In the artistic and cultural field, organizing a temporary exhibition is fairly common. The exhibition curator, also called a “curator,” is its main author. How do you train for this career? What is this professional’s salary? Here is everything you need to know in this article:
What Is the Role of an Exhibition Curator or Art Curator?
The exhibition curator, also called art curator, is always present during exhibitions at curatorial venues such as the Palais de Tokyo in Paris. Their goal is to make sure everything is in order before the opening of the room where the event will be held.
What Are the Missions of an Exhibition Curator?
Here are the different responsibilities of an exhibition curator:
- Design and organize exhibitions;
- Define the theme of the exhibition;
- Choose the different works to be exhibited;
- Negotiate with artists;
- Oversee every stage of the exhibition;
- Find financing;
- Design a catalog of the works to be presented;
- Advise artists;
- Distribute tasks and motivate teams.
The Skills Needed to Work as an Exhibition Curator
To practice this profession, several skills and personal qualities are required. The person must:
- Being creative;
- Being organized;
- Being a good listener;
- Enjoying teamwork;
- Having the qualities of a leader;
- Speaking several foreign languages;
- Having excellent people skills;
- Be a good negotiator.
As for technical skills, a good exhibition curator must:
- Having solid knowledge of art history
- Mastering the art market;
- Mastering budget and contract management;
- Having a solid grounding in management;
- Having some notions of property law;
Studies to Become an Exhibition Curator
How to become an exhibition curator? Those interested can join a leading school specialized in art and culture such as IESA. To train for the career of exhibition curator, this school offers several programs:
These programs are open with a bac+3 or after completing the Bachelor Expertise and Art Trade.
To be admitted, the candidate must register for an online admission session and then take a written test. A program director will then contact them for an individual interview.
For those who want to study in English, it is possible to join the following programs:
These two types of programs are open with a bac+4 or after a bachelor in Arts management. The admission methods remain the same.
What career progression is possible for an exhibition curator?
Exhibition curation: where to work?
The exhibition curator can work in many cultural institutions. They are found mainly in art museums, contemporary art centers, FRACs (Regional Contemporary Art Funds) and art foundations. They also work with private art galleries, auction houses or libraries. Local authorities also call on their services for biennials, festivals or one-off cultural events.
Exhibition Organizer: A Key Role
As an exhibition organizer, the curator is the conductor who coordinates every aspect of the event. They oversee logistics, manage the transport and installation of works, and serve as the link between the various contributors (artists, scenographers, registrars). They are also responsible for cultural mediation, organizing guided tours and lectures to bring the exhibition to life for the public.
In terms of future prospects, an exhibition curator can work as a self-employed professional. They can then create their own organization and carry out their own programs. They can also progress to become director of a gallery or art center.