Course: Curating and Money
Course: Curating and Money
Lecturer: Martin Fritz
Course dates: 18 + 25 January 2025, 2–6pm (CET)
Fee: EUR 250
Enrol by: 17 January 2025
Course Overview
We will talk about money. This course explores the financial aspects of the curatorial profession, which spans a wide range of roles, each with unique economic implications. Some curators find stability working for public institutions, while others navigate the gig economy or establish their own galleries and art businesses. Regardless of their path, curators must develop a strong understanding of financial matters. This includes everything from negotiating curatorial fees to ensuring fair dealings with artists and colleagues.
The course begins by examining the various legal classifications of curators, whether as employees or self-employed professionals. We will then address the economic realities of the field, covering topics such as fees, salaries, and commissions for sales. Participants will also gain a foundational understanding of the tax system and basic accounting principles. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to calculating the key elements of an exhibition budget and developing a personal financial plan for the upcoming year. Additionally, we will explore ethical considerations in curatorial practice, particularly concerning fundraising and philanthropy.
About the Lecturer
Martin Fritz studied law in Vienna from 1981 to 1986. Since then, he has worked in contemporary art production across Vienna, New York, and Germany. Among his many assignments, he has served as Director of Operations for the re-opening of the PS1 Contemporary Art Centre (now MoMA PS1) in New York, Managing Director of “In Between” – The Art Project of EXPO 2000 in Hanover, and General Coordinator of Manifesta 4 – European Biennial of Contemporary Art in Frankfurt am Main. He also held the position of Director at the Festival der Regionen in Upper Austria.
From 2001 to 2007, he was a member of the Board (Treasurer) of the International Foundation Manifesta. From 2016 to 2020, Fritz served as Rector of the Merz Akademie, Hochschule für Gestaltung, Kunst und Medien, Stuttgart. Since 2022, he has been the Secretary General of the Austrian Commission for UNESCO. As a writer, consultant, and researcher, Martin Fritz specializes in arts administration, cultural policy and governance, site-specific art, and institutional critique.
For more online courses in contemporary curating, visit the OnCurating Academy Berlin.
Enroll here: Curating and Money
Image: © MF