How to Build a Curatorial Portfolio

A common hurdle for early career curators is gaining the experience and projects needed for a compelling portfolio. At The Art Institute, our online courses and guidance from world-class tutors give you the structured pathways and practical experience you need.

Ask anyone in the creative industries, and they'll tell you that a great portfolio is key to landing your dream job. But for aspiring curators, what to include and how to build it isn't always clear. Your curatorial portfolio isn't just projects, it's a personal branding tool and a chance to show your vision, expertise, and professionalism. Think of this article as your curatorial career guide, offering clear, step-by-step tips to craft a compelling curatorial portfolio.

Why a Curatorial Portfolio Is Essential

Your curatorial skills and portfolio are more than just a collection of past projects. It's a tool that can shape your professional future. Here are the opportunities it can offer.

• Showcases Your Unique Vision: It's your primary opportunity to demonstrate your curatorial philosophy, expertise, and professionalism in a tangible way.
• Opens Doors to Opportunities: A strong portfolio can directly lead to securing curatorial roles, internships, and collaborations with galleries and museums.
• Communicates Your Capabilities: It articulates your skills and experiences, proving your readiness to take on curatorial projects and meaningfully contribute to an institution.

6 Essential Elements of a Curatorial Portfolio

So, you're ready to build a portfolio that truly stands out? Let's dive into the core components you'll need to showcase your curatorial expertise.

1. Personal Statement

Your personal statement is your portfolio's essential introduction, outlining your unique approach to curation. Here’s how we recommend articulating your philosophy

• Introduction: Briefly communicate your passion and what draws you to curatorial work.
• Professional Background: Summarise relevant education, experience (like internships, exhibitions), and developed skills (research, project management).
• Curatorial Approach: Describe your philosophy, thematic interests, and methodologies.
• Goals and Aspirations: Outline your professional goals and how you envision contributing to the field.
• Conclusion: Reinforce your enthusiasm and readiness for the role or program.

We recommend keeping this section concise. Most successful personal statements typically range from 300 to 500 words or fit neatly onto a single page.

2. Showcase of Past Projects

This section is where your curatorial experience can shine, offering concrete examples of your work. Select your best curatorial projects, whether they're past exhibitions, research papers, or collaborations. For each, include visual examples, project descriptions, and crucially, what you learned and achieved, demonstrating your growth and capabilities.

3. Research and Writing Samples

Your ability to articulate ideas is fundamental to curatorial work, and strong writing samples are essential to demonstrate this. Here are the kinds of writing you should consider including.

• Exhibition Proposals: Demonstrate your ability to conceive, plan, and justify a curatorial project.
• Catalogue Essays: Highlight your research skills and capacity to interpret artworks and themes for a broader audience.
• Academic Papers: Show your scholarly depth, critical thinking, and specific areas of expertise, particularly if they’re published or peer reviewed.
• Grant Applications: If applicable, showcase your project management and persuasive writing skills in securing funding or reporting on outcomes.

4. Skills and Expertise

This section is your opportunity to demonstrate the specific curatorial skills you offer, and how they translate into successful exhibitions. Don't just list your abilities; clearly connect them to the projects highlighted in your portfolio.

• Research & Interpretation: Showcase your ability to conduct in-depth research and develop meaningful narratives around artworks, artists, or themes.
• Exhibition Design & Installation: Provide evidence of your involvement in the practical aspects of exhibition layout, flow, and display.
• Collection Management: Detail any experience with cataloguing, conservation, or handling of artworks, showing your understanding of collection care.
• Project Management & Collaboration: Highlight your organisational skills, ability to manage timelines and budgets, and experience working with teams, artists, or institutions.
• Audience Engagement: Demonstrate your capacity to connect with audiences through programming, gallery texts, or educational initiatives.

5. Visuals and Presentation

Visuals are an essential part of your curatorial portfolio, offering a window into your past projects and their impact. Present high-quality images of artworks, exhibitions, and events clearly and professionally, ensuring they enhance your narrative without overshadowing it. Remember, your visuals should perfectly complement your descriptions, providing compelling evidence of your curatorial vision and execution.

6. Recommendations and Testimonials

Including brief quotes or letters of recommendation from tutors, colleagues, or mentors can really boost your portfolio's credibility. These testimonials offer third-party validation of your skills and work ethic, giving potential employers confidence in your abilities. If you don't have any yet, don't hesitate to reach out to past collaborators or institutions; they're often happy to support your career growth.

Formatting and Design Tips for a Professional Look

How you present your gallery or museum curator portfolio is essential to its impact. A well-designed layout not only highlights your work but also demonstrates your professionalism.

• Clarity & Simplicity: Create a clean, uncluttered layout with legible fonts and ample white space to enhance your narrative.
• High-Quality Visuals: Use high-resolution, well-lit images that perfectly represent your projects.
• Logical Navigation: Ensure easy navigation whether your portfolio is digital or physical, using clear headings and a consistent flow.
• Choose Format Wisely: If you're posting your portfolio online, we recommend Squarespace, Cargo Collective or Behance. Or for something more tangible, you could opt for a professionally bound physical portfolio for in-person interviews.

How to Tailor Your Portfolio for Different Roles

To create a truly compelling curatorial portfolio, tailoring it to each specific opportunity is essential. Avoid a generic collection; instead, adjust your content to resonate with the particular role or institution. For example, a contemporary art museum portfolio would highlight innovative concepts, while a historical art gallery would showcase research and collection management. Always research the employer's interests to select and frame projects that directly reflect their needs, significantly boosting your chances of standing out.

How The Art Institute Can Help You Build a Strong Curatorial Portfolio

Building a curatorial portfolio, alongside all the projects and publications you need takes significant time and effort, especially when you're going it alone. At The Art Institute, our Diploma of Art Appreciation offers the structured support and the opportunities you need to develop a standout portfolio.

• Specialised Curriculum: Gain practical, hands-on experience through focused courses, designed to generate tangible portfolio projects.
• Expert Tutor Support: Receive personalised feedback from seasoned art experts to refine your portfolio to industry standards.
• Strong Industry Connections: Benefit from potential mentorships, internships, and partnerships, providing invaluable real-world experience and networking.
• Flexible Online Study: Pursue a curatorial career at your own pace, balancing learning with other commitments.
• Career Readiness: Develop the confidence and practical skills needed to step directly into the competitive art world.

Next Steps to Mastering Your Curatorial Portfolio

As Hans Ulrich Obrist puts it, “The task of curating is to make junctions, to allow different elements to touch.” Your curatorial portfolio is the place to prove this ability. More than past projects, it's a strategic showcase of your vision and skills, opening doors to career-changing opportunities.

Our Diploma of Art Appreciation Course equips you with the knowledge and skills for careers in the art world. Study 12 modules at your own pace, supported by world-class tutors. No experience needed - just curiosity. Download your free prospectus today and elevate your passion for art.