What Are the Careers in Art History?

Many enthusiasts hesitate to pursue art history studies because they are unaware of the career prospects of this field. An overview of the possible careers with art history studies and programs:

  • art expert
  • specialized journalist
  • exhibition curator
  • antiques dealer
  • gallery owner
What are the career prospects in art history?

Careers Related to Art History

Offered at more than 20 universities and leading schools, the art history program opens the door to various public sector careers. Indeed, art history students have in-depth knowledge in different fields such as painting, sculpture, graphic arts, decorative arts, and architecture characteristic of various eras. They can thus move toward positions related to art history such as museum curator or heritage curator.

Careers in Art Sales and Distribution

Art history careers are not lacking in the sales sector either. Thus, IESA arts&culture’s Bachelor Art Expertise and Trade allows students not only to become art history experts, but also to master the techniques used in art sales and distribution. At the end of their program, they can pursue many careers such as art broker, art buying and selling advisor, gallery owner, antiques dealer, or auctioneer’s clerk. It is important to note that the auctioneer program is only open to holders of a double degree in law and art history.
The art history degree also opens the door to a career as an exhibition curator. This professional is in charge of organizing and installing exhibitions of artworks. The Bac+5 Master Exhibition Curating program lets students specialize in this field: old master and modern art or contemporary art.

Other Careers Open with an Art History Program

Various careers, other than art sales, are also open to art history graduates. They can get a position as a lecturer, heritage facilitator, or tour guide. They can also take a program to become an art journalist. In that case, they work for a magazine or a daily newspaper with a section dedicated to art. Excellent writing skills as well as written and oral communication abilities are required for this job.

Teaching and research in art history

An academic career is a stimulating path for art history enthusiasts. Teacher-researchers actively contribute to the advancement of knowledge while passing on their knowledge to new generations.

A doctorate is an essential prerequisite for access to higher education positions. Opportunities are found notably at the CNRS, the INHA, or in universities, with salaries starting at €2500 gross per month.

Publishing scientific articles and taking part in international conferences punctuate researchers' daily lives. Their expertise is built through innovative research projects, such as the study of new forms of digital art or the analysis of emerging artistic movements.

Specializing in the Art Market with IESA arts&culture

A school specialized in the art market, IESA arts&culture offers professionalizing programs centered on the art market and cultural management. After a bachelor’s degree in art history, students can deepen their expertise through several Masters (5 years after high school), notably:

These programs aim to develop a dual skill set: artistic expertise and an understanding of the economic, legal and international issues of the sector. The teaching approach favors professional simulations, concrete projects and the involvement of art market professionals. Specializing at the 5-year level thus consolidates one’s professional positioning and broadens career prospects in a demanding sector, where qualifications and network play a decisive role.