What is the primary role of a curator in an art gallery?

The primary role of a curator in an art gallery is to organize and oversee exhibitions and manage collections. This involves several key responsibilities, such as selecting the artworks that will be displayed, creating themes for exhibitions, and ensuring that the pieces are properly maintained and preserved. Curators often research and write interpretive materials, such as exhibition catalogs and signage, to educate visitors about the artworks and artists featured in their galleries. They play a crucial role in shaping the gallery's artistic direction and enhancing the public's experience of art.

While designing merchandise, providing lessons, and evaluating market value are important tasks within the art world, they fall outside the core duties of a curator, which center around exhibition planning and collection management. These distinct roles contribute to a gallery's function but highlight that the curator's focus is primarily on artistic presentation and stewardship of art collections.