Art Consultants From Christie’s and Alfardan Group Give Talk to Art History Students

The talk was part of a newly launched core course specifically designed to help Art History students develop professional skills that are in demand and relevant to current and emerging industries

Jenny Maranca, the Art Collection Manager for the Alfardan Group, and Jennifer Bishop, the Representative Consultant for Christie’s in Qatar, gave a talk to Art History students at VCUarts Qatar recently.

During the talk, Bishop and Maranca shared their decennial experience in the public and commercial art world in Qatar and beyond,  revealing their insights into researching and curating artworks for private and public collections and organizations, museums, galleries, and art and design festivals. They discussed the challenges of building a successful career, the skillsets they require, and the need to have a deep understanding of the various cultural factors, and regulations, that exist across different markets.

The talk was part of a newly launched core course specifically designed to help Art History students develop professional skills that are in demand and relevant to current and emerging industries. Titled ‘Professional Practices for Art History’, the course is led by Art History professor Monica Merlin. Ph.D.

Merlin said, “We were thrilled to have Jenny Maranca and Jennifer Bishop discuss their inspiring career journeys with our students. Their work reflects the excellence and expertise in the growing world of commercial art and private collections in Qatar and the region.”

The topics in the course cover both soft and professional skills including time management and planning, how to develop detailed CVs and resumes, short bios and cover letters, how to launch and enhance one’s web presence, how to research and apply for internships, grants and fellowships or graduate studies. The course regularly hosts a variety of guests including academics, curators, museum and art professionals to discuss potential careers for Art History students.

Students graduating from the Department of Art History at VCUarts Qatar find rewarding careers across various industries in roles such as appraisers, consultants, administrators, dealers, conservators (courses in chemistry required), curators or archivists (advanced degree usually required), editors/writers, education coordinators, grants specialists, gallery assistants, arts lawyers, museum technicians and filmmakers, to name a few.

The new course will help consolidate the knowledge and skills that Art History faculty have been imparting to its students since its beginning at VCUarts Qatar in 2012.