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Art Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Applicants with graduate degrees in art history or related fields, or those currently enrolled in such programs, are preferred. We also encourage recent college graduates with direct experience in ...

Applicants with graduate degrees in art history or related fields, or those currently enrolled in such programs, are preferred. We also encourage recent college graduates with direct experience in ...

Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$44/hr

The museum and Art Research Library reopened to the public in April 2025. Workplace culture At the Frick Collection, we pride ourselves on promoting an open and welcoming workplace culture that ...

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Art Research information

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$27K

$69.6K

$121.5K

How much do art research jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for art research in the United States is $69,553.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,000.00 and $99,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Art Research, and why are they important?

To thrive in Art Research, you need strong analytical skills, art historical knowledge, and typically at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree in art history or a related field. Familiarity with research databases, cataloging software, and digital archives is important for sourcing and managing art information. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective written communication help researchers interpret and present findings persuasively. These skills ensure accurate scholarship, support curatorial work, and contribute to the advancement of art historical knowledge.

What is art research?

Art research is the systematic investigation into the history, context, techniques, and significance of artworks, artists, and art movements. It involves analyzing visual materials, reviewing scholarly literature, and sometimes conducting interviews or archival work to produce new insights about art. Art researchers can work in museums, galleries, academia, or as independent scholars, and their findings help inform exhibitions, publications, and educational programs. This field combines creativity with critical thinking and often requires strong analytical and communication skills.

What is the difference between Art Research vs Art Curation?

AspectArt ResearchArt Curation
Required CredentialsDegree in Art History, Fine Arts, or related fieldDegree in Art History, Museum Studies, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, universities, archivesMuseums, galleries, exhibition spaces
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, research-focused organizationsMuseums, galleries, cultural institutions
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Art Research involves studying artworks, historical context, and art theories to contribute to academic knowledge. Art Curation focuses on selecting, organizing, and presenting artworks for exhibitions. While both roles require a background in art history, Art Research is more academic and investigative, whereas Art Curation emphasizes exhibition planning and public engagement.

How does an Art Researcher typically collaborate with curators and other museum staff on exhibition projects?

Art Researchers play a crucial role in supporting curators by providing in-depth historical context, provenance research, and analysis of artworks for exhibitions. They often work closely with curators, registrars, and education teams to develop exhibition narratives, verify authenticity, and prepare catalogues or interpretive materials. Effective collaboration requires strong communication skills and the ability to synthesize complex information into accessible content for both internal staff and public audiences. This teamwork ensures that exhibitions are both accurate and engaging.
More about Art Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Art Research jobs? Cities with the most Art Research job openings:
What states have the most Art Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Art Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Art Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Art Research jobs are:
Infographic showing various Art Research job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,553 per year, or $33.4 per hour.
Research & Exhibitions Intern

Research & Exhibitions Intern

David Zwirner

New York, NY • On-site

$17/hr

Internship

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

At David Zwirner, we look to be an industry leader in our field, with our artists at the center of what we do. Our global exhibition program expands beyond our locations in New York, London, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Paris, representing seventy artists and estates. Home to innovative, singular, and pioneering exhibitions across a variety of media and genres. Active in both the primary and secondary markets, David Zwirner has helped foster the careers of some of the most influential artists today.

Who will work well with us:

  • The ideal candidate is someone who is passionate and interested in the arts/larger creative arena or is eager to learn.
  • We welcome all individuals entering the workforce, those moving into a new stage of their career or vocation, making a change, returning to work, and those wanting to learn and grow within the industry, to apply.

About the Opportunity

Research & Exhibitions Intern

David Zwirner seeks a Research & Exhibitions Intern to contribute to all main areas of the Research & Exhibitions team. Qualified candidates for this position should have a strong interest in art research, writing, editing, and curatorial practice. Some knowledge of twentieth-century and contemporary art is required. Applicants with graduate degrees in art history or related fields, or those currently enrolled in such programs, are preferred. We also encourage recent college graduates with direct experience in gallery, museum, and/or contemporary art research to apply.

What you'll do:

Typical internship responsibilities may include:

  • Inventory/factsheets
    • Cataloguing and documenting provenance for gallery inventory, including library and archival research.
    • Conducting independent research of catalogues and online resources to compile lists of comparable works as related to the gallery's inventory.
  • Exhibitions
    • Assisting relevant team members with research-intensive exhibition projects (depending on exhibition schedule).
  • Writing
    • Researching and writing brief contextual texts on selected artists and artworks, as assigned.
  • Documentation of gallery artists and estates
    • Helping gather checklists for external exhibitions featuring gallery artists.
    • Assisting with building CVs and narrative biographies for artists, as needed.
  • DZ Library maintenance
    • Supporting general management of the gallery's reference libraries, including: inbooking/registering of new books, pulling books for viewings, scanning texts, reshelving, and occasionally assisting with large-scale shifts of reference collections.

What we would like you to have:

  • A strong interest in researching art and artists, as well as curatorial practices.
  • Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
  • Some knowledge of twentieth-century and contemporary art is required.
  • Desire to work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment; ability to multitask on a wide variety of assignments.
  • Detail-oriented nature and strong time-management skills.

The Fall internship runs from September 14th - December 11th, 2026. Hours are 10AM – 6PM, 3-5 days a week. To ensure that our interns have a well-rounded and educational experience, we ask for a commitment of approximately 3 months. All interns are paid NYC minimum wage of $17/hour. All candidates must be residents of NY, NJ, or CT. No lodging or commuting expenses will be provided.

Please submit a resume and cover letter.

David Zwirner is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Gallery is firmly committed to equal employment opportunities in all facets of its operations. The Gallery makes decisions concerning hiring and terms and conditions of employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you need assistance in applying to a role, you may reach out to recruiting@davidzwirner.com. No calls or walk-ins will be considered for positions at David Zwirner.