On Nov. 1, 2023, the Nerman Museum hosted a Young Artists Retreat, aimed at high school seniors, to allow them to learn more about careers in the arts. Below is the Art-Related Careers overview information shared in their programs. Download this list in PDF format.

Art-related Careers

Independent Artists:

• Artist: uses diverse mediums to create works such as sculptures, paintings, murals, installations and photographs. Artists who are working full-time professionally often have a studio team.
• Studio assistant or manager: works with artists to successfully plan and create works, logistical aspects of sending artworks to clients, administrative responsibilities.

Museum and Non-profit Arts Organization Roles:

• Director: provides the leadership and vision for the institution, strategic planning, fundraising and overseeing both internal and external affairs. Some directors also work as/with curators.
• Curator: responsible for putting together exhibitions, through researching and selecting works that speak to each other through some sort of common thread. In the institutional setting, this may involve working with exhibition designers, collection managers and the interpretation team among others. Many exhibitions take years to pull together.
• Exhibition Designer: helps curators and artists bring their vision to life in the complex setting of museum and gallery installations.
• Preparator: works with exhibition designers to build and install exhibitions and collections.
• Learning & Engagement: focuses on using art as a medium for learning—not only about topics related to a classroom curriculum, but also to better understand the world.
• Marketing & Communications: collaborates with artists, designers, educators and administrators to share information about art exhibitions, programs and events.
• Interpretation: creates resources that help audiences understand and connect with the art, often in collaboration with curators, educators and independent writers.
• Programs: works with artists, administrators and others to develop and implement programming that relates to art exhibitions.
• Registration & Collections Management: ensures the safety and care of the art collection, managing loans of artworks, conservation efforts, storage and information about the collection.
• Development: spearheads donor relations and fundraising for the institution which can include managing programs and travel associated with donor events and financial management.
• Archives/Library: many institutions have a research library or archive that may be digitally available that serves as a resource for artists, curators, educators and students.
• Visitor or Guest Services: works with front-of-house staff to ensure visitors feel welcome.

Gallerists and Independent Curators:

• Gallerist or Curator: responsible for putting together exhibitions, through researching and selecting works that speak to each other through some sort of common thread.
• Art Dealer: acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers but may not have a gallery or curatorial role.
• Auction Houses: major art auction houses are an important part of the art market, and there are various roles involved in valuation, appraisal and selling of artworks.

Higher Education:

• Professor: teaches fine arts or studio arts at the college level. Most professors have a Ph.D. or terminal degree (MFA) in their subject area.

Independent Contractors:

• Writer: bring the world to life through words—be it in poetry, essays, journals or other outlets and writing styles.
• Installation and art handling: many art handlers work with museums, galleries or private collectors to move and install works safely, which may involve assisting with shipping artworks.
• Photography: artists and institutions often work with professional photographers to get good images of their artwork.
• Web design: artists and institutions often work with professional web designers to create engaging platforms for their content.
• Conservator: highly specialized, conservators typically have in-depth knowledge about a particular type of media (textiles, painting, etc.) and have some scientific background also.

Commercial Arts: There are many opportunities to use art skills and experience in the commercial sector, whether it be for a particular company or as an independent contractor or businessperson. Below is a list of just a few of the many fields available. Most require specialized training and education.

• Fashion design
• Graphic design
• Industrial design
• Illustration
• Animation
• Architecture
• Interior design
• Printmaking
• Set and costume design
• Filmmaking