In celebration of National Careers Week, we have decided to make a post about a lesser-known creative career, and it's a pretty fantastic one too.
Many people have no idea what Curating is, but the profession is all about helping to set up and look after some absolutely beautiful and historically significant collections in museum's and galleries.
This involves elements of design - such as putting together, organising and managing art or artefacts - which is an area covered by our Aspiring Creative brand!
Recent statistics have shown that museums and galleries have had some of the lowest employment figures for at least ten years, so if you're interested in this area, why not consider Curating as a career?
We spoke to Clare Brown, Curator of Natural Science at Leeds Museums and Galleries, to learn more about this underrated creative role.
What inspired you to become a Curator?
"Another curator! I was at a loss at what to do at the end of my degree and met her at a careers fair. She offered me a volunteer placement and I’ve never looked back."
Do you need any particular qualifications to become a curator?
"It depends on the institution. At Leeds we don’t ask for any qualifications but we do mark as ‘desirable’ a degree in a relevant subject area. I personally think it’s really important to have specialist knowledge of your subject. Learning the museum side of things though: that can be done on the job."
Clare in Leeds Discovery Centre store showing
visitors on a free tour.
Photo Credit: Leeds Museums and Galleries.
What does the role involve and how is your typical day structured?
"My workload is very broad and changes wildly day to day:
I teach primary school to masters' level students and even supervise PhDs occasionally.
Help researchers access the collections, as well as conducting my own research.
Look after the collection physically – from keeping it clean, to commissioning conservation, to killing pests.
Work towards providing the best possible access, both physically and intellectually, to the collection.
Promote the collections by talking at conferences, posting on social media, writing blogs, editing Wikipedia etc.
Answer enquiries from the public, from identifications, to household pest management, to student questionnaires, advice on CITES etc.
Write labels and design exhibitions around the collections.
Help loan the collection to other institutions for their research or displays."
Have you noticed an increased interest in the field in recent years?
"Museum jobs have always been popular. There seem to be more museum MAs/MScs around though."
Where do you see the future of curating going?
"I think museums will still value curators who know their subjects really well. However, you need much more than that now, and will in the future. I think future curators will be even better at communication, be even more enthusiastic about their collections, and will have a large range of technological skills to help absolutely maximise access for everyone to their collections. Ivory towers and aloof expertise, without engagement, will not be as valued as they have been in the past.
How has covid affected the profession?
"Curators love their objects and have been separated from them. Everyone’s a bit heartbroken. Our USP is physical objects; we’re all really looking forward to getting back to using them and helping with the mammoth effort of getting society back on its feet again."
What are the main pieces of advice you would give to those looking to break into Curating?
"Get lots of voluntary experience where you can. Join a Subject Specialist Network in your area. They’re usually a friendly bunch of people who will give you advice, point you at job opportunities, and may be able to recommend you to people."
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