Curators
What is a Curator?
A curator is a professional responsible for the organization, management, and overall stewardship of collections, particularly in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. They play a pivotal role in preserving and interpreting cultural heritage, ensuring that artifacts, artworks, and historical items are appropriately exhibited and accessible to the public. Curators conduct research on the items in their collections, often providing contextual background that enhances public understanding of the works. This includes writing exhibition catalogues, developing educational programs, and leading tours that engage visitors with the material. Additionally, curators collaborate with artists, scholars, and other stakeholders to create meaningful exhibitions that reflect current trends, social issues, and historical significance. A curator's work not only involves the physical aspects of collection management, such as conservation and display, but also encompasses curatorial decisions regarding acquisitions, deaccessioning, and strategic planning for future exhibitions and educational outreach. Their role is essential in fostering an appreciation for cultural heritage and promoting public accessibility to art and history.
Tasks
- Plan and organize the acquisition, storage, and exhibition of collections and related materials, including the selection of exhibition themes and designs, and develop or install exhibit materials.
- Develop and maintain an institution's registration, cataloging, and basic record-keeping systems, using computer databases.
- Plan and conduct special research projects in area of interest or expertise.
- Provide information from the institution's holdings to other curators and to the public.
- Negotiate and authorize purchase, sale, exchange, or loan of collections.
Technology Skills
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Data base user interface and query software
- Artsystems Collections
- Database software
- FileMaker Pro
- Microsoft Access
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Graphics or photo imaging software
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Graphics software
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Object or component oriented development software
- Perl
- Python
- R
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Office suite software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Microsoft Office software
Tools Used
- Screwdrivers
- Scanners
- Mat cutter
- Levels
- Utility knives
Knowledge
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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History and Archeology
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
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Fine Arts
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
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Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
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Sociology and Anthropology
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Skills
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Abilities
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Master's degree
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Doctoral degree
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Post-baccalaureate certificate
Awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master
Work Activities
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Detailed Work Activities
- Order instructional or library materials or equipment.
- Construct exhibits or parts of exhibits.
- Develop library or archival databases.
- Research topics in area of expertise.
- Provide information to the general public.
Work Interests
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$38000.0 - $107860.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.