What Can I Do With an Art History Degree? And Other Related Pursuits

Earning an art history degree is not just about studying the past; it’s an investment in a future full of versatile career paths and personal passions. With art as an ever-evolving field, art history graduates have numerous options to explore and contribute to the world in various ways. Here’s a broad overview of what one can do with an art history degree and beyond it.

1. Cultural Heritage Preservation and Management

An art history degree offers a unique perspective on cultural heritage preservation. You can work in museums, heritage sites, or cultural institutions to conserve historical artifacts and contribute to ongoing conservation efforts. Understanding historical backgrounds and values of artifacts makes art history graduates valuable in heritage management.

2. Education and Outreach

Your art history degree is a great tool for imparting knowledge to the next generation. You can become an art history teacher at various educational institutions or engage in public outreach programs that introduce art history to a wider audience.

3. Art Market and Appraisal

Your understanding of art history can be applied in the contemporary art market. You can work as an art appraiser, art consultant, or auction house manager, leveraging your knowledge of art pieces and their historical context to evaluate value and authenticity.

4. Visual Arts and Creativity

While focusing on art history, you might find yourself developing a passion for visual arts as well. An art history degree can act as a catalyst for exploring artistic pursuits, like painting, sculpture, graphic design, or even filmmaking. Many art history graduates pursue their own creative ventures, merging their knowledge of art with their own artistic expressions.

5. Event Coordination and Management

Your skills in organizing and managing events can be honed with an art history degree. With an understanding of cultural events and their importance, you can coordinate cultural events, festivals, or art exhibitions effectively. This field offers ample opportunities to work in the cultural industry while utilizing your knowledge of art history.

6. Research and Publications

If research and writing are your passions, you can delve into academic research in art history or work for cultural institutions engaged in research projects related to the arts. Writing books or articles on various aspects of art history can also be a rewarding career path.

Additional Pursuits to Explore after an Art History Degree
Beyond the traditional career paths, an art history degree can also act as a foundation for other related pursuits like writing fiction or non-fiction books with themes related to art and culture, traveling to artistic destinations worldwide to understand the historical backgrounds behind great works of art or embarking on a DIY art project with local communities or organizations focused on social issues. The world of art history is vast and constantly evolving, offering opportunities for exploration and innovation at every turn. With an art history degree, you can embark on a journey that combines your passion for the arts with a rewarding career that satisfies both personal and professional goals.

FAQs
Q: What are some entry-level jobs for art history graduates?
A: Art history graduates often find entry-level positions in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions as interns, assistants, or even basic education teachers as they build their portfolios and expand their knowledge of the field.
Q: How can my knowledge of art history help me in other fields?
A: Art history graduates are often sought after in cross-disciplinary fields like interior design, architectural history, museum conservation of science or natural history artifacts as their knowledge of cultural objects complements these fields effectively.
Q: How does earning an art history degree aid personal development?
A: Besides honing research skills and cultural sensitivity, an art history degree broadens your horizons in terms of creativity and innovation as you delve into different cultures and periods in the world of art. This exposure enhances one’s critical thinking abilities and capacity for empathy as well as providing platforms for lifelong learning about aesthetics and human expression through art.