Curator

The roles and responsibilities of a curator include managing collections at libraries, museums and other historically significant sites. Curator looks after items in an exhibition or collection. It is his job to oversee the acquisition of new collectibles, conducting research on them, and displaying them for public or private viewings. Curators perform a wide range of roles. For instance, many curators take up the additional responsibilities of promoting and organizing special events in the museum. They administer the working of the museums or libraries. The job of a curator is very specialized. He has to perform variety of important job duties. Most of the curators are very experienced and educated in their field. Curators are considered as highly influential in the cultural sector.

It is their prerogative to decide what should/can be shown in exhibitions and held in collections. One decision taken by them can affect the career of several artists. Curators are handed over hefty budgets for the maintenance of museums. Considering the importance given to ancient cultures, relics, antiquities, ancient artworks etc by governments all over the world, the role of a curator acquires huge significance. Curators are specialists in one or several types of exhibit. For example, it could be a medium like photography or a particular style of work or a certain period of history, such as before BC. Curators can also be found at art galleries where they work closely with artists to create wonderful artworks in a specified manner.

Curators work with other artists and experts while choosing the certain kind of works that are to be displayed. They also write ‘interpretations’ accompanying different art items. Many curators are involved in fundraising for exhibitions and providing educational tools for academic purposes. Now a day, curators can also be found in online space that work with digital medium instead of physical content. A museum is a very special place housing numerous historical and unique objects and curators are specialists who manage all these objects.

If you are eager to make a career as a curator, then you must complete your master’s in art history, museum studies, or other related field. Many curators have a doctorate degree. The course cover subjects like art, history, public relations, museum studies, and museum practices. It is a good idea to complete internships or volunteer in a museum or gallery while pursuing your education. This helps in gaining valuable practical experience in the field.

Famous curators are renowned for presenting research articles on their subjects, in print and at conferences and talks. One must start as an assistant curator and work in independent galleries which will make the process of moving to larger institutions much easier. Few institutions of repute have also started to offer professional courses in diverse fields like art management, public history, museum studies and curatorial practice. Famous art colleges like Royal College of Art, Kingston University, and Goldsmiths College (University of London) etc offer professional courses for curators.

Curators can find employment opportunities at national and independent museums, libraries, art galleries and educational institutions etc.

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