Being an art curator is an exciting job
Art is a form of expression and there are many forms of art.
Not much thought, however, is given to art curators, who do most of the work behind the scenes.
An art curator, as a profession, holds many possibilities as Thabo Sekoaila (34), art curator at the Springs Art Gallery, explains.
“In a nutshell, an art curator is a fancy word for manager of an art gallery or art,” he says.
“An art curator manages people, resources, the building, exhibitions, activities, finances and all those sorts of things.”
He adds that an art curator needs to plan and market exhibitions and educate the community about the gallery’s content.
Art curators also creates opportunities for artists to be able to exhibit their work.
Thabo studied at the University of Johannesburg (then known as the Wits Technicon) and has a degree in fine arts which he studied four years for.
“Qualifications are important, people can have a diploma or any equivalent qualification,” he says.
He explains that because there are people who cannot afford to study, but have a passion for art, experience can also count a lot for them.
“Passion is, of course, extremely important,” he says, “you definitely need to have a passion for art and people.
“You also need to read a lot about art because art is forever changing and you need to know the new trends, techniques and mediums.”
Art curators need to follow the road art is taking and adapt to how it changes.
Thabo adds that you do not have to be an artist to become an art curator, but that you have to know the art industry.
“There are so many possibilities with studying fine arts, doors open in design, film, sculpture, painting and so much more,” he says.
“You need to know the industry and manage yourself and other artists accordingly.”
An art curator has to have skills to negotiate and propose ideas, and have people skills.
“What inspires me is the gallery launching an artist’s career and having a hand in their success,” he says.
“It’s very exciting work, not one day is the same,” he concludes.
The gallery will be offering art classes on Saturdays from 9am to noon, in September, in Springs, KwaThema and many other areas to all who are interested.
For more information, contact Sonja Sanders on 011 999 8821.
