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- Journalist. Average salary: $42,602. Salary range: $27,000–$79,000. A journalist researches topics that an audience cares about, interviews people, reads primary sources, and writes stories that can convey news, trends, or other information—a natural fit for an art history major who can already conduct research using primary sources and go beyond the superficial to find meaning.
- Graphic Designer. Average salary: $46,572. Salary range: $34,000–$65,000. Graphic designers might use templates, typography/fonts, illustration, photos, layouts, and color schemes to create collateral for an organization—perhaps to market a good or service in a pamphlet or on their website.
- Museum Coordinator. Average salary: $30,492. Salary range: $23,000–$50,000. A museum coordinator might help a curator put together exhibits, from the physical handling of objects to communication with donors.
- Publishing Manager. Average salary: $61,132. Salary range: $40,000–$104,000. A publishing manager is, in a sense, the project manager for the publishing process.
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- Why pursue an art history career?
- What skills do art history programs provide?
- 20 art history careers
Art history students, recent graduates, and professionals can pursue many career paths. Art history explores the evolution of culture through artifacts such as architecture, tombs, graphics and performances. Depending on your passion and specialization, a degree in art history may lead you to a career in places such as government, museums, gallerie...
Besides the numerous job opportunities available to graduates of art history programs, here are some reasons to pursue this field:
•Passion for art: Pursuing a career in art history allows you to explore your interest in art. If you love art, you may enjoy learning about the various art movements, artists and styles throughout history.
•Cultural understanding: Art reflects the culture of a particular period, and studying art history can give you an understanding of different cultures. This can enhance your appreciation of different societies and help you to be more culturally sensitive.
•Preservation of art: As an art historian, you often have a significant role in the preservation of art. You can help to identify art that's deteriorating and work to preserve and conserve it for future generations.
An art history program focuses on famous works of art, historical periods, culture and media. Students of art history develop critical abilities related to art, associating direct observation of historical, social, economic and environmental contexts. Here are some skills these programs typically foster:
•Analysis: Art history majors typically have analytical skills and can make original, insightful or innovative connections between the style and subject of a piece of art or an artistic movement and the cultural context surrounding its creation.
•Research: An art historian with strong research skills can sort through large amounts of information to find relevant and credible knowledge and documentation. This could mean searching through archives, navigating large databases and having the skills necessary to filter through data to pinpoint essential information.
•Communication: Art history programs typically involve projects, essays and presentations, so written and verbal communication skills are common.
•Project management: Art history majors often complete long-term projects, so they understand how to manage a project timeline and allocate resources effectively.
Related: What Is an Art History Major? Definition, Benefits and Key Skills
1. Tour guide
National average salary: $33,979 per yearPrimary duties: Tour guides primarily provide tours for people around historical sites, monuments and other interesting places. In addition, tour guides use their knowledge of these places to familiarize people with the culture, history, geography and other anthropological aspects of a site. They also plan itineraries and coordinate with accommodation providers, transporters and hosts to make tours successful and enjoyable.Find tour guide jobs
2. Auction specialist
National average salary: $36,026 per yearPrimary duties: Auction specialists organize auctions for various items, such as art pieces and antiques. They act as the intermediary between buyers and sellers, but they mainly act on behalf of the seller by selling their art pieces at auction to the highest bidder. They also keep track of the bids and conclude the sale by striking the gavel when a buyer places the highest uncontested bid.Find auction specialist jobs
3. Art manager
National average salary: $37,529 per yearPrimary duties: Art managers manage the art aspects of a production. They oversee art projects for books, magazines, newspapers and motion pictures. Art managers perform market research, understand the target audience and consider their client's requirements and needs. They may also coordinate the activities of an art department and supervise other staff.Find art manager jobsRelated: How To Become an Art Manager in 5 Steps
May 22, 2024 · Jobs for art history majors span a range of careers, whether in schools, museums, or archives. These careers can be mostly performed indoors or inside an office. Aside from being analytical thinkers and excellent communicators, art historians are successful researchers and keen artworks and historical documents evaluators.
- Priya Jain
- Art Historian. An art historian is a passionate individual who deeply appreciates art, history, and culture. It’s a perfect fit for individuals who love research, analysis, and communication as they delve into the narratives woven within art throughout the ages.
- Museum Curator. Becoming a museum curator is an ideal career choice for individuals with a deep passion for art, history, and cultural heritage. They play a vital role in preserving and showcasing the world’s cultural treasures, allowing them to connect people with the richness of human creativity and history.
- Art Conservator. An art conservator is an ideal career choice for individuals with a deep appreciation for art and a keen eye for detail. They play a crucial role in safeguarding the world’s artistic treasures, employing their expertise in materials, techniques, and scientific methods to conserve and restore artworks to their original splendor.
- Art Gallery Manager. An art gallery manager is an ideal career choice for individuals who are passionate about art, possess strong leadership skills, and have a keen eye for aesthetics.
Feb 20, 2024 · Art history majors study and analyze famous works of art, and art history programs teach skills related to research, critical thinking, and communication. Graduates can pursue a variety of positions, including roles as curators, archivists, and professors.
Nov 21, 2022 · If you're interested in learning how humans have expressed themselves artistically in different times and countries, you might major in art history. In this article, we explain the components of an art history major, the benefits of studying this subject and skills you can develop in this field.
Apr 18, 2024 · Discover 45 interesting career opportunities for those with degrees in visual arts, fine arts, art history, film and design, including salary information.
