Curate: meaning, definitions and examples
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curate
[ˈkjʊəreɪt ]
Definition
museum exhibition
To curate means to select, organize, and present items in a collection, such as an art exhibition, in a way that is aesthetically pleasing and intellectually stimulating. Curators often have expertise in a particular field and are responsible for choosing which pieces to display and how to arrange them.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| curate |
Generally used in situations where someone is carefully choosing and organizing items or content, often for an art gallery, a museum, or a collection, emphasizing the thoughtfulness and expertise in the selection.
|
| organize |
Applied in contexts where someone is making plans or putting things in order, often to improve efficiency, tidiness, or accessibility. This can relate to physical items, events, or even abstract concepts like data or thoughts.
|
| select |
Used when someone is choosing or picking items, often from a larger group, with a focus on the act of choosing rather than arranging or organizing those items afterward.
|
| arrange |
Used when talking about putting things in a particular order or position. This can apply to physical items, events, or schedules and generally implies a practical and often systematic approach.
|
Examples of usage
- The museum curator worked tirelessly to curate the new art exhibit.
- She was asked to curate a selection of rare books for the library's special collection.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'curare', meaning 'to take care of' or 'to attend to'.
- It was originally used in churches to describe someone who looked after the congregation.
- The usage expanded in the 20th century to include art and museum contexts.
Art and Museum Studies
- In museums, curators are responsible for selecting and organizing exhibitions, ensuring each piece tells a story.
- Curators often conduct research to provide context and meaning behind the art or artifacts they display.
- The role of a curator is evolving with technology, leading to virtual exhibitions and interactive experiences.
Cultural Impact
- Curating not only applies to art but also to music, literature, and even social media content.
- Publications and podcasts often feature curators who recommend certain works, shaping popular culture.
- Events like music festivals have curators who choose the lineup to create a cohesive experience for attendees.
Psychology
- The act of curating can influence perceptions and appreciation, as the way items are presented affects emotional responses.
- Curators often consider audience engagement to ensure the displayed items resonate with viewers.
- The psychology of choice plays a significant role in curation, as too many options can overwhelm the audience.
Digital Age
- Online platforms feature curators who select content, helping users navigate the vast amount of information available.
- Influencers often curate their social media feeds, showcasing carefully selected images and messages.
- Curation tools have emerged that allow individuals to create their own curated collections for personal expression.
Translations
Translations of the word "curate" in other languages:
🇵🇹 curar
🇮🇳 संयोजित करना
🇩🇪 kuratieren
🇮🇩 mengurasi
🇺🇦 курувати
🇵🇱 kuratorować
🇯🇵 キュレートする
🇫🇷 curer
🇪🇸 curar
🇹🇷 küratörlük yapmak
🇰🇷 큐레이트하다
🇸🇦 إعداد
🇨🇿 kurátorovat
🇸🇰 kurátorovať
🇨🇳 策划
🇸🇮 kurirati
🇮🇸 stjórna
🇰🇿 курировать
🇬🇪 კურატორობა
🇦🇿 kuratorluq etmək
🇲🇽 curar