and has offices in London and New York, most opportunities are concentrated in the United Kingdom and the United States. New positions are regularly posted in London, New York, Los Angeles, and Paris, as well as in other European cities.
It is important to note that many positions require legal authorisation to work in the relevant country. If visa sponsorship is available, this is usually stated in the job description.

What makes this resource different from typical job websites
The key difference is that Sophie Macpherson is not simply a job board. The company acts as an intermediary between employers and candidates, helping both sides find the most suitable match.
Particular attention is given to confidentiality, personalised candidate support, deep knowledge of the art sector, and long-term professional development. This approach is especially valuable for professionals entering the international job market for the first time.

Who will benefit most from this resource
The platform can be particularly useful for:
— artists and artist assistants;
— museum and gallery professionals;
— curators and arts managers;
— art sales specialists;
— cultural managers;
— graduates of art programmes;
— professionals planning an international career.
The resource is especially relevant for those interested in working in the United Kingdom and the United States, where a significant share of the published vacancies is located.

What to keep in mind
Sophie Macpherson is not an open job aggregator in the traditional sense. Many positions involve a preliminary screening process conducted by agency consultants, and the number of vacancies in Europe is generally smaller than the number of opportunities available in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Nevertheless, the platform remains one of the most specialised international resources for finding employment in the arts and culture sector, combining professional recruitment, career support, and access to vacancies from leading organisations in the art world.