When you visit a gallery, exhibit, or museum, a lot of work goes into creating a beautiful display. One key element of putting everything together is a process known as art curation. From works by an expressionist artist to a classic painter, the curation is what makes each visit special and unique. Here are some quick facts about art curation and what’s involved in the process.

 

• The term curating refers to the process of selecting, organizing, and presenting works of art for public display or for auction/sale.

• A curator is a person responsible for gathering the art and for finding pieces from a variety of sources such as a University, museum, or an artist’s personal collection.

• Most art that is curated is on loan for special exhibits, but in some cases, it may be displayed at smaller galleries for sale.

• The purpose of art curation is to educate and inspire the public through art. The museum houses and preserves the art so that it’s on display for everyone to admire and enjoy.

• Part of the curating process involves organizing the work into different locations or categories. For example, work by an expressionist artist may be organized in one space, while Greek and Roman art, African art, and modern art are all displayed in others.

• Sometimes, art curation is done by theme, time period, a specific artist, or popularity. This usually depends on the type of exhibit and whether it will be temporary or permanent.

• Curating art is a skilled profession. The curator must perfectly organize and display the artwork in a pleasing presentation. Everything from the color on the walls to how the art looks at different angles and in different light is taken into account.

• An art curator doesn’t necessarily need a degree, but they should have some experience either working with the arts or being an artist themselves.