Continuing Education and Professional Development for Curators

Curating is a dynamic and ever-evolving field. With the rise of digital technologies, new artistic mediums, and shifting cultural contexts, curators are constantly challenged to expand their knowledge and skills. Through courses, workshops, certifications, and reading, lifelong learning is essential to stay up-to-date with developments in the field and grow professionally. Whether you want to deepen your theoretical understanding or acquire hands-on experience, continuing education can significantly enhance your career as a curator. Let’s explore why this is vital and how to make the most of it.

Specialized Curating Courses

Curating today demands a profound understanding of diverse fields, from art history and cultural theory to the latest trends in digital art. Specialized courses offer the perfect opportunity to dive deep into specific areas, whether it’s contemporary art, design, or digital culture. These programs not only provide a solid theoretical framework but also expose participants to current debates, case studies, and curatorial strategies that can be applied to real-world projects.

Resources:

• Node Center: Offers online courses on curating, covering both theoretical and practical aspects of curatorial practice. Perfect for those looking to build specific skills in an accessible format.
• OnCurating: A platform for critical discourse around curation, providing online courses with international experts in curatorial studies.

Skill-Building Workshops for Curators

Workshops offer hands-on experiences and the opportunity to collaborate with fellow professionals. They are particularly valuable for curators who want to develop practical skills in exhibition design, audience engagement, or new media curation. Workshops also allow curators to experiment, refine their methodologies, and tackle creative challenges in real time, making them an essential component of professional development.

Resources:

• Curating Contemporary Art Short Course, Chelsea: A practical, project-based course offering hands-on experience in curating contemporary exhibitions.
• SOAS Digital Age Curating Workshop: Focuses on the challenges and possibilities of curating in the digital age, ideal for those wanting to engage with new technologies in curation.

Professional Certifications for Curatorial Advancement

For curators looking to formalize their expertise, certifications and formal qualifications are invaluable. They not only offer credibility but also open doors to new professional opportunities. Institutions such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s offer globally recognized certifications that demonstrate a commitment to professional excellence. Certifications are also a way to diversify one’s portfolio, particularly for those transitioning between different sectors within the art world.

Resources:

• Sotheby’s Institute How to Curate: Provides certification programs that delve into both the theoretical and commercial aspects of curation.
• Christie’s Continuing Education Courses: Focuses on curating art in both historical and contemporary contexts, offering comprehensive certification programs.

Staying Current with Curatorial Discourse and Theory

Professional growth in curating extends beyond formal education—actively engaging with ongoing discussions and theoretical developments is essential. By immersing oneself in readings, symposia, conferences, and talks, curators can remain informed and inspired while connecting their practice with broader cultural, philosophical, and curatorial discourses. Books, articles, and research offer critical insights into curatorial practices, exhibition management, and art history, while conferences and symposia provide dynamic platforms for the exchange of ideas and engagement with emerging trends.

Resources for Staying Informed:

Books and Publications

• A Curator’s Bookshelf: 10 Essential Books: A curated selection of must-read books for curators, covering a wide range of topics from art theory to exhibition design.
• Sybaris: 5 Books Written by Curators: This list features books written by influential curators, providing an insider’s perspective on the art world.
• Curators’ Bookshelf on Artbook: A comprehensive collection of essential books for curators, curated by Artbook, that covers historical and contemporary perspectives.

Conferences and Symposia

• ICOM’s International Committee for Museums and Collections of Modern Art (CIMAM): Hosts annual conferences that explore pressing issues in contemporary art, curating, and museum practices.
• Art Curators Association Annual Meeting: A platform for discussing key developments in curatorial practices and connecting with other curators from around the world. 
• British Art Network Conferences: Offers conferences focused on key themes in British art, encouraging in-depth exploration and collaborative discussions on historical and contemporary practices.

Talks and Lectures

• The Independent Curators International (ICI): Organizes talks, symposia, and public programs, such as the Curatorial Intensive, which fosters professional growth through immersive experiences in different cultural contexts.

Networking and Professional Development

Education isn’t just about acquiring new skills—it’s also about building relationships and expanding your professional network. Attending annual meetings, joining curatorial committees, and participating in mentorship programs can give you valuable insights into current trends and future directions in the field. Networking with peers and senior professionals provides inspiration, collaboration opportunities, and often leads to curatorial projects that might not have been possible otherwise.

Resources:

• Curatorial Leadership Institute: A platform that focuses on leadership training and mentorship programs for curators seeking to advance their careers.
• Art Curators Association Annual Meeting: Offers invaluable networking opportunities with top curators and thought leaders from around the world.

Summary

Lifelong learning is a crucial aspect of a successful curatorial career. Whether through specialized courses, workshops, certifications, or reading, continuing education offers curators the tools to stay current, develop new skills, and enhance their practice. By investing in your professional development, you not only stay ahead in a competitive field but also enrich your contributions to the ever-evolving world of contemporary art.

For those looking to get started, we frequently advertise courses from platforms like Node Center and OnCurating, and our podcast, Curating Tools, offers additional insights into curatorial practices. Lifelong learning is not just a personal investment—it’s a contribution to the future of curation.

Download our 21-Day Curatorial Skill-Building Challenge Workbook

To help you get started, we’ve prepared the 21-Day Curatorial Skill-Building Challenge Workbook, a comprehensive guide designed to help you develop essential curatorial skills in just three weeks. Each day brings a new exercise focused on practical, real-world challenges faced by curators, including research, concept development, and audience engagement.

Members can log in to access the workbook, and if you’re not a Member yet, take advantage of our free trial to explore this and other valuable resources.

Photo by cottonbro studio.