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Writer's pictureLivi Adu

Behind the Screens: Exploring the Hidden World of e-Curators

Beginner's guide to e-curatorship.

People visiting a gallery which gives the experience of floating among stars. It is a dark room with lights that are reflected in mirrors making an infinite mirror effect.

In today's ever-changing digital landscape, staying engaged and connected is more important than ever. With technological advancements opening up endless possibilities for creativity and exploration, it's crucial to have inclusive platforms that cater to diverse audiences. That's where the e-curator comes in – a passionate and caring individual who wields the power of digital engagement to curate meaningful experiences both within the museum and online.


We recognize that technology can bridge barriers and provide opportunities for everyone to embrace art, culture, history, and more. For me, being an e-curator is more than a job; it's my passion, my chance to whip up exciting experiences and rock the marketing game, all while geeking out on the endless possibilities that digital tools offer. I love using my skills to create immersive exhibitions and interactive content that sparks curiosity and engages diverse audiences.


Through my journey as an e-curator, I've witnessed the magic that happens when we blend traditional curatorial practices with cutting-edge digital tools. I firmly believe that these experiences should be accessible to all, no matter their background, abilities, or location. That's why I'm on a mission to make the cultural sector more inclusive and welcoming for everyone.


So, buckle up as we embark on a thrilling ride of exploration and engagement. Join me as we dive into the world of e-curation, harnessing the power of technology to create unforgettable experiences, and inspiring a diverse and vibrant community of art lovers and history enthusiasts. Let's collaborate, innovate, and make a positive impact on the cultural sector together!


Abstract digital drawing on a black background, the red lines look illuminating and represent the curvature of a landscape.

Defining e-Curatorship

So, what exactly is e-Curatorship? Think of it as the captivating art of curating and managing digital collections while weaving a magical tapestry of inclusivity. e-Curators possess a diverse set of skills, combining graphic design, content creation, and website management to breathe life into digital exhibits and platforms. Think of an e-Curator as a master juggler, combining graphic design, content creation, and website management to co-create pre- and post-engagement interdepartmentally. We enhance the presentation and accessibility of online treasures and have a mission to make the museum experience inclusive and accessible to all. We are fighting for the rights of every visitor, regardless of their abilities or language preferences. Incorporating features like close captioning, language translations, and other accessibility aids ensures that everyone can join in the museum fun.


What is an e-Curator?

An e-Curator is a vibrant link that connects various museum departments, identifying and addressing the unique needs of the organization. Our mission is to ensure a wider audience can engage with the museum, from pre- to post-visit experiences. This distinctive role encompasses three main components: engagement, electronic, and exponent.


e(ngagement)-Curator:

As an engagement-Curator, we thrive on cultivating connections in the modern museum landscape. Our focus lies in content creation, ensuring a seamless and captivating curatorial interpretation across diverse digital platforms like websites, social media, podcasts, and videos. Collaborating closely with collections and curators, we foster meaningful connections with the audience, resulting in active engagement and interaction. Emphasizing pre- and post-engagement strategies, we ensure museum content reaches a broader audience and resonates with visitors. Advocates for inclusive technologies and practices, we strive to forge socially engaged experiences that bridge the gap between museums and their diverse communities.


e(lectronic)-Curator:

In the realm of electronic-Curatorship, we bring a diverse set of digital skills to enrich the museum experience. We leverage our expertise to enhance social media and website content, creating immersive and inclusive visitor experiences. With a creative mind and tech-savvy skills, we transform the museum into a digital extravaganza, breaking free from physical confines to reach a wider audience. Our digital proficiency enables us to automate tasks, streamline workflows, manage digital collections, and craft engaging content. We harness the power of technology to facilitate audience engagement and provide access to museum resources like never before.


e(mpathy)-Curators

As empathy-Curators, we ignite activism within the museum, fostering the exploration of truths and socially engaged practices. Creating meaningful connections between museums and diverse communities inspires visitors to think critically and take action on important social and environmental issues. We passionately support exhibitions that highlight historical struggles for equality and justice and contemporary issues like climate change, human rights, or inequality. As e-Curators, we take pride in using our platform to spark conversations, drive change, and make the museum a beacon of inspiration and advocacy.


a  Art gallery visitor looking a a wall filled with classical portrait art

Benefits and challenges of being an e-Curator

Being an e-Curator is an exhilarating journey, and I'm thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking frontier. As a bridge between curatorial and marketing departments, I bring together the best of both worlds, crafting captivating content that maintains the museum's essence while reaching diverse audiences through digital platforms. It's an evolving role that's yet to be fully established in the sector, making it both exciting and challenging.

In this emerging landscape, one of the biggest challenges is breaking new ground. The traditional museum roles are well-defined, but the concept of an e-Curator is still unfamiliar to many. As a trailblazer, I must navigate uncharted territory, forging connections between departments, and advocating for the importance of digital engagement. It's about finding the right balance between preserving the museum's heritage and embracing innovative digital practices that can revolutionize audience engagement.


Moreover, working as a freelancer in this evolving domain can be a rollercoaster ride. While the flexibility to collaborate with various museums and cultural institutions is invigorating, it also means constantly seeking new opportunities and self-promoting to establish credibility and build a sustainable career. There's no established blueprint for this path, so we must rely on our passion, adaptability, and foresight to shape the role and make a meaningful impact.


Embracing the digital realm in the cultural sector is a transformative journey, one that I embark on with passion and a determination to create inclusive and memorable experiences for audiences worldwide. As an e-Curator, I'm writing the story of a role that's yet to be fully defined, and I'm excited to be at the forefront of this exhilarating narrative, using my skills to make a difference and lead the way towards a more digitally vibrant and engaging cultural world.


A smiling black woman sat at a computer with back lit multicoloured keyboard. She has a beautiful afro which is pulled back from her face. She is wearing black headphones round her neck and a blue hoodie.

Skills for being an e-Curator

To excel as an e-Curator in the vibrant digital realm of museum engagement, a diverse skill set is a must! Strong content creation abilities lie at the heart of our craft, whether it's crafting compelling written pieces for various platforms, co-creating engaging videos with community participants, or conjuring captivating infographics – the possibilities are boundless!


Mastering the art of social media management and website content development, with a keen eye on Search Engine Optimization (SEO), is vital for reaching and captivating online audiences. As the ultimate bridge-builder, I seamlessly connect curatorial, learning, and marketing teams, ensuring our content reflects the museum's core values and mission.


Being an advocate for inclusivity, I am well-versed in embracing inclusive technologies and practices, weaving them into the fabric of our digital experiences. Adaptability, digital literacy, and staying ahead of emerging trends and innovations all play key roles in my quest to become an exceptional e-Curator in today's ever-evolving digital landscape. We get to harness the power of digital artistry and technology to create accessible, inclusive, and inspiring museum moments for all to cherish.


Role and responsibilities of an e-curator

  • Content Creation: Developing engaging and informative content for digital platforms, such as social media, websites, podcasts, and videos.

  • Bridging Departments: Collaborating with curatorial staff to ensure accurate and compelling content, while aligning with marketing strategies for brand consistency.

  • Audience Engagement: Using digital tools to foster meaningful connections with diverse audiences, promoting interaction and participation.

  • Inclusivity Advocacy: Promoting inclusive technologies and methods to ensure accessibility for all visitors.

  • Pre- and Post-Engagement: Designing strategies for engaging audiences before and after museum visits, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

  • Skill Upgrading: Assisting museum professionals in developing digital and marketing skills, elevating the overall proficiency of the institution.

  • Socially Engaged Practices: Implementing strategies that foster community engagement, creating an inclusive space for dialogue and participation.

  • Flexibility and Adaptability: Being adaptable to the needs of different museums, especially smaller institutions with limited resources.

  • Digital Trends and Innovations: Staying up-to-date with the latest digital trends and technologies to enhance the museum's online presence.

  • Brand Integrity: Ensuring the museum's online content reflects the institution's mission, values, and brand identity.


A young gentleman in a wheelchair sitting at a computer and desk doing graphic design on his tablet. he has light brown skin, a tan flat cap, black and red framed glasses, a brown jumper and a  checked white and green shirt.

Transforming Accessibility with e-Curatorship

At the heart of e-Curatorship lies a profound passion for inclusion. We are committed to dismantling barriers and creating opportunities for all. By embracing digital communication methods and remote working, e-Curators open doors for disabled individuals to participate in paid employment within the heritage sector. It's all about championing flexibility, giving everyone a chance to contribute their valuable perspectives, irrespective of physical limitations.


One of the most enchanting aspects of e-Curatorship is its ability to reimagine accessibility in museums. we want to ensure that everyone feels welcome and engaged. With features like closed captioning, language translations, and other accessibility aids, e-Curators make sure that the wonders of cultural heritage are accessible to all visitors, regardless of their abilities or language preferences.


Conclusion: Embrace the future with e-Curatorship

The world of e-curation is a fascinating and rapidly evolving landscape that deserves our attention and exploration. The hidden work that goes on behind the screens to curate digital content is immense and often overlooked. By understanding the importance of e-curation, we can better appreciate the value it brings to our lives, from enhancing our online experiences to preserving cultural heritage for future generations. Let us take a moment to recognize and appreciate the dedicated individuals who tirelessly curate the vast amount of information available online, ensuring its reliability, relevance, and accessibility. As we continue to navigate this digital age, let us support and advocate for e-curators, promoting their vital role in shaping our digital world.

I embrace emerging technologies, manage social media platforms, analyse website analytics, and create captivating online content. This fusion of personal experiences, technological expertise, and a profound love for museums has shaped my path as an e-Curator, advocating for the intersection of technology and cultural heritage. We can build a future where everyone can revel in the treasures of our cultural heritage, regardless of location or ability. So, let's make our museums truly welcoming and accessible to all. Together, we can create a world of wonder and inspiration for future generations!

A white woman standing in front of a projection of the earth.



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