Who We Are:
Frieze is the world’s leading platform for modern and contemporary art, dedicated to artists, galleries, collectors and art lovers alike. Frieze comprises three magazines – frieze, Frieze Masters Magazine and Frieze Week – and five international art fairs – Frieze London, Frieze Masters, Frieze New York, Frieze Los Angeles and Frieze Seoul. In October 2021, Frieze also launched No.9 Cork Street, a permanent space for visiting international galleries in the heart of Mayfair, London. Frieze is part of the IMG network.
The Role and What You'll Do:
Provide operational and local communication support on behalf of all HoDs to ensure the smooth execution of the fair and its programming initiatives in Seoul. Support research and logistics for potential new Frieze initiatives in support of the Fair Director and Business Development teams in Seoul and London.
Exhibitor Team and Gallery Support Operations
- Lead local shipping coordination with the Exhibitor team and the local shipping agencies including all support documentation related to gallery facing issues (including but not limited to customs, tax).
- Source local shipping vendors and foreign shipping vendors with local presence and coordinate on-site timing of on-site booth shipping and on-site storage.
- Research, source and liaison with Korean based gallery facing payment and art storage options.
- Research and strategize for VAT and customs policies for gallery facing shipping issues.
- Research and facilitate all necessary visa support documentation for the galleries. Research for possible visa waiver suggestions.
- Support Exhibitor Team with ad-hoc operational support requests.
Fair Program and Events Operations
- Frieze Film: assist all logistical and operational elements for the successful execution of Frieze Film programming in support of the curators and the Fair Program manager. These have in the past included site evaluations, equipment sourcing and costing, installation oversight, invoicing support, payment and the like.
- Frieze Talks: assist with any logistical and operational issues as relates to Frieze Talks in collaboration with KAMS and Kiaf. These have in the past included venue evaluations, rent negotiations, invoicing support, payment and the like.
- Frieze Artist Award: assist with any logistical and operational issues in support of the artist and the Fair Program manager in collaboration with all involved teams such as Production, COEX. These have in the past included equipment sourcing and costing, installation oversight, invoicing support, payment and the like.
- Frieze Live: assist with any logistical and operational issues in support of the artists, performers and the Fair Program manager in collaboration with all involved teams.
- Frieze Music: support and assist Partnership and Frieze Studios in logical and operational issues in support of Frieze Music such as venue research, event execution.
- Frieze Sculpture: assist in due diligence for possible sculpture project including site evaluations, material sourcing, costing etc.
- City Wide Art Nights: assist in the logistics when related to Hannam, Cheongdam, Samcheong night events.
- Misc. Programming: assist the Director and Fair Program manager in researching other possible program related initiatives at the fair. Identify potential venue sites for current and future Frieze events and programming.
- Support the operational delivery of other Frieze events as requested
- Contribute to the development of budgets for existing and potential new Frieze initiatives in conjunction with the Fair Director, HoDs, Fair Program Manager and others.
Marketing / Merchandise
- Ticketing: serves as the point person for Ticketing policy, operations and logistics to communicate between various parties such as Frieze Marketing, Frieze Exhibitor Team, Frieze Production, Frieze VIP, Kiaf, Govent, COEX and others.
- Assist in sourcing, logistics, customs, tax, shipping as related to merchandise for Frieze Seoul including special merchandise such as limited edition art prints and objects for special causes.
- Assist Marketing team in logistics as relates to city wide branding assets including Seoul city government assets, COEX assets bought by Frieze and or partner assets together with related Frieze teams.
- Serve as communication point between the venue and Frieze teams on issues such as use of screens, OOH media booking and other operational matters related to marketing and digital presence.
KIAF / Galleries Association and COEX Liaison
- Serve as point person for communication, develop and maintain relations with COEX and Kiaf in support of the various HoDs as it relates to the execution and logistics of the non-Production components of the fair (e.g. gallery support, programming)
Misc. Government Related Tasks
- Research and handle applications for government support when and where needed when such tasks do not fall under Programming, Marketing or Events.
- Support HoDs for any communication from programming, marketing, events as it relates to City Hall, government biennales, and the like.
- Transportation: continue to research improvements in city wide transportation options with taxi companies, private drivers, ride hailing services, private hire buses in collaboration and support of various HoDs as it relates to Fair Programming, Exhibitor Relations / Gallery Relations, VIP and Partnerships.
- Conduct research and inform Fair Director and HoDs on local Korean issues and policies related to tax, finance and legal matters and provide support for local communication and liaison on these issues.
Local Korean Vendor Liaison and Sourcing
- Provide general support in communicating with local stakeholders involved in Frieze programming and events and propose and negotiate with potential new contractions and freelancers to build vendor database.
Ad hoc Responsibilities:
- Ancillary to the support of the fair and programming, assist the Frieze 91/VIP/Partnership team on ad hoc basis for events.
- Work on other special projects that may launch in future, as needed.
- Other duties as assigned by the management team.
You Have These:
- Proven experience in event operations management, preferably with a minimum of 2-5 years in international events.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in both English and Korean, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate logistics, manage vendors, and oversee event execution effectively.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks efficiently.
- Proactive problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience in liaising with government agencies and obtaining necessary permits and licenses.
- Knowledge of Korean business practices, regulations, and cultural norms preferred.
- Proficiency in Outlook and the Microsoft Office suite.
- Ability to work flexible hours and travel as required.
Please note this role is for an initial 1-year contract, with the possibility of extension depending on business needs.