In the art world, the title of “curator” identifies a person who selects and often interprets different works of art, whether they be paintings, statues, tapestries, or video art. In addition to selecting works, the curator is often responsible for writing labels, catalog essays, and other content supporting art exhibitions.
Art curators have an eye for a variety of art forms and a passion for staging artwork in a way that creates interest in the exhibition space—whether it is small or large, contained within four walls, or staged outdoors.
Art Curator Duties and Responsibilities
As part of their regular duties and tasks, an art curator may perform some or all of the following:
- Manage collections by recording and cataloging artwork and items in collections
- Research objects to document identification and authentication
- Develop, plan, and execute various exhibitions
- Write acquisition and exhibition proposals
- Plan the presentation and installation of artwork and objects
- Create labels and interpretive materials for artwork
- Train docents and other museum staff on the exhibition’s presentation and information.
- Play an active role in the art community by publishing research and information to journals, catalogs, and books
- Have updated information about the art market and in-depth knowledge of the collections and exhibitions they manage
- Develop and oversee educational programs and plans to cultivate donors for their organization
Art Curator Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018, the yearly salary range of art curators is:
- Median Annual Salary: $53.780
- Top 10% Annual Salary: More than $86,480
- Bottom 10% Annual Salary: Less than $27,190
Curators employed at museums, historical sites, and similar institutions tend to earn average salaries on the lower end of the scale, and those working in a federally designated institution, like the National Gallery, earn an annual median salary on the higher end of the scale.
Education, Training, and Certification
The art curator position involves having specific knowledge and understanding of art and the art field obtained through college and post-graduate education.
- Education: While most curator positions require a master’s degree in art history or museology, smaller galleries may only require a bachelor’s degree in art or art history. Larger organizations typically require a master’s or doctorate in art or art history. Coursework should focus on art history and include a wide range of periods and styles of art and architecture.
- Experience: The curator position is usually open to those who have at least three to four years of experience in a museum or gallery environment. This could be an assistant curator, museum technician, or similar position.
Art Curator Skills and Competencies
In addition to education and other requirements, candidates that possess the following skills may be able to perform more successfully in the job:
- Management skills: The job requires having oversight and being responsible for a museum’s collection.
- A well-trained eye: A curator must be able to make the best quality selections of art and other items to be displayed in a museum or gallery.
- Exhibition skills: Skill in this area is critical for organizing art exhibitions in galleries or public spaces.
- Research skills: The job requires you to research artists and collect information about various works of art.
- Writing skills: A curator is tasked with producing the written material that goes with artwork and other items.
Job Outlook
Art curator positions are in high demand, and they’re limited by the number of galleries, museums, and other organizations dealing in art.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the expected job outlook for curators from 2018 to 2028 is growth of 10%, driven by continued and growing interest in museums and other centers that display cultural works.
Work Environment
Depending on the size of the organization, the curator may work at a desk or may spend their time out on the floor talking to visitors. The job may involve lifting heavy art objects and climbing ladders or scaffolding if they’re involved in restoration work.
