Career Spotlight: Artist Liaison
Solo show, Mathias Hornung, Washed Up To The Surface. Courtesy of Anna Laudel Gallery, Istanbul
There are many different careers in the arts. TWoA will introduce them to you, one job at a time. Let’s start with “artist liaison.” We are handing the microphone to Melis Seven who is working at Anna Laudel Gallery in Istanbul, Turkey.
At its core, an artist liaison facilitates the relationship between an artist and a gallery, making sure ideas, expectations, and practical realities align as smoothly as possible. It's a position that requires both sensitivity and structure: understanding artistic processes while also navigating timelines, logistics and communication.
On a day to day level, I collaborate closely with a group of international artists, each with their own working rhythms, conceptual approach, and needs. My job is to stay in tune with those differences. Sometimes that means checking in on the progress of works, other times it's about helping shape how a project will eventually be presented, whether in an exhibition, a fair, or a publication. I often act as a bridge, connecting the artist's vision and the gallery’s framework.
There is also a strong organizational side to what I do. I help keep track of artworks, deadlines and exhibition planning processes. This might include coordinating shipments, assisting with installation timelines, or preparing materials that contextualize the work like exhibition texts, press releases, and labels. It's as detail oriented as it sounds, but it directly supports how the art is perceived by the audience.
Alongside the planning and organizing, writing plays an important role in my job.I regularly contribute to writing exhibition texts, and at times, press releases that frame artists’ work for a broader audience. This is where my interest in writing and storytelling comes in, translating visual and conceptual ideas into language that is both accessible and engaging. It allows me to participate more directly in shaping how artworks are interpreted and communicated beyond the gallery space.
The role isn’t fully administrative; artist liaisons bring a conceptual layer to the job. I am not just managing tasks, I am thinking about how artworks communicate, how exhibitions come together, and how different elements contribute to a larger narrative. This perspective helps me support artists in a way that goes beyond logistics, engaging with their work on a more meaningful level.
What I appreciate most about being an artist liaison is that it's inherently relational. It's about building ongoing connections with artists, but also with their ideas. Every project feels different, shaped by the people involved and the context it exists in. The role allows me to stay close to the creative process without being the one producing the work, which creates a unique position of both involvement and observation.
Overall, what I do is help make things happen behind the scenes. I ensure that communication flows, that projects stay on track, and that artists feel supported throughout. It’s a mix of coordination, writing, taking care of practical tasks, and critical thinking. It feels essential to how contemporary art is produced and presented today.
Solo show, Mathias Hornung, Washed Up To The Surface. Courtesy of Anna Laudel Gallery