Art Curators wield their hard-earned knowledge of paintings, sculptures, ancient artefacts, or even commonplace objects to promote universal understanding and appreciation of our art, history, and cultural heritage. Continue Reading
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What are the typical responsibilities of an Art Curator?
An Art Curator would typically need to:
Art Curators may work in spaces as diverse as corporate offices, archives, storage vaults, exhibition halls, the local community, labs, research facilities, and remote archaeological sites, with distinctive features and attendant issues. Depending on the organisation's size, they may work at a desk or on the floor, talking to visitors.
Art Curators collaborate with conservators, educators, and designers for exhibitions and events. Travel for off-site visits, research work, meetings, potential acquisitions, and attendance at conferences may depend on one’s place of work and the nature of one’s role.
Art Curators work 40-45 hours per week with a frequent requirement for overtime in the evenings, on the weekends, and on holidays based on organisational/client needs.
Research suggests that flexible hours and generous telework policies appeal more than salary to the younger generation. There has been an incremental increase in employers willing to give promising employees a chance to adjust their schedules per the job demands.
Finding a new job may be challenging. Art Curators can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.
Art Curators are generally employed by:
Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Association of Curators of Contemporary Art (IKT), are crucial for Art Curators interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.
Professional associations provide members with continuing education, networking opportunities, and mentorship services. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.
Prospective Art Curators can choose multiple ways to gain crucial pre-entry work experience, become familiar with public relations, build a robust network of valuable contacts, and improve their prospects of getting a permanent job. The experience may also help determine whether the public, private or voluntary sector is best suited to realise one’s ambitions.
Your educational provider’s career service department can provide information about viable work placements, internships and voluntary work opportunities in diverse sectors. Candidates who submit clear-sighted and purposeful applications stand a better chance of beating the fierce competition for all available positions.
Suppose your academic programme does not entail internships, volunteer programmes, or work placements in partnership with reputed museums, galleries, and national institutions. In that case, smaller establishments may be more open to admitting student volunteers and interns.
Students can benefit from tasks outside the classroom that align perfectly with lessons inside it. In addition, one may hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.
Aspirants with a relevant bachelor’s degree may be able to begin as assistant/junior curators or museum technicians. Three to four years of experience in an ambient environment may be an acceptable substitute for relevant academic qualifications. Student volunteers willing to relocate are more likely to secure these hypercompetitive jobs with low turnover rates.
A handful of work-based graduate training schemes combine classroom education and practical lessons with self-directed study. Also on offer are graduate and postgraduate apprenticeship programmes for working professionals who want qualification and skill training.
Even while in high school, you can check with a teacher or counsellor about relevant work-based learning opportunities available in your school or community that can help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.
Join your school’s art club/society, take up art history classes, volunteer in museums, participate in art exhibitions and events to develop your research skills and begin networking.
Debates, foreign language classes, and leadership roles in clubs and societies will help you develop vital public speaking skills. High school may also afford you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with tools and software used by artists and art professionals.
Now may be the most suitable time to begin a portfolio showcasing your accomplishments as you build your professional competence and experience. Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experienced Art Curators to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.
A bachelor’s degree in art, art history, fine arts, archaeology, anthropology, museum/gallery studies, arts administration, event/exhibition management, or history helps one acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level assistant Art Curator positions in smaller galleries.
Conversely, many large institutions prefer a candidate with a master’s degree or a Ph.D. in art history, museum studies, or curatorial studies. Advanced coursework oriented toward a wide range of periods and styles, critical theories, and curatorial practices of art and architecture can help students gain profound mastery over art curation.
Although they may come from varied academic backgrounds, it would help if Art Curators acquire credentials in specific art movements, periods, cultures, or mediums that sync with their professional aspirations. For example, a curator specialising in ancient artefacts should hold a pertinent degree in classical studies, ancient history, or archaeology.
Recommended high school courses include fine arts, art history, studio art, history, literature, business, marketing, technology, design, and museum studies (if available).
English and speech classes will help you develop your research, writing, and oral communication skills.
Acquiring proficiency in a foreign language, particularly one frequently used in art, such as French, German, or Italian, may yield advantageous outcomes.
Remember that completing a particular academic course does not guarantee entry into the profession. Be that as it may, professional qualifications and transferable skills may open up more than one door.
Do your homework and look into all available options for education and employment before enrolling in a specific programme. Reliable sources that help you make an educated decision include associations and employers in your field.
While not mandatory, licensure and certification that align with their specific interests and career goals within the curatorial field demonstrate an Art Curator’s competency typically through work experience, training and passing an examination. In addition, successful programmes protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.
Certifications in curation, management, institutional protection, archiving, and fundraising for museums and cultural institutions from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market and carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent.
Licensing requirements can vary from one region to another. Individual government entities conduct the licensing process. It typically requires passing an examination after meeting eligibility requirements, such as a minimum level of education, work experience, or training.
Art Curators may also need to undergo an employment background check, including but not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media and drug screening.
Art Curators can expect diverse career pathways available to them in the dynamic landscape of art-centric museums, galleries, art fairs, online platforms, and digital media.
Upon accumulating experience and success with curating collections and organising events, one may expect promotion to roles such as Senior Curator or Head/Chief Art Curator if employed by large institutions.
Eventually, one may be considered for more comprehensive leadership positions with a significant increase in high-level administrative and managerial duties. Lateral movement between sectors is expected at the Senior Manager or Technical Specialist stages.
The growth of digital platforms and consequent ease in setting up virtual exhibitions and launching digital galleries has popularised the notion of becoming an Independent Curator, a Corporate/Government Consultant, or a Conservation/Art Education Specialist.
You could focus on arts and crafts to coordinate exhibitions, direct your attention to digital publications and write online content, or gravitate toward theoretical palaeontology or ethnography.
The desire to accelerate career growth and personal development has an increasing number of millennials choosing to job hop and build a scattershot resume that showcases ambition, motivation, and the desire to learn a broad range of skills.
Studies prove that job hopping, earlier dismissed as “flaky” behaviour, can lead to greater job fulfilment. Employees searching for a positive culture and exciting work are willing to try out various roles and workplaces and learn valuable, transferable skills along the way.
Art Curators with the necessary research and communication skills, a discerning eye for art, experience working in museums and galleries, and relevant academic foundations have the best job prospects.
Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Art Curator build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity,
formal education, or self-directed learning.
Continue to hone your research and communication skills and add noteworthy projects and exhibitions to your portfolio to engage the attention of and establish productive relationships with donors and key stakeholders, such as local communities, governing bodies, research institutions, and potential employers.
Seek every opportunity to attend gallery openings, art fairs, conferences, and workshops to network within the art community and stay abreast of emerging art forms and the latest industry developments.
Curators interested in senior positions with premier establishments would benefit from business administration, public relations, marketing, income generation, budgeting, and financial management courses. Some employers may prefer candidates with a relevant doctoral degree.
Certificate programmes in museum studies, curatorial studies, art business, and cultural heritage preservation may be worth looking into. The International Council of Museums (ICOM) offers training programmes, research opportunities, and resources to guide your journey as a curator.
In addition to offering the opportunity to continually upskill, regardless of one’s age, job, or level of knowledge, CPD also enables the periodic renewal of desirable certifications, which increase your chances of advancement and becoming an independent consultant.
Made-to-Measure Niches
Their expertise in diverse fields leads curators to make their professional mark in different areas.
Art Curators focus on the research, acquisition, and exhibition of artworks in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions dedicated to visual arts. Museum curators manage and interpret collections specific to the natural history, science and cultural museums that employ them.
Archaeological curators help museums and institutions preserve and interpret artefacts, tools, pottery, or human remains from ancient civilisations. Museums focusing on ethnography or cultural anthropology employ ethnographic curators to manage their collections of cultural artefacts, traditional objects, or indigenous art from different regions.
Science and natural history museums and research institutions hire science curators to manage scientific collections and communicate relevant information to the public.
Special collections curators manage and preserve rare books, manuscripts, historical documents, and unique archive materials housed in libraries, archives, or academic institutions.
Which One Kindles Your Imagination?
Curators of Paintings, who may specialise in contemporary, modern, impressionist, European, American, or expressionistic art forms, focus on researching, relocating, framing and positioning artworks in museums and galleries.
Digital/Installation Art Curators use projection techniques and digital installations to create immersive environments. Curators of Sculpture focus on the research, exhibition, and acquisition of ancient sculptures from Western Europe, India, and other ancient civilisations.
Curators of Ceramics, Metals, and Glass study and research stained and painted glass, ancient pottery, and vintage copper objects from medieval to contemporary eras. Craft Curators engage with skilled local artisans to plan and organise exhibitions related to old handicrafts, decorative arts, and studio arts, such as pottery, weaving, woodturning, or metalwork.
Curator vs. Dealer vs. Collector vs. Gallerist
Curators select and display artwork, manage shipping and documentation for artists, and write content for exhibitions. A master’s degree in art and art history makes them experts on the art market, ethics, and laws.
Dealers buy and sell art strategically, either by personally sponsoring the artist or without any personal interaction with the latter. Gallerists represent artists, offer them space to exhibit their talent and liaise with collectors and art organisers to promote the interests of the artists under their patronage.
Current Scenario
The employment outlook of a particular profession may be impacted by diverse factors, such as the time of year, location, employment turnover, occupational growth, size of the occupation, and industry-specific trends and events that affect overall employment.
The growing prominence of museums, galleries, and art fairs has resulted in a heightened demand for curators who can innovatively manage and present captivating art collections.
The emergence of online platforms and digital media has further broadened their global reach, enabling collaborations with institutions worldwide, virtual exhibition curation, and the establishment of digital galleries.
The field is expected to grow at a promising annual rate, and job prospects are expected to be bright for qualified and experienced Art Curators.
Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs. Full-Time Employment
Freelancing Art Curators have more flexible work schedules and locations. They fully own the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.
On the other hand, full-time Art Curators have company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.
When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.
An Art Curator’s journey, where passion meets preservation and every exhibit becomes a masterpiece of cultural engagement, is filled with inspiration and improvisation. Interested individuals embrace the allure of the art world and use their creative genius to shape its fascinating narrative.
“A good curator tells a good story and can surprise the spectator. They can build up a story in which something we know little about connects with something we do not know yet, removing the learning process. A good curator creates sources of knowledge that inspire and to which we aspire.”
- Julius Wiedemann, Founder & Managing Director at Afluente Publishing
Surveys done in 2016 reveal that the largest museums typically display only about 5% of their collections at any time.
What do Art Curators do?
An Art Curator would typically need to:
Accredited
