Favorite Parts of Being a Director and Chief Curator at UC Santa Cruz
A PhD in visual studies provides a strong foundation, but success as a Director and Chief Curator requires a blend of deep subject matter expertise ("the study of visual culture and the arts") and crucial soft skills. The ability to "roll with changing environments" while maintaining a strong collaborative spirit and meticulous attention to detail, from "the big picture" to the smallest steps, are key to navigating the complexities of the role.
Collaboration, Research, Flexibility, Problem-solving, Relationship Building
Advizer Information
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Rachel Nelson
Director and Chief Curator
Institute of the Arts and Sciences, UC Santa Cruz
Stetson University, 2010
PHD, UCSC Visual Studies
Classics, Spanish Literature
Arts, Entertainment & Media, Education
Creative
Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. A deep understanding of art and visual culture, including its social and political contexts
2. Excellent collaboration and relationship-building skills
3. The ability to be both organized and flexible, handling both big-picture vision and small details effectively
Transcript
What skills are most important for a job like yours?
I have a PhD in visual studies, which is the study of visual culture and the arts. I believe you need to know a lot about the subjects you're dealing with, especially when working in an arts-based institution.
I've studied art and contemporary art extensively, including its intersections with social and political fields. While that's the research aspect, other essential skills include being really good at collaboration and building relationships.
It's an interesting mix of being organized and methodical, yet also incredibly flexible. You have to be able to roll with changing environments, ideas, and needs, and shift quickly.
You also need to see both the big picture and the small details. You require a macro vision to picture what something could be and then figure out all the steps to get there.
There's a lot of problem-solving involved. However, I think you can succeed in almost anything if you're a good collaborator, good at relationships, and a careful worker.
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