Museum Curator

Museum curators plan and oversee the arrangement, cataloguing, and exhibition of collections and, along with technicians and conservators, maintain collections. They may coordinate educational and public outreach programs, such as tours, workshops, lectures, and classes, and may work with the boards of institutions to administer plans and policies.

Additionally, they also may research topics or items relevant to their collections.

Curators usually handle objects found in cultural, biological or historical collections, such as sculptures, textiles, and paintings.

Increasingly, curators are expected to participate in grant writing and fund raising to support their projects.

SKILLS

Some curators may have administrative and managerial responsibilities, so knowledge of business administration, public relations, marketing and fundraising are recommended. Additionally, museum curators need computer skills and the ability to work with electronic databases.
Curators need to be familiar with digital imaging, scanning technology, and copyright infringement, since many are responsible for posting information on the Internet.
Museum curators need to design and present exhibits and, in small museums, build exhibits or restore objects.

EDUCATION

Becoming a museum curator usually requires graduate education and related work experience. Many curators work in museums while completing their formal education to gain the hands-on experience many employers seek when hiring.

OUTLOOK

This job is attractive to many people and many applicants have the necessary training and subject knowledge, but there are only a few openings. Consequently, candidates may have to work part-time, as an intern, or even as a volunteer assistant curator or research associate after completing their formal education.
Employment of curators is expected to increase 10 to 20 percent for all occupations through 2008.

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