PARIS.- In a significant move aimed at shedding light on the often-overlooked segment of the art world, Convelio, a leader in fine art logistics, and SML | Sophie Macpherson Limited, an expert in art recruitment, have joined forces to release the inaugural edition of the Art Operations Talent Report. Drawing from over 900 records collected through surveys from Convelio, SML, and ArtTactic, the report offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of art operations roles in the UK, Continental Europe, and the U.S.



The report delves deep into the challenges, opportunities, and trends experienced by both employees and employers in the art operations field, a sector critical to the functioning of the global art market but often overlooked in discussions dominated by curation and sales.



Key Findings Unveil Deep Concerns in the Industry

The report reveals significant insights into the mindset of professionals, with employee confidence in the art jobs market alarmingly low, averaging just 51.2 out of 100. The general unease reflects growing concerns about job security and opportunities for career advancement, particularly in a sector that has long been viewed as underappreciated.



One of the most striking findings is the high number of employees currently seeking new roles, with about half of the respondents actively looking for new opportunities. Among younger females in the 25-34 age bracket, this figure reaches 52.4%, compared to 37.1% of males in the same age group. The trend indicates an underlying dissatisfaction with the current state of job prospects, compounded by slow career progression and limited feedback mechanisms.



Additionally, the report highlights weak employer performance in key areas such as ‘Opportunities for Career Advancement’ and ‘Effective Feedback Loops’, both of which are rated poorly by employees. More than 76% of respondents report that salary increases are not tied to specific achievements, pointing to a broader need for improved career development and recognition structures within the industry.



Pay Disparities: Ethnic Inequalities and Gender Dynamics

One of the most pressing issues outlined in the report is the deep-rooted salary disparities across ethnic groups. White professionals earn substantially more than their colleagues from Asian, Black/Caribbean/African, and Hispanic/Latino communities. Moreover, these minority groups occupy a disproportionately low number of leadership roles, underlining the persistent issue of unequal representation and compensation in the industry.

The report also brings attention to another marginalized group: professionals with disabilities. These individuals face a staggering 19.6% pay gap, translating into an annual shortfall of €10,657. This inequity underscores the urgent need for more inclusive practices and fairer wage structures for all employees, regardless of background or physical ability.



In an unexpected twist, the report finds that women earn slightly more than men, with an average pay difference of -3.39% in favor of women. This anomaly is largely driven by strong equal pay legislation, though experts caution that the figure doesn’t tell the full story.

Educational Attainment and Its Impact on Pay

Another area of interest is the influence of education on earnings. Surprisingly, Bachelor’s degree holders tend to earn 15.7% more than their Postgraduate counterparts, a gap likely attributed to their earlier entry into the workforce. Meanwhile, Doctorate holders—while commanding the highest salaries—often experience slower financial returns on their substantial investment in education.



This finding challenges traditional notions of the correlation between higher education and increased pay, raising questions about the value and timing of further academic pursuits for those entering the art operations world.

Industry Leaders Speak Out

In an industry often focused on the glamorous and highly visible aspects of art—such as curation, exhibitions, and sales—the voices of art operations professionals are seldom heard. However, the Art Operations Talent Report seeks to change that narrative by putting a spotlight on the people behind the scenes, whose work is indispensable to the smooth functioning of the global art market.



Edouard Gouin, CEO and Co-founder of Convelio, emphasized the significance of recognizing these roles:
"Art operations professionals play a critical yet often underappreciated role in the art world, quietly supporting the market’s foundation while sales and curation take center stage. It’s time to bring these essential roles into the spotlight. This report doesn’t just offer data - it aims to challenge our industry to value the expertise that keeps it running."

For Gouin, the report is more than just a collection of statistics; it’s a call to action aimed at ensuring that the professionals who keep the art world functioning are fairly compensated, properly recognized, and provided with ample opportunities for advancement.



Rosie Allan, Managing Director of SML, echoed Gouin’s sentiments, stressing the report’s role in promoting greater transparency and fairness:
"This report represents a major step forward in our efforts to promote pay transparency, tackle disparities through greater awareness, and reaffirm our commitment to applying decades of data and insights to better support both clients and candidates."

For Allan, the findings serve as both a wake-up call and a tool for transformation. She hopes that the report will lead to actionable changes that foster a more equitable environment for art operations professionals.

Looking Ahead: Building a More Equitable Future

The Art Operations Talent Report arrives at a time when issues of equity, transparency, and inclusion are at the forefront of many industries, including the art world. Its findings offer a roadmap for both employees and employers to improve the working conditions and career prospects for art operations professionals.



By highlighting specific areas for improvement—such as establishing clearer pathways for career advancement, fostering better communication between employees and employers, and addressing pay disparities—the report sets the stage for meaningful reform. Ultimately, the goal is to build a more supportive, balanced, and inclusive art market, where all professionals can thrive.

As Gouin succinctly puts it:
"Our goal is simple: to spark real, lasting change and to ensure these professionals receive the recognition, support, and opportunities they deserve, helping to build a more balanced and equitable art market."

With the release of this report, Convelio and SML have taken the first step in ensuring that the essential but often invisible work of art operations professionals receives the recognition it has long deserved. As the industry continues to evolve, this report may well serve as a benchmark for change, guiding future efforts toward a more inclusive and transparent art world.

Find the report here.