Do you aspire to become a collections manager? It is recommended to train at a school specializing in the art market such as IESA, recognized in this field. Here is everything you need to know to be able to practice this profession:
What is a collections manager?
The collections manager profession consists mainly of ensuring administrative and scientific management, analysis, and the enhancement of art collections and holdings.
What are the duties of the collections manager?
Various tasks fall to the collections manager to achieve their objectives, notably setting up and monitoring a preventive conservation program and the restoration of artworks. This professional also carries out the inventory, classification, and cataloging of the collection and is responsible for enriching it.
In addition, they contribute to training documentation activities. Developing the information program related to the works is also among the duties of the collections manager. They take part in setting up a dissemination policy and in the implementation of promotion activities (through exhibitions, publications, etc.). This expert also handles the administrative management of acquisitions as well as movements of works.
What Skills Are Required to Become a Collections Manager?
Working as a collections manager requires certain skills. Among other things, this profession calls for good scientific knowledge related to the field of work (history of institutions, art history…). Applicants must master collection and heritage holdings management techniques and heritage legislation and regulations. They must of course also know the art market sector and its institutional players. The collections manager profession requires good communication skills, an organized mind and rigor. Candidates must know how to lead and manage a team.
What Education Do You Need to Become a Collections Manager?
IESA Programs, from 2 to 5 Years After High School?
At IESA arts&culture, the international school for culture professions and the art market, students who want to become collections managers can begin their course of study with the 3-year art program. After three years of training, they can continue with a 5-year degree specializing in ancient art or contemporary art.
- Bachelor in Art Expertise and Trade
Admission after high school - Master in Ancient Art
Admission after Bac+3 - Master in Contemporary Art
Admission after Bac+3
Workplaces of a Collections Manager
The collections manager works within a foundation, an art center, a company or a FRAC (Regional Contemporary Art Fund).
What Is a Collections Manager’s Salary?
Collections manager salaries vary greatly from one institution to another.