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Malaika
Student
1
Question
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What steps did you take to get into museum curation?
Hi,
I'm fresh out of high school, and I love all kinds of art, art history, cultural and ethnic studies, and history. I love making art myself, as well, and learning about other groups of people. I am thinking I want to go into Museum Curation. Wondering what steps you took to get into this field, does it bring you joy, and what does a day in the life look like? Is it rewarding? Does it pay well?
Thank you for your time!
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3 answers
Evette T
3
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Evette’s Answer
I don't work in the creative field now, but I was very involved in it during college. Many art museums offer intern programs or youth curation groups. These programs give students hands-on experience with curating and help them learn about the museum's art collection. It's also a great way to meet professionals in the creative field. Working in art curation is rewarding because it helps museum visitors understand and enjoy the art. As you advance in your career, it can also become a well-paying job.
Amber Singleton
Cross-Sector Creative Leader | Arts, Design Thinking & Innovation | Building Programs Connecting Education, Community & the Creative Economy | Program Director | Professional Artist
2
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Amber’s Answer
Hi Malaika,
I am not a curator, however I am a professional fine artist and educator and I am part of a thriving arts community in my city. My advice is the following:
Most curators have an MA or PhD in Art History, Curatorial Studies or a related field, but you don't need to immediately go into graduate school. I would work to get hands-on experience first. Look for roles like curatorial assistant or gallery assistant. Good places to check out are any local museums in your area, any private galleries or university galleries. (You can also look at places run by artists or nonprofits that primarily support the arts and artists.)
Some of the best ways to get experience would be to curate/organize small art exhibitions. (there are all types of spaces you could use--even your own home). Go to gallery shows, meet artists and network. Often you will meet people that will be interested in helping you as a young person who is looking to forward their career. So look for ways to collaborate with you local artists network.
Create a themed group show, write about artists and exhibitions, even curate an online exhibition(this is a great place to start). If you have friends who are artists, get them on board for an exhibition of their work. Even give them a theme and have them create art under that theme for the show. Start a blog post about your career aspirations and where you want to go, write about art/artists/critiques and reviews of shows in your area or anywhere.
The best thing you can do is get out there and network, let people see you, attend gallery openings, go to talks and panel discussions, talk to gallery staff and curators. Make sure you prepare questions so you are not "flying blind". Volunteer or assist on artist projects. When people know you and you do good work, they will provide references and recommendations for you.
In addition, pick a focus: contemporary art, media (photography/digital art etc), art from specific locations like African or Asian art. You can even focus on a theme in art like art for social change.
Curation is a very competitive field, but independent curating and alternative spaces for art are growing. You may even find that, while exploring curating, you may discover something else you want to do. You can also decide if you want to go the graduate school route.
Good Luck in Your Endeavors!
I am not a curator, however I am a professional fine artist and educator and I am part of a thriving arts community in my city. My advice is the following:
Most curators have an MA or PhD in Art History, Curatorial Studies or a related field, but you don't need to immediately go into graduate school. I would work to get hands-on experience first. Look for roles like curatorial assistant or gallery assistant. Good places to check out are any local museums in your area, any private galleries or university galleries. (You can also look at places run by artists or nonprofits that primarily support the arts and artists.)
Some of the best ways to get experience would be to curate/organize small art exhibitions. (there are all types of spaces you could use--even your own home). Go to gallery shows, meet artists and network. Often you will meet people that will be interested in helping you as a young person who is looking to forward their career. So look for ways to collaborate with you local artists network.
Create a themed group show, write about artists and exhibitions, even curate an online exhibition(this is a great place to start). If you have friends who are artists, get them on board for an exhibition of their work. Even give them a theme and have them create art under that theme for the show. Start a blog post about your career aspirations and where you want to go, write about art/artists/critiques and reviews of shows in your area or anywhere.
The best thing you can do is get out there and network, let people see you, attend gallery openings, go to talks and panel discussions, talk to gallery staff and curators. Make sure you prepare questions so you are not "flying blind". Volunteer or assist on artist projects. When people know you and you do good work, they will provide references and recommendations for you.
In addition, pick a focus: contemporary art, media (photography/digital art etc), art from specific locations like African or Asian art. You can even focus on a theme in art like art for social change.
Curation is a very competitive field, but independent curating and alternative spaces for art are growing. You may even find that, while exploring curating, you may discover something else you want to do. You can also decide if you want to go the graduate school route.
Good Luck in Your Endeavors!
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
194
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
I am not into museum curation.
But that does not necessarily mean I don't know a few things about museums.
I would, in order to get started, visit museums in your area, and talk to people in the administration. They are the individuals who will be more than able to answer your questions. And if you have specific questions they cannot answer fully, they may be able to put you in contact with a staff member or two who would be able to give your more complete and detailed answers.
In addition, I would visit private art galleries and find out what information they will be able to provide.
And of course, in all of this you will be able to take a look at all sorts of art and what specifically appeals to you.
And, in my opinion, you have something very important going for you: You are young, enthusiastic, have some knowledge of art, and are an artist yourself.
But that does not necessarily mean I don't know a few things about museums.
I would, in order to get started, visit museums in your area, and talk to people in the administration. They are the individuals who will be more than able to answer your questions. And if you have specific questions they cannot answer fully, they may be able to put you in contact with a staff member or two who would be able to give your more complete and detailed answers.
In addition, I would visit private art galleries and find out what information they will be able to provide.
And of course, in all of this you will be able to take a look at all sorts of art and what specifically appeals to you.
And, in my opinion, you have something very important going for you: You are young, enthusiastic, have some knowledge of art, and are an artist yourself.