What does a curator do?
You may be wondering, what is curator and what does this career involve? Armed with a discerning gaze and a passion for culture, curators search high and low for the perfect pieces for their exhibits. As a curator, you would browse through archives and use your networks to acquire and develop collections. While an art curator is perhaps the most well-known title, there are many types of curators and they work freelance or in-house for a range of institutions, from museum curation to government facilities and universities. On any given day, managing your curated spaces might involve arranging for the restoration of artefacts, organising loans, or dealing with enquiries.Is a career as a curator right for me?
Curators rely on their keen eye, industry knowledge and networks to find hidden treasures perfect for a specific space. As a curator it’s also helpful to possess skills and attributes including:
- excellent written and verbal communication skills
- good project management skills
- the ability to work in a team environment
- good time management skills
- strong research skills.
How to become a curator
Every journey to study is individual and there can be several paths to reaching your curation career goals. Typically, curators hold a bachelor's degree in arts or science related to their field of interest, with many pursuing postgraduate qualifications or specialised training in curation. Building practical experience through internships or entry-level roles in museums and galleries is essential, as is developing key skills in collection management, exhibition design, and research.
At UniSQ, we offer the following degrees in the area of visual arts:
Average salary per week
$1379
Future demand
Moderate
Industries
Source:
© Commonwealth of Australia
Last updated May 2024.
Degree
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Curator FAQs
What do curators do on a daily basis?
Gallery and art curators have a variety of duties and responsibilities, including:
- planning and organising material acquisition and display setups
- designing layout and lighting for historical, scientific, or art exhibitions
- researching displayed items, creating publications, delivering public lectures, and launching exhibitions
- identifying, classifying, and coordinating the restoration of specimens and objects
- assessing items for condition and authenticity through examinations
- overseeing and managing central records systems within organisations.
What is the average curator’s salary?
The art curator salary in Australia varies based on experience and institution size, as well as your niche. Please see the salary information on this page for further details.
What degree do you need to be a museum curator?
To become a museum curator, a bachelor’s degree in arts or a a related field is typically required. Many positions may require postgraduate qualifications or specialised training in curation.
Is it hard to become a museum curator?
Becoming a museum curator can be challenging due to the competitive nature of the field, often requiring specialised education, deep expertise in a particular subject area, and practical experience gained through internships or entry-level positions in museums. UniSQ offers degrees and courses that provide essential knowledge, practical training, and industry connections, helping you develop the expertise and hands-on experience needed to succeed in this career path.
What key curator skills are essential for the role?
Key curator skills include expertise in collection management, research, exhibition development, communication, project management, and a deep understanding of the subject matter relevant to the collections they manage.
What is the demand like for gallery and art curators?
The demand for gallery and art curators is moderate. Opportunities do exist within museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, but competition can be high. Those with specialised knowledge, strong networking skills, and relevant experience, or a postgraduate qualification are more likely to stand out and succeed in this field.
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