National museums offer careers combining business, art, and government.
If you're searching for a career that allows you to work with art either in the public or private sector there are a number of career paths you can choose from. It is important to choose a path that best matches your income requirements as well as your personal interests, including whether you would rather live in a large metropolitan area or a more rural community.
Archivists
A degree in public history with a concentration in art history or a minor in art can lead to a career as an archivist. You can also opt to choose a degree path that leads to a master's degree in library science. An archivist's work involves cataloging new items as they come in and finding new items to add to the collection. If they have been trained for it, they will also restore or digitize documents or art that have been damaged. The National Archives and the Smithsonian Institute are two examples of government entities that hire archivists. Many university libraries also have archivists that manage special collections, rare books and artwork.
Museum/Gallery Staff
Employees of a public or private museum or gallery are tasked with acquiring new works. They also create and organize various temporary displays that are on loan from other museums or private collections. Staff members play vital roles in caring for art in their museum/gallery; they also play an important role in acquainting the public with works on exhibit by providing information about the movement, artist and historical and cultural importance of each work.
Arts Organizations
A career in management can lead to a position in an arts organization or a job in which you are administering your own organization or gallery. The National Endowment for the Arts, for example, is an organization were you can find many employment opportunities. Another option is to start your own non-profit; through your fundraising efforts, your organization could fund worthy arts projects.
