Career Opportunities with a Degree in Art History & Visual Culture

Art history and visual culture are fields that delve into the intricacies of artistic expression, the significance of visual representation, and the profound impact both have had on societies throughout history. A degree in art history and visual culture offers an in-depth understanding of the cultural, political, and social contexts of visual arts, ranging from traditional fine arts to contemporary visual media. It may surprise many that this degree, often considered niche or academic, features a wide variety of art career paths in museums, galleries, academia, media, cultural organizations, and beyond.

In this article, we explore how a degree in art history and visual culture can unlock compelling and exciting career possibilities.

The Value of Art History and Visual Culture

The significance of art history and visual culture is about more than just appreciating art; it’s about understanding the stories that art tells, the way visual culture shapes our perceptions, and the power that these images and objects have over history, society, and identity.

Unlocking Creative Career Possibilities

With this deep knowledge, graduates of art history and visual culture degrees are uniquely equipped to pursue creative careers in numerous sectors. No matter if working in a museum, gallery, media company, or as an independent consultant, the skills developed during the degree — such as critical thinking, research, and visual analysis — are highly valued in many industries. Plus, the focus on cultural understanding and communication allows graduates to contribute meaningfully to a range of discussions about heritage, diversity, and cultural preservation.

Art History Careers in Museums and Galleries

For those passionate about preserving and interpreting art, museums and galleries offer some of the most rewarding career paths. Art historians often find themselves at the heart of these institutions, where they can have a lasting impact on the public’s understanding of art, culture, and history.

Museum Curatorship and Management

One of the most prestigious careers for art history graduates is in museum curatorship. Curators are responsible for managing collections, designing exhibitions, and overseeing the preservation and interpretation of artworks. A curator’s role involves researching artists, periods, and styles to help ensure that collections are historically accurate and educational for visitors. With a deep understanding of art’s evolution and significance, curators also contribute to the scholarly documentation and cataloging of artworks. Museum curators and archivists often specialize in a particular period, movement, or region, bringing their expertise to exhibitions that teach visitors about the richness of global culture.

Management roles in museums are equally essential, where professionals oversee daily operations, fundraising, and administrative duties. Whether managing a small local museum or a large national institution, those with an art history degree can use their skills to organize exhibitions, build rapport with artists and donors, and contribute to institutional strategy.

Museum Education and Outreach

Museum education roles are perfect for those who strive to share art knowledge with the public. Museum educators work closely with schools, families, and community groups to provide educational programming that enhances visitors' experiences. These roles might involve developing and leading tours, creating workshops, or designing educational resources that allow visitors to engage more deeply with exhibitions. Outreach positions also involve collaborating with local communities to encourage museum visits as well as developing partnerships with other cultural organizations to foster greater cultural awareness and inclusion.

Art Conservation and Preservation

Art conservation is a highly specialized field that focuses on the protection and preservation of artworks for future generations. Graduates with a degree in art history and visual culture may pursue careers as conservators, using their knowledge of art materials and techniques to maintain paintings, sculptures, textiles, and other artworks. Conservationists work in museums, galleries, and archives, where they employ scientific methods and expertise to restore and protect works of art from environmental damage, deterioration, and aging. Their work ensures that cultural heritage is safeguarded for both present and future generations. 

Academia and Research Job Opportunities for Art History Majors

An art history and visual culture degree provides a solid foundation for pursuing higher education and academic careers. Graduates often go on to become scholars, researchers, and educators in universities and research institutions.

Becoming an Art History Professor or Lecturer

For those with a passion for teaching and research, a career as an art history professor or lecturer is a natural progression. These positions involve teaching undergraduate and graduate students about the history of art, visual culture, and related subjects. Additionally, professors conduct original research that contributes to the scholarly understanding of art and visual culture through publications and conference presentations. While academic careers in the arts often require advanced degrees (such as a master’s or Ph.D.), an undergraduate degree in art history provides the foundational knowledge needed to excel in this field.

Researching Historical and Contemporary Art

Beyond teaching, a degree in art history also prepares individuals for careers in art research. Research roles may be based in universities, museums, or think tanks — where scholars investigate various aspects of art, from ancient artifacts to contemporary art movements. Researching historical and contemporary art involves analyzing primary sources, writing academic papers, and contributing to the ongoing discourse in the field. Art historians may focus on specific periods, artists, or geographic regions or may explore the intersection of art with other cultural, social, and political movements.

Media and Creative Industries Career Options

In addition to the academic and museum sectors, a degree in art history can lead to a wide array of visual culture jobs and creative careers in media, advertising, and the broader creative industries. Visual culture is deeply embedded in modern media, and art historians play a pivotal part in understanding, interpreting, and creating visual content.

Art Criticism and Journalism

Art critics and journalists are integral in the world of visual culture, providing analysis and commentary on current exhibitions, art movements, and the broader cultural impact of art. Writing for magazines, newspapers, and digital platforms, these professionals contribute to public discussions about art and its significance. Their work requires both a deep knowledge of art history and the ability to engage with contemporary cultural debates. If you enjoy writing and sharing insights on art with a wider audience, a career as an art writer or critic offers an exciting opportunity to influence public perceptions of visual culture.

Digital Archiving and Content Creation

With the rise of digital technology, there is an increasing demand for professionals who can digitally archive, curate, and create content related to visual culture. Art historians with expertise in digital technologies can work as archivists or content creators for museums, galleries, and online platforms — for which they curate virtual exhibitions, create educational materials, and develop digital archives. These professionals ensure that artworks and cultural materials are accessible to a global audience, allowing people to explore and engage with art from anywhere in the world.

Visual Culture in Film, TV, and Advertising

The principles of visual culture are crucial to the fields of film, television, and advertising, where the use of imagery holds a central role in communication and persuasion. Art historians who work in these industries may contribute by designing visuals for films, TV shows, or advertising campaigns, ensuring that the aesthetics and messages resonate with audiences. Professionals with a background in art history can bring a unique perspective to the creation and analysis of visual media as:

• Art directors
• Visual consultants
• Production designers
• Marketing strategists

Arts Administration and Cultural Heritage Jobs

Art history graduates can find fulfilling careers in the broader cultural sector, where they play a key part in preserving cultural heritage, managing arts programs, and promoting global artistic exchange.

Working in Nonprofits and Public Art Programs

Many nonprofit organizations focus on the preservation of cultural heritage, community-based art initiatives, and public art projects. Graduates with a degree in art history and visual culture can work in these organizations to help curate exhibitions and manage programs. These roles allow art historians to advocate for cultural preservation, contribute to social justice, and work to make art accessible to the broader public and local communities.

Arts Administration and Program Management

For those drawn to the organizational side of the arts, arts administration is a highly rewarding career. Art historians can work as administrators who manage arts organizations, fundraise for exhibitions and programs, and oversee day-to-day operations. These roles require a blend of creativity and business acumen in order to shape the future of the cultural sector while ensuring that programs and exhibitions run smoothly.

International Cultural Exchange Programs

Art history graduates can contribute to international cultural exchange programs, too, which aim to foster mutual understanding and collaboration between different cultures. These programs involve managing international exhibitions, coordinating artist residencies, and facilitating cultural dialogue through the arts. Working in this capacity allows art historians to leverage their expertise in global art movements while promoting cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.

Art Market and Commercial Roles

The commercial sector also offers opportunities for art history graduates — particularly in the realms of the fine arts, art sales, consulting, and legal advisory roles.

Art Appraisal and Consulting

Art appraisers assess the value of artworks for a variety of purposes, from insurance to sale. With a solid understanding of art history, visual culture, and market trends, graduates can work as independent consultants or within art appraisal firms. This role often involves:

• Evaluating artworks.
• Conducting provenance research.
• Providing advice to collectors, museums, and auction houses

Art History Careers in Galleries and Auction Houses

Art galleries and auction houses offer dynamic career paths in the commercial side of the art world. Art history graduates can work as gallery managers, auction specialists, or art advisors, helping clients buy and sell works of art. These roles require an understanding of art valuation, market trends, and the intricacies of art sales.

Art Licensing and Legal Advisory

For those with an interest in law, a degree in art history and visual culture can lead to careers in art licensing and legal advisory. Professionals in this field help navigate the complex legal issues surrounding artwork ownership, intellectual property, and licensing. They provide essential support to artists, galleries, museums, and collectors in securing legal rights and protecting their assets.

Pave the Way Toward Your Ideal Art Career Path

An educational background in art history opens doors to dynamic job opportunities for art history majors. Graduates of this field bring valuable skills in research, visual analysis, and cultural understanding to a wealth of visual culture jobs. As society continues to engage with art and visual culture in new and innovative ways, the need for professionals in these fields will remain — offering countless pathways for those passionate about art and its impact on the world.

At Lindenwood University Online, we offer both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in art history & visual culture complete with flexible remote learning. Students delve into both the technical aspects of artistic production (like design and color theory) alongside a curriculum emphasizing culture and history of areas such as classical mythology, ancient art, and art theory and criticism. If you’re eager to explore this passion-driven field, request more information to get started today.