PROFESSIONAL PROFILE:
Museum curator and conservator
ROLE IN A PROFESSIONAL CONTEXT:
The museum curator and conservator – acting variously as conservator, curator, gallery manager or director – carries out research, assesses and ensures that artefacts of historical and cultural or artistic interest, or works of art, are preserved; they make documentation available in digital or analogue form and organise promotional activities, exhibitions and events. There is a specific post-graduate specialisation route to qualify as a professional museum curator and conservator.
They:
– organise exhibitions within the museum;
– preserve works of art;
– coordinate the routine and non-routine maintenance of the building;
– manage and/or coordinate human resources;
– catalogue and/or archive the works held in the museum;
– manage interactions with the institutions;
– promote the museum;
– check and update the art catalogue;
– coordinate the building's activities and manage its organisation;
– manage and/or analyse financial resources;
– organise events;
– coordinate the restoration of works of art;
– research and remain up-to-date;
– oversee interactions with visitors;
– manage and promote cultural programmes;
– study the artefacts and materials;
– plan projects to promote the museum;
– check the safety conditions;
– apply for and obtain funding;
– create tourist itineraries around the museum;
– organise the museum's educational activities;
– assess works of art;
– coordinate research activities;
– organise documentation of the works of art in digital format;
– produce scientific publications (articles, essays, books, etc.).
SKILLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ROLE:
– Knowledge of the specific lexicon;
– knowledge of word processing programmes and archive and database management techniques;
– knowledge of foreign languages;
– knowledge of the legislation surrounding cultural heritage;
– the ability to communicate effectively, in a manner appropriate to the person they are addressing;
– the ability to coordinate their actions and those of others;
– assessing the costs and benefits of various potential actions to select the most appropriate.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:
– Museums;
– public bodies (municipal, provincial and regional administration bodies) in the culture and education sectors;
– Soprintendenze [State Heritage Offices];
– public, private and third sector institutes involved in the protection and appreciation of historical and artistic heritage;
– cultural services and promotion companies;
– private art galleries;
– foundations;
– documentation centres.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE:
Art expert
ROLE IN A PROFESSIONAL CONTEXT:
The art expert – acting variously as art critic, figurative art expert and art historian – carries out research in the field of art history and aesthetic production, and applies that knowledge to assess, identify and promote art works and artists.
They:
– organise exhibitions or events;
– assess art works;
– promote art works and artists;
– produce scientific publications (articles, essays, books, etc.);
– prepare reports;
– select art works and artists;
– manage interactions with the artists;
– write reviews and articles;
– write and edit promotional texts for exhibitions (catalogues, adverts, etc.);
– coordinate or direct art series;
– visit or participate in exhibitions and art shows;
– research and keep up-to-date;
– research and rediscover the work of past artists;
– undertake teaching activities;
– belong to institutional bodies;
– manage interactions with art critics;
– manage interactions with publishing houses;
– manage art galleries;
– participate in scientific debates (conferences, conventions, seminars, etc.);
– manage interactions with institutes;
– provide consultancy services to customers;
– sell and buy art works
SKILLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ROLE:
– knowledge of foreign languages;
– knowledge of the legislation surrounding cultural heritage;
– the ability to communicate effectively, in a manner appropriate to the person they are addressing;
– the ability to coordinate their actions and those of others;
– assessing the costs and benefits of various potential actions to select the most appropriate.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:
– Traditional and online publishing;
– public and private radio and television stations;
– private and public art galleries;
– auction houses.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE:
Art editor
ROLE IN A PROFESSIONAL CONTEXT:
The art editor – acting variously as radio or television editor, or press or online article editor – collects, reports and comments upon news in the art world (cultural events, exhibitions, etc.); they carry out interviews on art-related matters; they review, select and arrange articles and other informational materials for publication, in accordance with privacy laws.
They:
– revise texts, to make them more usable;
– collaborate with other editing sectors;
– analyse the features and technical details of editorial products (press, online, radio, television);
– oversee updates to textbooks;
– oversee the translation of texts into foreign language;
– collect data or information on editorial products;
– decide on the layout of the texts;
– research and oversee the publication of images (photographic reproductions, drawings, technical drawings etc.);
– analyse and apply current regulations;
– coordinate the stages of the printing process;
– manage interactions with customers;
– organise work and activities;
– plans new products.
SKILLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE ROLE:
– Knowledge of the specific lexicon;
– knowledge of word processing programmes and archive and database management techniques;
– knowledge of foreign languages;
– knowledge of the legislation surrounding copyright;
– the ability to communicate effectively, in a manner appropriate to the person they are addressing;
– the ability to coordinate their actions and those of others.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:
– Traditional and online publishing;
– public and private radio and television stations;
– museum press offices, foundations.
