Art gallery curator
Organise exhibitions to attract visitors to a gallery where they can enjoy beautiful art.
Also known as: gallery exhibition organiser, arts exhibition organiser
About the job
What it's like
You would organise exhibitions and displays to attract visitors to a gallery. You'd help people to enjoy the paintings, sculptures, videos and other art.
You'd give visitors information about the objects on display to help them understand their significance and learn more about the artists.
You'd plan new exhibitions months in advance and arrange to borrow artworks from other galleries as part of the display.
You'd persuade businesses to sponsor the exhibition and try to get public money to pay for putting it on. You'd create publicity materials to advertise the exhibition so that people know about it and come and see it.
You'd also manage the gallery's permanent collections of paintings and artworks, which will often have historical significance.
You would:
Research and identify paintings and other items
Catalogue the items in the collection
Store artworks in the right conditions
Write catalogues and other information for visitors
Answer visitors' questions
Give talks to groups or school parties
You may also supervise or manage staff or do other tasks such as arrange insurance and security.
If you work for a private gallery you might sell pieces of art to customers and work with artists to organise regular exhibitions of their latest work.
Hours
You would usually work around 37 hours a week, probably with some weekend and evening work. Part-time work may be available.
Environment
You may have to do some lifting and carrying such as moving crates and boxes of exhibits or paintings.
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Top skills
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It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- curation
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- developing a plan
- sorting
- attention to detail
- researching
- innovative
- written communication
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Art and Design
Classical Studies
Creative Arts
History
Skills for Work: Creative Industries
An honours degree (SCQF level 10) or postgraduate qualification (SCQF level 11) in a relevant subject such as:
Fine Art
History of Art
Museum Studies
Gallery Studies
Many curators also have a postgraduate qualification (SCQF level 11).
To enter a History of Art degree (SCFQ 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of four Highers at B or above or a relevant HNC/HND.
To enter a Fine Art degree requires National 5 qualifications, a minimum of three Highers at C or above and a portfolio of your work.
To enter a postgraduate qualification (SCQF level 11) requires a relevant degree. Some courses may ask for a portfolio of your work and or work-based experience.
There are currently no degrees in museum or gallery studies available in Scotland but the University of St Andrews offers a postgraduate qualification.
You could start work as an assistant curator, conservator or education manager before becoming a curator.
As gallery work is a competitive field, gaining experience through volunteering or an internship is usually essential.
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