What Does an Art Museum Curator Do?

Art|Art Museum

An art museum curator is a professional whose job is to oversee the collection, exhibition and interpretation of works of art in an art museum. They are responsible for developing a collection of artwork that reflects the mission and vision of the museum, as well as creating educational programs and events related to the artwork in their care. The curator also plays a key role in fundraising for the museum, by engaging with donors and other stakeholders.

Curators work with their staff to develop exhibitions that are both educational and engaging for visitors. This includes selecting artwork from the collection or commissioning new works from artists, arranging pieces in galleries or installations, writing interpretive materials about the artworks, and designing interactive experiences for visitors.

Curators also work with conservators to ensure that artwork is properly cared for over time.

In addition to curating exhibitions, art museum curators also manage collections. This includes researching provenance to determine ownership rights and authenticity of artworks; cataloguing items; classifying them according to medium or style; evaluating and appraising objects; acquiring new pieces through purchase or donation; lending pieces out to other institutions; and deaccessioning items when appropriate.

The curator is also involved in fundraising efforts by engaging with donors, attending public events related to their museum’s mission, participating in grant writing initiatives, and developing relationships with corporate sponsors.

Conclusion:

An art museum curator is a highly skilled professional who plays an important role in preserving and interpreting works of art. They must have expertise in both curating exhibitions as well as managing collections. Furthermore, they are integral when it comes to fundraising efforts for their institution.