Duties
Most curators specialize in human history artifacts, natural history
specimens, or art objects. However, in smaller facilities, they may be
responsible for all collections.
In general, curators
- initiate and/or supervise collection development and research by studying
the subject area(s) of the museum's collections, and locating suitable
objects within the community or through field work (e.g. archaeological
excavations), or through other museums, private collectors, artists, dealers
and potential donors,
- conduct or supervise an acquisitions program in which objects are selected
or collected, researched, documented and catalogued,
- provide storage and ensure that acceptable environmental conditions are
maintained, and that collections are preserved (or delegate this work to
conservators),
- plan and assume a major role in organizing exhibitions by conducting
research, determining themes, selecting materials and acting as consultants
regarding the overall design,
- establish specifications criteria for reproductions, and oversee their
manufacture or select items from commercially available replica sources,
- prepare catalogues, grant applications, articles, texts/scripts and
promotional publications related to exhibitions and the museum's collections
in general,
- promote knowledge and study of the collection through lectures, tours,
workshops, exhibitions and websites, and
- train, supervise and coordinate the work of junior staff and volunteers.
Locating suitable objects may take only a few hours (e.g. talking with
potential donors, visiting local private collections), or it may take many weeks
and involve many people (e.g. archaeological excavations).
Working Conditions
Hours of work vary. Curators may work evenings and weekends conducting public
programs or working with volunteers. They are sometimes required to lift items
weighing up to 25 kilograms.
Skills, Interests, Values
Curators need the following characteristics:
- a natural curiosity and an interest in art, natural history or human
history,
- excellent research skills,
- good communication skills, both verbal and written, and
- the ability to work in a team environment.
Successful curators enjoy advising and coordinating the work of others,
taking a methodical approach to their work, and finding innovative solutions to
problems.
Education
Requirements
To research which US schools have graduate programs in the arts go to:
http://www.petersons.com/gradchannel/code/search.asp
Employment and Advancement
Curators are employed by
- public, private and corporate museums,
- art galleries,
- zoos,
- historic sites, and
- universities.
Curators may also work as private contractors.
Depending on their area of specialization and previous experience, curators
may be hired as junior curators in training positions or as senior curators in
charge of particular collections. Experience in museum work or operations may be
acquired through summer jobs, volunteer work or internships.
Curators are part of the larger "Conservators and Curators"
occupational group. In Alberta, employment in the "Conservators and
Curators" occupational group is concentrated (over 75%) in the following
industry sectors:
Employment
prospects in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of
factors, including
- the number of people in the occupation,
- the occupational growth rate, and
- trends and events in related industry sectors (see above).
Salary
Salaries depend on the organization involved, the size of the facility, the
responsibilities of the position and the qualifications of the curator.
To research salary ranges in the arts go to
www.jobstar.org
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