The economic woes of the past several
years seem to have spared very few. Individuals, families, small
businesses, corporations and nonprofit institutions alike have struggled
in the downturn of the American economy. In December 2010, The New York
Times reported that even the world of fine art has faced fiscal
challenges.
In an effort to raise money for a $5.8 million renovation of its 1826 building, The Times revealed, the Philadelphia History Museum has sold more than 2,000 items over the last several years. The most recent sale attempt will help fund the final $1.5 million needed to finish the project and reopen the museum, which has been closed for about two years due to renovations.
These actions place the museum on a fine ethical line, according to a formal code dictated by the Association of Art Museum Directors. The code states that museums should sell art and objects only to finance acquisitions, not pay bills.
Because it is a history museum, the Philadelphia institution is subject to less stringent guidelines then art museums. According to The Times, officials at the museum say the expenses for the new carpet, lighting and paint that are being covered by the proceeds of the sold artifacts are legitimate expenses as outlined under the American Association of Museums, which dictates that sale funds can go toward the "direct care" of a collection.
"This rapidly becomes a slippery slope," Derick Dreher, the director of the Rosenbach Museum and Library in Philadelphia, told the newspaper. "What museum director wouldn't be tempted to say that air-conditioning is absolutely crucial for care of a collection? Heating, humidification and dehumidification, similarly. But if we go down this road, we end up paying our gas, electric and water bills--classic operations costs--with deaccessioning proceeds."
Deaccessioning is the term the art world uses to refer to selling collections to cover operating expenses--a practice the New York Legislature considered making illegal, but never moved to the assembly floor due to museum opposition.
A challenge for curators
The Philadelphia History Museum is not alone in its strategy of selling artwork and/or collections. As reported in the article, the National Academy Museum in New York, Fisk University and Brandeis have also considered and/or executed the practice. The topic seems to be one of the most pressing in the current museum world and may be attributed, at least in part, to budgets that have shrunk in the struggling economy.
While the controversy over the sale of museum property continues, institution leadership teams continue to try to find creative ways to attract visitors to museum doorsteps. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), it is the role of curators at these various institutions to coordinate educational and public outreach programs such as workshops, lectures, tours and classes.
Even in the midst of financial challenges, the role of the museum curator is considered to be a sought-after and increasingly popular position--one that US News and World Report recently named one of the 50 best careers of 2011. In fact, the BLS expects employment opportunities for curators, along with archivists and museum technicians, to increase 20 percent over the decade of 2008 to 2018--substantially faster than the average for all occupations.
If you have a passion for art, design, or history, a career as a curator may be in your future. But what is the best way to get on the right track?
The doctor is in: a career as a curator
Competition is keen for individuals applying for curator positions. The best way to get ahead of the pack is through education. While most museums require that their curators hold a master's degree in a field such as art, history or archaeology, many prospective employers prefer curators to have a doctoral degree. A doctoral degree in art and design will help you stand out in a sea of applicants.
While obtaining your degree, it is important to expose yourself to experiences in the field. Employers are most interested in candidates who have some experience in a real-world museum setting. Whether you are interested in online schools or traditional campus-based programs, inquire about opportunities for internships at local museums. You may also consider volunteering to assist local university professors in the history, art or archaeology departments. A part-time job at a local museum while pursuing one of numerous online degree programs may also help put you a step ahead of the competition when chasing a career as a curator.
In an effort to raise money for a $5.8 million renovation of its 1826 building, The Times revealed, the Philadelphia History Museum has sold more than 2,000 items over the last several years. The most recent sale attempt will help fund the final $1.5 million needed to finish the project and reopen the museum, which has been closed for about two years due to renovations.
These actions place the museum on a fine ethical line, according to a formal code dictated by the Association of Art Museum Directors. The code states that museums should sell art and objects only to finance acquisitions, not pay bills.
Because it is a history museum, the Philadelphia institution is subject to less stringent guidelines then art museums. According to The Times, officials at the museum say the expenses for the new carpet, lighting and paint that are being covered by the proceeds of the sold artifacts are legitimate expenses as outlined under the American Association of Museums, which dictates that sale funds can go toward the "direct care" of a collection.
"This rapidly becomes a slippery slope," Derick Dreher, the director of the Rosenbach Museum and Library in Philadelphia, told the newspaper. "What museum director wouldn't be tempted to say that air-conditioning is absolutely crucial for care of a collection? Heating, humidification and dehumidification, similarly. But if we go down this road, we end up paying our gas, electric and water bills--classic operations costs--with deaccessioning proceeds."
Deaccessioning is the term the art world uses to refer to selling collections to cover operating expenses--a practice the New York Legislature considered making illegal, but never moved to the assembly floor due to museum opposition.
A challenge for curators
The Philadelphia History Museum is not alone in its strategy of selling artwork and/or collections. As reported in the article, the National Academy Museum in New York, Fisk University and Brandeis have also considered and/or executed the practice. The topic seems to be one of the most pressing in the current museum world and may be attributed, at least in part, to budgets that have shrunk in the struggling economy.
While the controversy over the sale of museum property continues, institution leadership teams continue to try to find creative ways to attract visitors to museum doorsteps. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), it is the role of curators at these various institutions to coordinate educational and public outreach programs such as workshops, lectures, tours and classes.
Even in the midst of financial challenges, the role of the museum curator is considered to be a sought-after and increasingly popular position--one that US News and World Report recently named one of the 50 best careers of 2011. In fact, the BLS expects employment opportunities for curators, along with archivists and museum technicians, to increase 20 percent over the decade of 2008 to 2018--substantially faster than the average for all occupations.
If you have a passion for art, design, or history, a career as a curator may be in your future. But what is the best way to get on the right track?
The doctor is in: a career as a curator
Competition is keen for individuals applying for curator positions. The best way to get ahead of the pack is through education. While most museums require that their curators hold a master's degree in a field such as art, history or archaeology, many prospective employers prefer curators to have a doctoral degree. A doctoral degree in art and design will help you stand out in a sea of applicants.
While obtaining your degree, it is important to expose yourself to experiences in the field. Employers are most interested in candidates who have some experience in a real-world museum setting. Whether you are interested in online schools or traditional campus-based programs, inquire about opportunities for internships at local museums. You may also consider volunteering to assist local university professors in the history, art or archaeology departments. A part-time job at a local museum while pursuing one of numerous online degree programs may also help put you a step ahead of the competition when chasing a career as a curator.
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