Art History

Career Prospects Art History Graduates in art history typically find work in the cultural sector, with museums and galleries traditionally being the largest employers. Typical positions include curator, exhibition maker, registrar or educational staff member in institutions such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum or smaller regional museums. Auction houses, art dealers and advisory firms for cultural heritage also offer opportunities. Additionally, art historians work as freelance art critics, researchers or advisors for private collectors. The government offers opportunities in monument preservation, heritage organizations and cultural institutions of municipalities and provinces. Part of the graduates choose education, both secondary education and university, often after additional pedagogical training. The academic skills make art historians also suitable for positions outside the strict art sector, such as at publishing houses, in journalism or at cultural communication agencies. Some combine their expertise with entrepreneurship by starting their own galleries or advisory firms. Expected Developments The job market for art historians is under pressure due to cultural budget cuts and decreasing subsidization of museums and heritage organizations. At the same time, digitization of collections and growing interest in art as investment offer new opportunities. Online art education and virtual exhibitions create innovative employment, although this does not fully compensate for the shrinking traditional sector.