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Do you need a Masters in Art to work in a gallery/museum? |
I have an undergraduate degree in the Arts, and have been working in the arts field for over 8 years. I am growing increasingly interested in studying Art History more deeply, and would one day like to run my own gallery. Has anyone done this before? Will I need to get my masters in a specialized sector in order to work in the gallery circuit? 1. Has anyone done this before? I certainly haven't, but of course there are people who must have done. 2. Will I need to get my masters in a specialised sector in order to work in the gallery circuit? I do not think so. I think working in the gallery "circuit" depends on your experience and knowledge, as well as enthusiasm and interests. You've got to be a member of staff that fits with the organisation. I would pursue any interest in a masters, and/or, pursue the research interest you have. I would also arrange work experience with a gallery circuit - making a speculative application and sending in your CV could be very useful. Perhaps arranging work experience with a museum, or applying to work with the Natural history museum, or some other museum, would help. There's a big difference between a gallery and a museum. Museums are academic institutions where people study and preserve art, whereas galleries are places where works for sale are displayed. If you're in doubt about any place, just ask how much something costs. If you get a look of shock and horror from the person working there... it's a museum. If they're eager to get you pricing info, it's a gallery. Given the above, it might not surprise you that anyone can work in a gallery. You simply need to be able to communicate about the art that's displayed there. For instance, if you're in a gallery specializing in photographs, but you're really a sculptor, then that's probably not the best place for you. Museums, in contrast usually require their administrative employees to have advanced degrees (MFAs are common, but so are MBAs and even PhDs in say... art history). Curators typically have PhDs or MFAs. That said, most art museums have education departments who employ people with both MFAs and bachelors degrees. They act as docents or instructors, and do anything from floor work (answering questions, etc.) to teach classes to school groups. If you're interested in museums, I suggest you get out and volunteer. If a position opens up, they'll know you and you'll be in a good place to apply. If you want to move up in the museum, then you might consider going back for your MFA or MA at some point, but volunteer first to see if it's what you really want. If it's more the gallery thing that interests you, then there's no reason to necessarily seek an MFA beyond the obvious reason of becoming a better artist yourself, which does help you in gallery work. So while it's not necessary, it may be helpful. Good luck with whatever you decide. My alter ego is still an artist. |
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