18 Things Curators Actually Do

We break down what it means to be a curator.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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We often hear the word "curator" in both the context of an art gallery and also as a sort of guru for every aspect of contemporary life, but the role of a curator is often hard to define. Curators are experts in their fields, able to identify what's hot now and what will be worth holding onto in the future. They do a lot more than just hang works of art on walls. We gathered information from the experts, including artists like John Baldessari and David Shrigley, as well as the curator of Serpentine Galleries, Hans Ulrich Obrist, to help define the slippery job title. Here are 18 Things Curators Actually Do.

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Curators are experts at spotting the next big thing.

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But they also look to the past and do their research.

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They're protectors of art history.

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And they know how to bridge the past and present in their exhibitions.

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Curators decide how works are displayed in museums and galleries.

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Which means they determine how we experience an art show.

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They often try to provoke their audiences.

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And they act as interpreters for art.

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The best curators make people say, "I didn't know you could do that."

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Unlike artists, curators come up with ideas instead of visualizing them.

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At the same time, they help artists realize projects without overstepping their visions.

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And they often act as cheerleaders for the artists they represent.

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But they don't only focus on their artists.

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Curators are typically creative in all aspects of their lives.

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They are chameleons, taking on other roles when needed.

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And they collaborate when tasks are beyond their expertise.

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Specifically, they build relationships with other curators.

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Curators are constantly working to find ways to stand out in the commerical art world.

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