Top 12 Curatorial Assistant Skills to Put on Your Resume
Landing a coveted position as a curatorial assistant requires showcasing a unique blend of skills tailored to the intricate world of museum and gallery work. A compelling resume that highlights your proficiency in both the artistic and administrative aspects of curating can set you apart in a competitive field.
Curatorial Assistant Skills
- Cataloging
- Research
- Archival
- Photoshop
- InDesign
- Collection Management
- Exhibition Planning
- Art Handling
- TMS (The Museum System)
- Conservation Techniques
- Educational Programming
- Grant Writing
1. Cataloging
Cataloging, in the context of a Curatorial Assistant, involves systematically documenting and organizing items in a collection, including their descriptions, conditions, provenance, and locations, to ensure easy access and preservation.
Why It's Important
Cataloging is crucial for a Curatorial Assistant as it systematically organizes and records the details of each item in a collection, ensuring accurate tracking, preservation, and accessibility for research, exhibitions, and educational purposes.
How to Improve Cataloging Skills
Improving cataloging involves enhancing accuracy, accessibility, and comprehensiveness of the catalog records. Here are concise strategies for a Curatorial Assistant:
Standardization: Adopt Cataloging Cultural Objects (CCO) and Dublin Core Metadata Initiative (DCMI) standards to ensure consistency across your records.
Training: Regularly participate in professional development opportunities such as webinars and workshops offered by American Alliance of Museums (AAM) and Library of Congress Cataloging and Acquisitions.
Digital Tools: Utilize cataloging software and databases like PastPerfect and CollectiveAccess for efficient data entry and management.
Collaboration: Engage with colleagues through forums and networks, such as Museum Computer Network (MCN), to share best practices and solutions to common challenges.
Quality Control: Implement a peer-review process within your team to ensure the accuracy and completeness of catalog entries.
Adopting these strategies can significantly enhance the quality and utility of catalog records, making them more valuable to both the institution and its audience.
How to Display Cataloging Skills on Your Resume
2. Research
Research, in the context of a Curatorial Assistant, involves systematically gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data and information to support the development, organization, and presentation of exhibitions, collections, and related projects within a museum or gallery setting.
Why It's Important
Research is essential for a Curatorial Assistant as it ensures the accuracy and authenticity of exhibitions, enriches the narrative and educational content, and supports the preservation and interpretation of collections, ultimately enhancing visitor engagement and understanding.
How to Improve Research Skills
To enhance research skills as a Curatorial Assistant, focus on the following strategies:
- Stay Organized: Utilize tools like Trello or Evernote for managing your research tasks and notes efficiently.
- Enhance Scholarly Research: Leverage academic databases such as JSTOR or Google Scholar for accessing scholarly articles and publications.
- Network and Collaborate: Engage with professional networks on platforms like LinkedIn or Academia.edu to share insights and gain new perspectives.
- Attend Workshops and Conferences: Participate in industry workshops and conferences to stay updated on the latest research methodologies and trends.
- Practice Critical Thinking: Regularly analyze and critique your findings to improve your analytical skills, fostering a more in-depth understanding of your research topics.
By integrating these practices, you can significantly enhance your research capabilities in a curatorial context.
How to Display Research Skills on Your Resume
3. Archival
Archival, in the context of a Curatorial Assistant, involves the process of collecting, preserving, organizing, and managing access to historical documents, artworks, and artifacts to ensure their longevity and availability for research, education, and exhibition.
Why It's Important
Archival is crucial for a Curatorial Assistant as it ensures the preservation, organization, and accessibility of historical and cultural materials, enabling accurate curation, research, and exhibition development, thereby safeguarding heritage and informing future generations.
How to Improve Archival Skills
Improving archival practices, especially for a Curatorial Assistant, involves organizing, preserving, and enhancing accessibility to collections. Key steps include:
Digitization: Convert physical records to digital formats for preservation and easy access. Library of Congress offers guidelines.
Cataloging and Metadata: Use standardized metadata for describing, cataloging, and managing archival materials. Dublin Core is a widely used schema.
Conservation Practices: Implement proper handling and storage techniques to preserve physical materials. The National Archives provides valuable resources.
Access Policies: Develop clear policies for accessing collections, balancing preservation with public availability. Society of American Archivists offers standards and best practices.
Collaboration and Training: Engage with professional communities for ongoing education and collaboration. ARLIS/NA (Art Libraries Society of North America) can be a great platform for learning and networking.
Technology Utilization: Leverage archival management software and tools for efficient management of collections. Tools like ArchivesSpace can streamline processes.
By focusing on these areas, a Curatorial Assistant can significantly improve archival quality and accessibility.
How to Display Archival Skills on Your Resume
4. Photoshop
Photoshop is a digital image editing software used for creating, enhancing, and manipulating photographs and graphics, widely utilized in the art and design sectors, including museum and gallery curation for visual documentation and exhibition materials preparation.
Why It's Important
Photoshop is important for a Curatorial Assistant as it enables precise editing and preparation of digital images of artworks for exhibition catalogs, promotional materials, and archival documentation, ensuring high-quality visual representation.
How to Improve Photoshop Skills
To improve your Photoshop skills as a Curatorial Assistant, focus on mastering these key areas:
Learn Layer Management: Efficiently organize and manage layers for seamless editing and compositing. Adobe's guide on layers is a great starting point.
Understand Color Correction: Gain expertise in adjusting color balance and tones to enhance the visual impact of artworks. Start with Adobe's color correction tutorials.
Master Selection Tools: Become proficient in using various selection tools to edit specific parts of an image with precision. Explore Adobe's selection basics to learn more.
Explore Adjustment Layers: Use adjustment layers for non-destructive editing. This adjustment layers guide explains how to utilize them effectively.
Practice Retouching Techniques: Improve your skills in retouching images to correct imperfections while preserving authenticity. Adobe's retouching and repairing guide provides useful tips.
Enhance Digital Asset Management: Organize and manage your digital assets efficiently. Explore tools like Adobe Bridge; details can be found in this Adobe Bridge tutorial.
Stay Updated and Practice: Adobe Photoshop is constantly evolving, so stay updated with the latest features and practice regularly. Adobe's Photoshop tutorials offer lessons for all skill levels.
By focusing on these areas and utilizing the provided resources, you'll significantly improve your Photoshop skills, enhancing your effectiveness as a Curatorial Assistant.
How to Display Photoshop Skills on Your Resume
5. InDesign
InDesign is a professional desktop publishing software developed by Adobe, used for designing and laying out documents such as flyers, magazines, posters, and books, offering precise control over typography and design elements. For a Curatorial Assistant, it is a valuable tool for creating exhibition catalogs, promotional materials, and other printed or digital publications related to museum and gallery work.
Why It's Important
InDesign is crucial for a Curatorial Assistant because it enables the professional creation and layout of exhibition catalogs, promotional materials, and educational guides, ensuring high-quality, visually appealing, and informative content for museum visitors and stakeholders.
How to Improve InDesign Skills
To improve your InDesign skills as a Curatorial Assistant, focus on mastering specific features relevant to your role, such as layout design, typography, and interactive PDFs. Here’s a concise guide:
Learn the Basics: Start with Adobe's official tutorials to understand the fundamentals.
Master Layout Design: Enhance your layout skills for exhibit catalogs or promotional materials by practicing with templates and exploring creative design ideas.
Typography Mastery: Typography is crucial in curatorial materials. Improve by studying resources at Typography.Guru and applying advanced type features in InDesign.
Interactive PDFs: Create interactive documents for online distribution. Learn how through Adobe’s guide.
Integration with Other Adobe Tools: Enhance your workflow by learning how InDesign integrates with Photoshop and Illustrator for a smoother design process. Adobe’s Creative Cloud tutorials are a great resource.
Practice and Projects: Apply your skills to real-world projects. Redesign past materials or volunteer for new projects.
Stay Updated: Follow blogs and forums like InDesignSecrets to stay informed about new features and tips.
By focusing on these areas, you’ll significantly improve your InDesign proficiency, enabling you to create more engaging and professional curatorial materials.
How to Display InDesign Skills on Your Resume
6. Collection Management
Collection Management in the context of a Curatorial Assistant involves organizing, documenting, preserving, and overseeing the care and handling of objects or artworks within a museum or gallery collection, ensuring their accessibility, safety, and proper maintenance for current and future use.
Why It's Important
Collection Management is crucial for a Curatorial Assistant as it ensures the proper care, documentation, and organization of artifacts or artworks, facilitating accurate record-keeping, preservation, and accessibility for exhibitions, research, and educational purposes.
How to Improve Collection Management Skills
Improving collection management as a Curatorial Assistant involves adopting strategic, organized, and updated approaches to handling collections. Here are concise steps to enhance your collection management practices:
Digitize Collections: Transition physical records and artifacts to digital formats for easier access, sharing, and preservation. Utilize collection management software like PastPerfect or CollectiveAccess for digitization and organization.
Implement a CMS: Use a Collection Management System (CMS) to track, manage, and document collections efficiently. Options like TMS Collections cater specifically to museums and galleries.
Standardize Documentation: Ensure consistent documentation practices across the collection for uniformity. The Getty Vocabulary Program provides structured terminology for cataloging.
Conduct Regular Audits: Schedule and perform regular collection audits to maintain accuracy, condition checks, and inventory control. Guidelines can be found through the American Alliance of Museums.
Enhance Security and Preservation: Invest in security measures and environmental controls to protect the collection. Resources like the National Park Service Museum Handbook offer comprehensive information on collection care.
Professional Development: Stay informed on best practices and emerging trends in collection management through webinars, workshops, and conferences hosted by organizations like ARCS (Association of Registrars and Collections Specialists).
Engage with Peers: Join online forums and networks, such as the Collections Trust, to share knowledge, ask questions, and get support from the curatorial community.
By implementing these strategies, you'll enhance your effectiveness in managing collections, ensuring their preservation, accessibility, and appreciation for the future.
How to Display Collection Management Skills on Your Resume
7. Exhibition Planning
Exhibition planning, in the context of a Curatorial Assistant, involves organizing and coordinating the various aspects of setting up an exhibit, including research, selection of items or artworks, layout design, and logistical arrangements, to ensure the successful presentation and interpretation of the theme or subject matter to the public.
Why It's Important
Exhibition planning is crucial for a Curatorial Assistant as it ensures the seamless organization and effective presentation of artworks. It involves selecting themes, arranging artworks, and coordinating logistics, all of which are essential for creating engaging and educational exhibitions that resonate with audiences. Proper planning enhances the visitor experience, facilitates learning, and ensures the artworks' safety and proper interpretation.
How to Improve Exhibition Planning Skills
Improving exhibition planning, especially for a Curatorial Assistant, involves a strategic and organized approach. Here are key steps:
Research and Concept Development: Begin with thorough research on the exhibition theme. Use resources like Google Scholar for academic papers and Artstor for high-quality images and artworks.
Project Management Tools: Utilize project management tools like Trello or Asana to organize tasks, deadlines, and collaborate efficiently with your team.
Networking and Communication: Enhance communication with artists, lenders, and stakeholders using platforms like LinkedIn for professional networking and Slack for team communication.
Design and Layout Planning: Use design software like SketchUp for 3D modeling of the exhibition space to visualize and plan the layout.
Budget Management: Keep track of the budget using Excel for spreadsheets or QuickBooks for more detailed financial management.
Marketing and Promotion: Utilize social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, Twitter) for marketing. Consider creating an exhibition website using WordPress for broader outreach.
Evaluation and Feedback: After the exhibition, use survey tools like SurveyMonkey to collect feedback from visitors and stakeholders for future improvements.
By integrating these strategies, a Curatorial Assistant can significantly improve the planning and execution of exhibitions, leading to more engaging and successful outcomes.
How to Display Exhibition Planning Skills on Your Resume
8. Art Handling
Art handling refers to the careful, skilled process of moving, installing, and storing artworks to ensure their preservation and safety, often involving tasks such as packing, transportation, and display setup, which a Curatorial Assistant may coordinate or assist with in a museum or gallery setting.
Why It's Important
Art handling is crucial for a Curatorial Assistant as it ensures the safe transportation, installation, and storage of artworks, preserving their condition and integrity for display and future generations. It embodies a meticulous approach to managing the physical and environmental aspects of art, thereby safeguarding cultural heritage and enabling its appreciation in museum and gallery settings.
How to Improve Art Handling Skills
Improving art handling involves a meticulous approach to ensure the safety and preservation of artworks during movement and installation. As a Curatorial Assistant, enhancing your art handling skills involves understanding best practices and staying informed on the latest techniques and tools. Here are concise tips and resources to help you:
Educate Yourself: Continuously learn about materials and techniques used in art conservation. The American Institute for Conservation offers resources and guidelines.
Use Proper Tools and Materials: Invest in and use the right tools for moving, packing, and installing art. Tools should be clean and materials archival quality.
Plan and Communicate: Before moving any piece, plan the route, communicate with your team, and ensure everyone understands their role. Art Handling Olympics showcases some practical, albeit humorous, scenarios that highlight the importance of teamwork and planning.
Condition Reporting: Be diligent in condition reporting before and after handling art. This practice is crucial for tracking the artwork's state over time. The Smithsonian Institution provides guidelines on condition reporting.
Handling Techniques: Always use clean gloves, ensure proper lifting techniques to avoid strain or damage, and never rush the process. Specific handling techniques can be learned through workshops and training programs offered by organizations such as ARCS (Association of Registrars and Collections Specialists).
Continuous Learning: Attend workshops, webinars, and conferences to stay updated on best practices. Networking with professionals through platforms such as LinkedIn can provide valuable insights and advice.
By focusing on education, proper tools, detailed planning, and continuous learning, you can significantly improve your art handling skills, ensuring the preservation and integrity of artworks under your care.
How to Display Art Handling Skills on Your Resume
9. TMS (The Museum System)
TMS (The Museum System) is a comprehensive collections management software used by museums and galleries to document, manage, and care for their collections. It assists curatorial assistants in cataloging, tracking, and organizing artworks, artifacts, and other objects, facilitating research, exhibitions planning, and collections management tasks.
Why It's Important
TMS (The Museum System) is important for a Curatorial Assistant because it provides an integrated, comprehensive platform for managing and accessing all aspects of a museum's collection, enhancing the efficiency of curatorial tasks, research, documentation, and exhibition planning.
How to Improve TMS (The Museum System) Skills
Improving The Museum System (TMS) for a Curatorial Assistant involves focusing on efficiency, data accuracy, and user experience. Here's a concise guide:
Training and Support: Enhance skills by accessing up-to-date TMS training materials and support forums. Regular training sessions can keep staff informed about new features and best practices.
Data Quality: Implement strict data entry standards to improve the accuracy and reliability of the museum's collection data. Cataloging Cultural Objects (CCO) provides guidelines for describing art, cultural works, and their images.
Customization: Customize TMS to fit the specific needs of your institution. Use TMS’s customizable fields and templates to ensure the system supports your curatorial workflow efficiently.
Integration: Enhance TMS by integrating it with other software tools used by the museum, such as digital asset management systems or visitor engagement tools. Explore TMS Integrations for options that can streamline operations.
User Feedback: Regularly collect feedback from TMS users to identify areas for improvement. Implement changes based on this feedback to make the system more user-friendly and responsive to the needs of curatorial staff.
Data Backup and Security: Ensure that your TMS data is regularly backed up and secure. Familiarize yourself with TMS’s security features to protect sensitive information.
By focusing on these areas, you can significantly enhance the functionality and user experience of TMS for Curatorial Assistants and other museum staff.
How to Display TMS (The Museum System) Skills on Your Resume
10. Conservation Techniques
Conservation techniques refer to the methods and practices used to preserve, protect, and restore artworks, artifacts, and cultural heritage items. These techniques aim to prevent deterioration and damage while maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the objects for future generations. For a Curatorial Assistant, understanding and applying these techniques is crucial in the care, handling, and presentation of collections within a museum or gallery setting.
Why It's Important
Conservation techniques are crucial for a Curatorial Assistant because they ensure the preservation, protection, and longevity of artworks and artifacts, maintaining their historical, cultural, and aesthetic value for future generations.
How to Improve Conservation Techniques Skills
Improving conservation techniques requires a multifaceted approach, focusing on up-to-date research, technology, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Here's a concise guide for a Curatorial Assistant:
Stay Informed: Regularly read the latest research in conservation science. Journals like the Journal of the American Institute for Conservation offer valuable insights.
Professional Development: Attend workshops and conferences like those organized by The American Institute for Conservation to stay current with new methods and technologies.
Leverage Technology: Utilize advanced technologies such as digital imaging and 3D printing for conservation purposes. The Getty Conservation Institute provides resources and case studies on technological applications in conservation.
Collaborate: Work with professionals from other disciplines for innovative solutions. Platforms like Conservation OnLine (CoOL) facilitate sharing knowledge and collaboration.
Preventive Conservation: Focus on environmental monitoring and control. Resources from The National Park Service offer guidelines on preventive conservation methods.
Incorporating these strategies will enhance your ability to contribute effectively to the conservation of cultural heritage.
How to Display Conservation Techniques Skills on Your Resume
11. Educational Programming
Educational programming in a curatorial context involves designing, developing, and implementing educational activities and materials that enhance the understanding and appreciation of exhibits or collections. It aims to engage diverse audiences, including students, educators, and the general public, in meaningful learning experiences related to art, history, science, or culture.
Why It's Important
Educational programming is crucial as it enhances audience engagement, enriches the learning experience, and deepens understanding of exhibits, making cultural and historical content accessible and relevant to diverse audiences. This supports a curatorial assistant's goal of facilitating meaningful connections between the public and the collections.
How to Improve Educational Programming Skills
Improving educational programming, especially from the perspective of a Curatorial Assistant, involves a blend of content knowledge, audience engagement, and strategic planning. Here's a concise guide:
Assess Audience Needs: Understand the diverse needs and interests of your audience. Tailor programs to different age groups, educational backgrounds, and learning styles. Understanding Audiences
Incorporate Interactive Elements: Engage participants through hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, or digital tools that encourage exploration. Engagement Strategies
Collaborate with Educators: Work with teachers or educational experts to align programming with curricular goals, ensuring content is both informative and relevant. Collaboration with Educators
Utilize Technology: Incorporate digital resources and online platforms to expand access and add innovative dimensions to educational content. Digital Learning Tools
Evaluate and Adapt: Continuously assess program effectiveness through feedback and adapt strategies to meet evolving educational goals and audience needs. Program Evaluation
Professional Development: Stay informed about the latest trends in museum education and pedagogy through workshops, conferences, and networking with peers. Professional Development Resources
By focusing on these strategies, a Curatorial Assistant can significantly enhance the impact and reach of educational programming within their institution.
How to Display Educational Programming Skills on Your Resume
12. Grant Writing
Grant writing, in the context of a Curatorial Assistant, involves researching, drafting, and submitting proposals to secure funding from external sources such as government bodies, foundations, and corporations, aimed at supporting the museum or gallery's exhibitions, projects, or programs.
Why It's Important
Grant writing is crucial for a Curatorial Assistant because it secures funding essential for the acquisition, preservation, and exhibition of collections. This enables the development of educational programs and supports the overall mission of the museum or gallery, ensuring its growth and sustainability.
How to Improve Grant Writing Skills
Improving grant writing, especially for a Curatorial Assistant, involves understanding the specific needs of your audience, the funders. Here are concise tips:
Research Thoroughly: Understand the goals of the grant you're applying for and tailor your proposal to meet these. The Foundation Center is a great resource for research.
Be Clear and Concise: Use simple language. Avoid jargon to ensure your proposal is accessible. The Plain Language Association International provides guidelines for clear communication.
Align with Funder’s Goals: Demonstrate how your project aligns with the funder's mission. The Council on Foundations offers insights into philanthropic goals.
Detail Your Budget: Clearly outline how funds will be used. The National Council of Nonprofits provides budgeting advice.
Proofread and Review: Errors can undermine your credibility. Consider peer reviews for feedback.
Follow Up: After submission, a polite follow-up can demonstrate your commitment.
Practice and Learn: Review successful grant applications and learn from rejection. The Grant Professionals Association offers resources and examples.
Training and Workshops: Participate in grant writing workshops for hands-on experience. Websites like GrantSpace provide training opportunities.
For a Curatorial Assistant, focusing on how your project can enhance the collection or public engagement will be crucial. Tailor your grant proposals to highlight these elements.
How to Display Grant Writing Skills on Your Resume
