The Embattled American Curator

This thesis focuses on identifying the key stresses curators face at work and the steps taken to address them. An overview is given of such issues as: the effect of the blockbuster exhibit on American museums, how the art insurance industry has responded following the terrorist attacks of 9/11/01, the difficulty curators face with donors during volatile world events and how the issue of WWII and Nazi looted art affects the provenance of numerous museum acquisitions. Finally, an overview is given of the two recently created advocacy organizations founded to support curators in their profession.