Description

Assistant curators assist in the creation and manage collections of works in museums and are tasked with tasks by the curator in charge. They are often the liaison between departments outside of the museum, and also galleries, museums and artists, trustees and collectors. They may find loans that might be available and directly contact owners to ensure they are secured.

Assistant curators can be responsible for research tasks related to exhibitions, publications, or objects that are part of an exhibit, or for the exhibition's subject matter generally. They may also oversee the construction or set-up required to exhibit and are required to ensure that the areas they work in are safe and free of dangers throughout the day.

Assistant curators can be working within a budget and record all expenses, and some might need to purchase items that are displayed in the exhibitions. They are required to establish the right mood and style for the exhibition, including by using music or decorations as well as performing certain marketing responsibilities to help promote exhibitions. They can also assist the curators in scheduling meetings, arranging travel as well as processing paperwork and other administrative tasks. The educational requirements for this job may differ, and certain employers might prefer applicants with a degree from a university or prior experience in research.

Roles & Responsibilities

As an Assistant Curator with 0-3 years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

  • Assisting in the planning and execution of exhibitions, including researching and selecting artworks.
  • Cataloguing and documenting artworks in the collection, ensuring accuracy and accessibility of information.
  • Collaborating with artists, collectors, and gallery staff to coordinate loan agreements for artworks.
  • Participating in the development and implementation of educational programs and public outreach initiatives to engage visitors with the collection.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For an Assistant Curator job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Bachelor's degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or a related field to possess a strong foundation in art and cultural knowledge.
  • Excellent research and organizational skills to gather and catalog artworks, artifacts, and historical documents effectively.
  • Strong written and verbal communication abilities to prepare engaging exhibit content, interact with visitors, and collaborate with artists and lenders.
  • Attention to detail and meticulousness to handle delicate and valuable artworks, ensuring their proper preservation and display.

Essential Skills For Assistant Curator

1

Creative

2

Organization Skills

3

Art History

Career Prospects

The Assistant Curator role is an important position for individuals with 0-3 years of work experience in the United Kingdom's art industry. If you're looking to explore alternative roles within the field, here are following options to consider:

  • Museum Educator: A role that involves developing and delivering educational programs, workshops, and tours to engage visitors and enhance their understanding and appreciation of art.
  • Gallery Assistant: A position focused on assisting with the day-to-day operations of an art gallery, including coordinating exhibitions, managing artwork inventory, and providing customer service to patrons.
  • Art Administrator: A role that involves managing administrative tasks such as budgeting, scheduling, and coordinating logistics for art exhibitions, events, and collections.
  • Art History Researcher: A position focused on conducting research, analyzing art historical information, and contributing to the development of exhibitions, publications, and educational materials.

How to Learn

The role of Assistant Curator in the United Kingdom is projected to experience strong growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, the demand for this occupation has steadily increased, creating numerous employment opportunities. According to recent data, this trend is expected to continue in the future. The job outlook for Assistant Curators remains favorable, with a positive market growth trajectory.