What Art History Graduates Can Do Beyond Academia

For many art history graduates, the path to academia can often feel like the only option. With a well-trodden route from undergrad to postgrad and beyond, it's easy to assume your choices are limited. While a career in academia is certainly fulfilling for some, it's far from the only destination for your passion and expertise.

Why Art History Is More Than Academia

It might surprise you to learn that many of the most successful companies are filled with art history graduates! Recruiters actively seek them out because they bring a unique mix of skillsets:

• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Art history trains you to analyse and interpret information and draw insightful conclusions, valuable for strategic roles.
• Research and Analysis: You become adept at gathering, evaluating, and synthesising information, a critical skill for analytical and communication roles.
• Visual Literacy: You have a keen eye for detail and understand how images communicate. It’s indispensable in marketing, branding, and graphic design.
• Powerful Communication: Crafting compelling arguments and articulating complex ideas is vital in publishing, PR, and corporate communications.
• Cultural Competency: Gain a deep understanding of different cultures and experiences, invaluable for international relations, HR, and client-facing roles.
• Project Management: By managing complex research and projects, you’ll build strong organisational abilities, suited to project coordination and operations management.

Exploring Non-Academic Career Paths

Did you know that the top 10% of art history graduates earn over $154,200 per year? The question is, what are these high-paying roles, and where can you find them? Below, we share six art history professional paths beyond academia.

1. Museum and Gallery Curatorship

Many art history graduates are drawn to museum and gallery roles because of a desire to share their expertise with the public. It’s an opportunity to shape public discourse and present important artists to a wider audience. Here are some of the top art history jobs beyond academia.

• Curator: Research, acquire, interpret, and present artworks, crucial for developing exhibitions and writing insightful catalogues.
• Collections Manager: Document, catalogue, and care for artworks, ensuring their preservation and accessibility within institutions.
• Exhibitions Manager: Manage the logistics, budgets, and timelines to bring exhibitions from initial concept to final installation.
• Public Programs Officer: Design and deliver public educational programs, interpreting complex art history in a way that’s accessible to audiences.
• Archivist & Art Librarian: Organise preserve, and make accessible art-related documents and scholarly resources for research.

Museum and gallery roles are not only fascinating and rewarding, but they can also be lucrative too. The US Bureau of Labour Statistics reports that top curators earn upwards of $98,490.

2. Art Auction Houses and Art Dealing

Does the commercial side of art intrigue you? Auction houses and art dealing are fascinating and fast-paced environments, connecting your art historical expertise with global finance.

• Specialist / Valuer: Authenticate, research, and value artworks, applying your deep art historical knowledge and market insights to enhance client interactions.
• Client Relations / Business Development: These roles focus on building relationships with buyers, sourcing valuable pieces, and guiding collectors.
• Auction Management / Operations: Manage logistics, marketing, and execution for smooth auction flows from consignment to sale.
• Art Dealer / Gallery Sales: Source, promote, and sell art directly, relying on art historical acumen and strong client relationships.

Specialists and valuers typically earn $70,000 to $120,000. Senior executive roles in major auction houses like Sotheby's and Christie’s can command significant six-figure salaries with bonuses.

3. Art Conservation and Restoration

If you’re passionate about preserving cultural heritage, art conservation and restoration offers a unique path, applying art history knowledge to the care of artworks in museums, private collections, or studios.

• Conservator: Examine, analyse, and treat artworks to maintain and protect them, blending art historical insight with scientific skill.
• Restorer: Bring damaged artworks back to their original state. This role demands artistic skill and historical knowledge for specialist intervention.
• Conservation Scientist: Collaborate on material analysis and preservation techniques. An art history background provides crucial context here.
• Collections Care Specialist: Focus on preventative care within institutions, managing environmental conditions and protocols.

The average art conservator salary in the US is around $54,280 per year, with senior conservators with 20+ years of experience earning over $100,000.

4. Publishing and Journalism

For art history graduates with a love of storytelling, publishing and journalism offer exciting career opportunities to inform and inspire audiences about art and culture.

• Art Journalist: Research and write engaging articles, reviews, and features for art magazines, online platforms, and cultural blogs.
• Art Publications Editor: Shape content for art books, journals, or magazines, ensuring accuracy and consistency while managing production
• Content Creator & Strategist: Develop compelling digital content, like articles, videos, social media, for cultural brands, museums, or galleries.
• PR / Communications Specialist: Manage the public image and communications for art institutions or independent artists.

Journalists and editors typically earn $60,000 - $85,000 annually. Top journalists and senior roles can command over $130,000.

5. Creative Industries and Design

Forget dusty archives! Creative industry careers for art historians leverage your unique eye for aesthetics. Could your skills be invaluable for shaping brands, experiences, and narratives?

• Creative Director: Lead visual style for campaigns, film, TV, or digital media.
• Brand Strategist: Develop brand identities and narratives using cultural insights and visual trends.
• Production Designer: Create compelling visual environments for film, TV, or theatre, rooted in historical styles.
• Visual Researcher: Source and license historical imagery for media productions, providing expert visual context.
• UX/UI Designer: Inform user experience and interface design with understanding of visual hierarchy and historical design principles.

Salaries in the creative industry vary widely, from $45,000 - $70,000 entry-level to $120,000 - $200,000+ for senior roles

6. Art Education and Public Engagement

Your art history expertise can ignite passion beyond academia! These art history career opportunities are all about education, designing impactful and accessible experiences for the public.

• Museum Educator: Develop and deliver engaging tours and educational resources for cultural institution visitors.
• Public Programs Officer: Create and manage events bringing art and culture to life for the broader community.
• Arts Outreach Coordinator: Build community partnerships and deliver art initiatives, fostering engagement.
• Community Arts Program Manager: Oversee and develop accessible arts programs with social impact in communities.
• Art Workshop Facilitator: Lead hands-on art-making or appreciation workshops, sharing knowledge interactively.

Art education roles include a wide range of positions and salaries can be influenced by high-paying outliers. Top salaries in select areas and institutions, or for senior and executive roles, can exceed $87,000, with rare cases reaching much higher.

Success Stories from Industry Professionals

Art history graduates consistently carve out influential careers beyond academia. Here are some inspiring examples of alternative careers for art history graduates, and professionals who transformed their passions into unique professions.

• Sir Kenneth Clark: Renowned art historian and National Gallery Director, Sir Kenneth Clark pioneered bringing art history to mass audiences as a groundbreaking BBC broadcaster and influential media figure.
• Noah Charney: An art historian Specialising in art crime, Noah Carney became a best-selling author and prominent TV presenter, uniquely blending art history with criminology.
• Tasha Marks: A visionary artist and food historian, Tasha Marks merges art historical insights with culinary studies. Her creative practice, AVM Curiosities, produces interdisciplinary, educational and artistic projects.

How The Art Institute Prepares You for These Roles

The Art Institute provides a comprehensive online learning experience designed to prepare you for dynamic careers in the art industry and beyond.

Here's how we set you apart:

• Flexible Online Learning: Study at your own pace, fitting expert education into your busy lifestyle.
• Expert Curation: Our comprehensive course is curated and presented by renowned expert Hilary Kay, Antiques Roadshow Presenter.
• Essential Skill Development: Hone critical thinking, meticulous research, and persuasive communication vital for professional success.
• Real-World Market Insights: Gain practical knowledge in Module 12: The Art Market, exploring art valuation, international markets, auction houses and galleries.

With The Art Institute, you gain not just an appreciation for art, but the practical knowledge and skills to thrive in a professional landscape. As Art Institute graduate Sophie Mill confirms”

"I am an artist and author and presently I work as an art tutor for an elite private girls' school in Sydney. This course has given me insight into myself plus insight into the deeper world of language and communication. I am extremely happy I did this course, and I can recommend it to anyone wanting to add to their already love of art.”

Ready to Transform Your Passion into a Profession?

Art history graduate careers are about so much more than academia. From curatorship to creative industries, these roles are ready and waiting for those with the job-ready skills and art historical expertise to excel.

Ready to turn your passion into a fruitful career? The Art Institute’s Diploma course offers deep art history knowledge, critical thinking, and art market understanding for careers in galleries, museums, auction houses, or education. Complete comprehensive modules online, at your pace, with expert tutor support.

Download your free prospectus today to take your passion further.