Public Administration & LegalISCO 2621
Exhibition curator
Exhibition curators organise and display artworks and artefacts. They work in and for museums, art galleries, museums for science or history, libraries and archives, and in other cultural institutions. In general, exhibition curators work in artistic and cultural exhibition fields and events of all kinds.
Check yourself in a minute: exhibition curator
Rate 5 of the 30 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
create solutions to problems
coach employees
manage budgets
provide project information on exhibitions
use ICT resources to solve work related tasks
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (30)
art collectionsart collectionsThe variety of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and other works that form collections in a museum and prospective new collections which are of interest for a museum or art gallery.cultural projectscultural projectsThe purpose, organisation and management of cultural projects and related fundraising actions.inheritance council practicesinheritance council practicesPrinciples and approach to treat heritage appropriately within a project in order not to damage and where possible improve its conditions.art-historical valuesart-historical valuesThe historical and artistic values implied in examples of one's branch of art.art historyart historyThe history of art and artists, the artistic trends throughout centuries and their contemporary evolutions.museum databasesmuseum databasesThe tools and processes involved in working with museum databases.create solutions to problemscreate solutions to problemsSolve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising informat...coach employeescoach employeesMaintain and improve employees' performance by coaching individuals or groups how to optimise specific methods, skills or abilities, using adapted coaching styles and methods. Tutor newly recruited em...ensure safety of exhibitionensure safety of exhibitionEnsure safety of exhibition environment and of artefacts by applying safety devices.manage budgetsmanage budgetsPlan, monitor, report on the budget and prepare set production budgets.provide project information on exhibitionsprovide project information on exhibitionsProvide information on the preparation, execution and evaluation of exhibitions and other artistic projects.use ICT resources to solve work related tasksuse ICT resources to solve work related tasksChoose and use ICT resources in order to solve related tasks.apply strategic thinkingapply strategic thinkingApply generation and effective application of business insights and possible opportunities, in order to achieve competitive business advantage on a long-term basis.plan resource allocationplan resource allocationPlan future needs of various resources such as time, money and specific process resources.meet deadlinesmeet deadlinesEnsure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.listen activelylisten activelyGive attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of cus...organise an exhibitionorganise an exhibitionOrganise and structure an exhibition in a strategic way, making the artworks more accessible to public.interact with an audienceinteract with an audienceRespond to the reactions of an audience and involve them in the particular performance or communication.coordinate operational activitiescoordinate operational activitiesSynchronise activities and responsibilities of the operational staff to ensure that the resources of an organisation are used most efficiently in pursuit of the specified objectives.advertise an art collectionadvertise an art collectionWrite catalogues, research documents, articles, reports, policies, standards and project grant proposals.present exhibitionpresent exhibitionPresent an exhibition and give educational lectures in a comprehensible way that is attractive to the public.consult exhibition organisersconsult exhibition organisersLiaise with exhibition organisers to discuss themes, ideas and products.perform project managementperform project managementManage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific g...present reportspresent reportsDisplay results, statistics and conclusions to an audience in a transparent and straightforward way.have computer literacyhave computer literacyUtilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.evaluate art qualityevaluate art qualityCorrectly evaluate the quality of art objects, artefacts, photographs and documents.cope with challenging demandscope with challenging demandsMaintain a positive attitude towards new and challenging demands such as interaction with artists and handling of artistic artefacts. Work under pressure such as dealing with last moment changes in ti...work independently on exhibitionswork independently on exhibitionsWork autonomously on the development of a framework for artistic projects such as locations and workflows.train employeestrain employeesLead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the perform...create new conceptscreate new conceptsCome up with new concepts.
Optional (7) — show
archaeologyarchaeologyThe study of the recovery and examination of material culture left behind from human activity in the past.anthropologyanthropologyThe study of development and behaviour of human beings.natural historynatural historyThe history of natural organisms and ecosystems.liaise with financiersliaise with financiersLiaise with people willing to finance the project. Negotiate deals and contracts.support public access to exhibitionssupport public access to exhibitionsWork with the staff of the education and visitor services, assist in improving communication to support public access to the exhibition. Contribute to the promotion of these projects and to related pu...advise on cultural exhibitionsadvise on cultural exhibitionsWork closely with professionals in the arts and cultural industry such as museum directors, to advise in specific content and programme for an exhibition or artistic project.evaluate cultural venue visitor needsevaluate cultural venue visitor needsAssess the needs and expectations of museum and any art facility visitors in order to regularly develop new programmes and activities.
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
artistic director8 shared essential skillsconservator8 shared essential skillsbook restorer6 shared essential skillscollection manager6 shared essential skillsexhibition registrar6 shared essential skillsmuseum director6 shared essential skillsart restorer5 shared essential skillscall centre supervisor5 shared essential skills
Frequently asked questions
What does an exhibition curator do?
Exhibition curators organise and display artworks and artefacts. They work in and for museums, art galleries, museums for science or history, libraries and archives, and in other cultural institutions. In general, exhibition curators work in artistic and cultural exhibition fields and events of all kinds.
What skills does an exhibition curator need?
An exhibition curator needs 30 essential skills, including art collections, cultural projects, inheritance council practices, art-historical values, art history.
Will AI replace exhibition curator jobs?
The AI disruption score for exhibition curator is 16/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: manage budgets, natural history, advertise an art collection. Most resilient: interact with an audience, cope with challenging demands, listen actively.
AI Replacement Risk
16/ 100
Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
ISCO GroupLegal, social and cultural professionals
Essential Skills30
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