Are you interested in contemporary art, but do not know what career to pursue at the end of your studies?

Here are a few of the paths available after a contemporary art program:

  • Gallery Owner
  • Exhibition Curator
  • Patronage Manager
  • Art Broker
  • Specialized Journalist
Careers in contemporary art

Gallery Owner

Acting as an intermediary between the artist and the client (collector, buyer, or institution), the gallery owner handles the exhibition and sale of artworks. They are also responsible for promoting them. Their main objective is to foster the local, or even international, reach of the artists they exhibit in their gallery. Constantly searching for new talent, this specialist aims to generate interest, win over, and convince their clientele. Negotiating contracts is also part of their duties. They also make new works known through exhibitions or events, and pay the artist when a work is sold. They may also be asked to advise or guide artists on creating a work or a series whose theme has appealed to clients.

Exhibition Curator

Among the professions of contemporary art is that of exhibition curator. This specialist is responsible for defining the theme, designing, and organizing exhibitions from A to Z. In their work, they handle the selection of the works to be exhibited and the negotiation of usage and loan rights with owners. This curator looks for the right venue (gallery, museum, art center, etc.) and supervises every stage of the installation. Seeking funding, producing the catalog, and advising artists on the execution of works are also among their duties.

Sponsorship Manager

The profession of sponsorship manager is also one of the career opportunities of a contemporary art program. Also known as corporate partnerships manager, this professional chooses which projects to support based on the company’s culture. Their aim is to illustrate the company’s ethical values and improve its image. As part of their role, after assessing the long-term value of partnerships and with the approval of senior management, they provide financial or material support on behalf of their company.

Art Broker

Among the professions of the contemporary art market is that of art broker. Their duties include carrying out analysis based on the needs of their clients (companies, individuals, etc.). They also search the market for people interested in sale and purchase offers. When they find a valuable piece, the art broker contacts potential buyers and handles the negotiation of the sale price. Signing contracts for the exhibition of their clients' assets and providing purchasing advice to build relevant collections are also part of their duties.

Specialized Journalist

After a contemporary art program, graduates can pursue a career as a specialized journalist. At an art or cultural magazine, or a daily newspaper with a dedicated section, this professional stands out for their excellent writing skills and knowledge of art history. In their work, they gather information from various sources before beginning their analysis. The art journalist may be an editor-in-chief, copy editor, or freelancer.

Which programs prepare you for careers in contemporary art?

IESA: programs to become a key player in contemporary art professions

Two programs in contemporary art are offered by IESA arts&culture to students, allowing them to acquire the skills and knowledge required to launch into careers in contemporary art.

  • Master’s in Contemporary Art:This program will give you the opportunity to become a contemporary art specialist by developing your skills in the analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of works of this artistic movement.
  • The MBA in Contemporary Art: Sales, Display and Collecting: this intensive one-year program trains contemporary art professionals able to manage galleries, organize exhibitions, and advise collectors. Students who have completed a Bac+4 or a 3-year Bachelor in the field of art can join this professional program.

In addition to these programs, IESA also offers short courses and online courses in partnership with ArtReview, which will allow you to deepen your knowledge in a specific field or to change careers.