Art Curating 101

The success of any art exhibition depends on the keen eye of a curator. So the Montclair Art Museum is opening its doors to the next generation of young artists and curators for an all-access look at the process. 

The Young Curator Program at the local museum is currently looking for teenage students in Montclair and the surrounding area who are interested in a behind the scenes look at the art world. The program will take students through various museums and artist's studios to better understand the ins and outs of creating a successful gallery. 

“It is truly a rare program,” wrote program coordinator Asha Ganpat in an email. 

The extensive program, entering its third year, runs for seven months, and there is no fee. Ganpat, an artist and experienced curator, said it is similar to a scholarship for the students. In addition to visiting galleries, students will lean how to choose work for an exhibit and, new this year, also will interview local artists.  

“They see the whole process from beginning to end,” said Ganpat. “The program demystifies the process and helps them understand what they will be going into.” 

Ganpat said the program is also a boon for students who will go on to be artists. Many artists today don’t understand the process of creating an exhibition, said Ganpat, so the experience students receive will be invaluable for their careers. 

“It will create very well-rounded students,” said Ganpat.  

Enrollment is now open for the Young Curator Program for high school juniors and seniors. The deadline to enroll is Nov. 5. An application can be found in the photo gallery of this article.