Financial Planning for Curators

This course provides comprehensive insight into the financial aspects of working as a curator. The curatorial profession encompasses a wide range of positions, each with its own economic implications. Some curators find stability working for public institutions, while others navigate the gig economy or establish their own galleries or art businesses.

The course begins by examining the different legal categories that curators fall under, whether as employees or self-employed individuals. It then delves into the economic realities of the field, including discussions on fees, salaries, and pricing for services. Participants will also gain a solid understanding of the tax system and basic accounting principles. A notable component of the course is devoted to calculating the key elements of an exhibition budget and developing a personal budget for the upcoming year, which entails mapping out income and expenses in detail.

Martin Fritz studied law in Vienna from 1981 to 1986. Since then, he has worked in the field of contemporary art production in Vienna, New York, and Germany. Among many other assignments, he has worked as Director of Operations for the re-opening of PS1 Contemporary Art Centre (today: MoMA PS1) in New York; Managing Director of In Between – The Art Project of EXPO 2000 in Hanover; General Coordinator of Manifesta 4 – European Biennial of Contemporary Art in Frankfurt am Main; and as Director of the Festival der Regionen in Upper Austria. From 2001 to 2007, he was a member of the Board (Treasurer) of the International Foundation Manifesta. From 2016 to 2020, Martin Fritz headed Merz Akademie Hochschule für Gestaltung, Kunst und Medien, Stuttgart as its Rector. Since 2022 Martin Fritz is Secretary General of the Austrian Commission for UNESCO.  As a writer, consultant, and researcher, Martin Fritz specializes in site-specific art, institutional critique, arts administration, cultural policy, and governance.