Exhibition Curator
What is an exhibition curator?
An exhibition curator is someone who plans and organizes exhibitions in museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions. They are responsible for selecting artworks or artifacts, designing the layout of the exhibition, and overseeing the installation process.
What does an exhibition curator do?
Usually, an exhibition curator does the following:
- Researches and selects artworks or artifacts to be included in an exhibition
- Collaborates with artists, collectors, and lenders to acquire artworks for display
- Designs the layout of the exhibition, including the arrangement of artworks and the creation of display materials
- Works with a team of technicians to install and maintain the exhibition
- Writes exhibition labels, catalog essays, and promotional materials
- Collaborates with marketing teams to promote the exhibition to the public
- Conducts tours and gives presentations about the exhibition
- Manages budgets and timelines to ensure the successful execution of the exhibition
What does the day-to-day life of an exhibition curator look like?
An exhibition curator typically works regular office hours, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm. However, during the planning and installation of an exhibition, they may need to work longer hours and on weekends. Some of the tasks they might do include:
- Researching and selecting artworks or artifacts for upcoming exhibitions
- Communicating with artists, collectors, and lenders to secure loans and acquisitions
- Developing exhibition concepts and designs
- Collaborating with technicians to install artworks and create exhibition displays
- Writing exhibition labels and promotional materials
- Meeting with marketing teams to discuss promotion strategies
- Conducting tours and presentations for visitors
- Attending meetings with other museum staff and stakeholders
Where does an exhibition curator work?
Exhibition curators usually work in museums, galleries, or other cultural institutions. They can be employed by public or private organizations. The size of the institution can vary, from small local galleries to large national museums. Some curators may also work on a freelance or contract basis, curating exhibitions for different organizations.
What tools/software/hardware does an exhibition curator use?
An exhibition curator uses various tools and software, including:
- Research materials: Books, journals, and online databases for art and artifact research
- Design software: Design programs like Adobe Photoshop or InDesign for creating exhibition layouts and promotional materials
- Project management software: Tools like Microsoft Excel or Trello for organizing exhibition timelines, budgets, and tasks
- Audiovisual equipment: Presentation tools like projectors, microphones, and speakers for giving talks and lectures
What do I need to become an exhibition curator?
There are a number of ways to become an exhibition curator, including:
- Bachelor's degree: A degree in art history, museum studies, or a related field is often required for entry-level positions. Examples of relevant degrees are BA (Hons) Art History or BA (Hons) Museum Studies.
- Master's degree: Many curators hold a Master's degree in a related field, which can provide a deeper knowledge of art history and museum practices. Examples of relevant degrees are MA Curating or MA Museum Studies.
- Internships and work experience: Gaining practical experience through internships or volunteer work in museums or galleries can provide valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities.
What career paths are available?
There are various career paths available to exhibition curators, including:
- Senior Exhibition Curator: This role involves curating larger and more complex exhibitions, overseeing a team of curators, and taking on leadership responsibilities. To start on this path, curators can gain experience and expertise in their field and showcase a successful track record of curated exhibitions.
- Museum Director: Some curators may eventually become museum directors, where they are responsible for the overall management, strategy, and direction of a museum or cultural institution. This role often requires extensive experience in the museum field and strong leadership skills. Curators can start on this path by gaining managerial experience and demonstrating their ability to lead exhibitions and teams.
- Art Consultant: Curators with expertise in specific art fields may choose to work as art consultants, advising private collectors, corporations, or institutions on acquisitions, collections management, and exhibition curation. This career path often requires building a strong network in the art world and establishing a reputation for expertise and professionalism.
What jobs are similar to an exhibition curator?
- Art Gallery Manager: Overseeing the daily operations of an art gallery, including curating exhibitions, managing staff, and promoting artists.
- Museum Educator: Developing and delivering educational programs and activities for museum visitors, such as guided tours and workshops.
- Art Appraiser: Assessing the value and authenticity of artworks for collectors, insurance purposes, or legal matters.
- Archivist: Managing and preserving historical records, documents, and artifacts in museums, archives, and libraries.