Museum Creation

Sameer Shukla | Museum Curator | Soham Art Centre, Mussoorie

What is Museum Creation?

There are many nuances of a Career in Museum Creation. Almost everyone seems to be talking about How to start a Career in Museum Creation, while one should first develop an understanding of What is a Career in Museum Creation. Just like you would normally not trust a non Doctor with names of medicines, you should also not trust opinions about Museum Creation from non professionals.

With 33 years & 5 months of professional experience, Museum Curator Sameer Shukla understands Museum Creation. According to Museum Curator Sameer Shukla, Museum Creation is:

A curator (from Latin: curare, meaning "to take care") is a manager or overseer. Traditionally, a curator or keeper of a cultural heritage institution (e g, gallery, museum, library, or archive) is a content specialist charged with an institution's collections and involved with the interpretation of heritage material.

How Museum Curator Sameer Shukla got into Museum Creation?

After finishing my BSc and LLB from Lucknow University. I started my career in 1985 as a preevntive officer from Barielly (Indo- Nepal Border). I took my premature retirement in 1996 from IGI, Airport. I started with creation of museum in 1997 and founded SOHAM Art Centre in Mussoorie.

Museum Curator Sameer Shukla's Talk on Museum Creation

Discovering the Art of Museum Creation In a world rich with culture and history, museum creation stands out as a unique profession that marries passion with education. As the custodian of art and heritage, museum creators play an essential role in preserving and showcasing the grandeur of human expression. In this article, we will delve into the inspiring journey of Samir Shakla, who transitioned from a corporate career to establishing the Soham Heritage and Art Center in Mussoorie, and explore what it takes to thrive in the field of museum creation. What Is Museum Creation Museum creation involves designing spaces that not only exhibit artifacts but also tell captivating stories. It encompasses a diverse array of responsibilities, from theme development to collection and display of art forms. Samir highlights that effective museum creation requires clarity in thematic direction and an understanding of the cultural context from which the artifacts originate. For instance, in establishing his museum, the theme focused on showcasing the beauty of Himalayan culture and art, drawing upon the local heritage to create an engaging visitor experience. Education Museology A foundational aspect of museum creation is museology—the study of museums, their development, and management. Although Samir's background is in law, he emphasizes the importance of pursuing formal education in museology for anyone serious about entering the field. Such education typically involves acquiring a Master's degree that equips individuals with the necessary skills to manage collections and understand the intricacies of museum operation. This knowledge allows professionals to curate meaningful exhibitions that resonate with audiences deeply. Subject Knowledge Subject knowledge is paramount for anyone looking to start a museum. It helps create a solid foundation when deciding upon the focus of the museum, whether on a specific region, culture, or art form. According to Samir, a clear understanding of the chosen topic allows one to explore and highlight significant cultural items and narratives effectively. For example, if a museum caters to the culinary arts, an in-depth knowledge of regional cuisines, traditions, and utensils would be crucial. Reading Books Continuous education through literature is another essential aspect. Reading relevant books and resources nurtures an ongoing relationship with the subject matter and informs one's creative vision. Samir notes that immersing oneself in both historical and current literature related to the museum's theme enhances one's ability to develop exhibitions that are both informative and engaging. For instance, aspiring museum creators might delve into books on local history or art theory to build a strong narrative for their exhibits. Human Psychology Understanding human psychology is crucial when working with communities to gather stories and artifacts. Samir stresses the importance of empathy and effective communication in this regard. Engaging with local populations and unearthing their stories contributes to creating an authentic representation of the culture. A museum’s success depends on the curator’s ability to connect with people and extract the rich narratives embedded in their heritage, making psychological insight an invaluable asset. Designing Design is another vital component of museum creation, influencing how artifacts are displayed and experienced. Well-thought-out design enhances the visitor's journey through the museum, allowing them to comprehend the story without excessive guidance. Samir illustrates this with the layout of his own museum, where the placement of each artifact is deliberate, guiding visitors through thematic narratives while ensuring ease of navigation. A strong design philosophy helps create immersive experiences that resonate deeply with audiences. Skills Passion and Dedication At the core of successful museum creation lies passion and dedication. Samir believes that a genuine love for art and culture drives one to overcome obstacles in this demanding field. Maintaining enthusiasm in the face of setbacks, whether due to financial constraints or community resistance, is vital. Passion fuels creativity and is what enables museum creators to transform their visions into reality, as seen in Samir's relentless efforts to bring his dream to fruition despite numerous challenges. Artistic Temperament An artistic temperament is essential for perceiving beauty in ordinary objects and understanding their potential in a museum context. Samir states that this quality allows creators to envision how a seemingly mundane artifact can contribute to a powerful narrative. This sensitivity to artistic expression is what transforms a collection into a compelling exhibition. For instance, it can inspire curators to repurpose common materials in innovative ways, effectively showcasing them within the artistic framework of the museum. Research Skills Research plays an essential role in museum creation, particularly in establishing a connection between the past and present. Samir highlights that an ongoing commitment to research enriches the creator's understanding of the thematic elements being showcased. By investigating historical contexts and artistic techniques, museum professionals can enhance the educational aspect of their exhibitions, providing invaluable insights for visitors. This skill enables creators to curate engaging displays that resonate with diverse audiences. Open Minded Being open-minded is critical for engaging with various communities and learning from them. Samir emphasizes that approaching discussions with a willingness to listen fosters trust and encourages collaboration. Open-mindedness allows museum creators to explore innovative ideas and insights that may arise during interactions with local populations. A flexible mindset opens doors to new narratives and perspectives, enriching the overall museum experience. Travelling Finally, travel broadens one's understanding of different cultures, art forms, and historical contexts. For Samir, immersing himself in the environment surrounding the Himalayas not only inspired his museum's theme but also provided deeper insights into the diverse traditions and practices that can be represented. Travel brings unique perspectives, allowing creators to infuse fresh ideas into their work. Engaging directly with different cultures leads to a richer collection that reflects a variety of human experiences. Positives Noble Profession Museum creation is a noble profession, often seen as a service to society. Samir describes it as a way of preserving culture and providing future generations with a well-documented narrative of their history. Engaging in such meaningful work creates a lasting impact and fosters community pride. By bringing local history to the forefront, museum professionals contribute to cultural preservation, ensuring that important stories and artifacts are not lost to time. Creating Bedrock for Education Museums serve as critical resources for education, inspiring curiosity and learning. Samir believes that his work contributes to building an educational foundation for visitors. Each exhibition provides insight into different cultural narratives, fostering a sense of appreciation for diversity. As visitors engage with the displays, they gain knowledge that encourages them to explore further, fostering lifelong learning. Respect and Recognition Creating a museum or art center brings about respect from the community and recognition for one’s efforts. Samir finds satisfaction in knowing that his endeavors not only preserve culture but also elevate the voices of those who might not have been heard otherwise. Exhibiting local artifacts offers community members validation, ensuring their heritage is celebrated and appreciated. Tourism Promotion An often-overlooked aspect of museum creation is its potential to promote tourism. Samir’s art center has drawn visitors to Mussoorie, contributing to the local economy. By showcasing regional art and heritage, museums attract locals and tourists alike, fostering an appreciation for cultural tourism. This not only benefits the museum but also enhances community development by creating job opportunities and stimulating economic growth in the area. Building Relationships The profession is also about building meaningful relationships across communities. Samir notes that by working closely with local artists and individuals, he has developed a network of relationships that enrich his work. These connections foster collaboration and create a sense of community ownership, ensuring that the museum remains relevant and reflective of its cultural context. Challenges Initial Struggle One significant challenge faced when entering the field is the initial struggle for recognition and cooperation. Samir candidly discusses the frustrations encountered due to skepticism from locals and potential collaborators. Often, new ideas are met with resistance, and it may take time to establish trust. Understanding this learning curve is crucial for anyone entering the field, as resilience and patience often become the bedrock of success. Lack of Cooperation from Govt Bodies Another common challenge is the lack of support from governmental organizations. Samir's experiences reflect the bureaucratic hurdles often faced in establishing cultural institutions. Governmental assistance can be vital in terms of funding and resources, yet the process can sometimes be lengthy and fraught with bureaucracy. Acknowledging this scenario in advance allows aspiring museum creators to strategize and seek alternative avenues for support. Infrastructural Investment Building a secure and adequate infrastructure to house museum collections often requires significant investment. Samir emphasizes that while creating exhibitions is essential, accommodating artifacts safely poses financial challenges. Establishing a proper facility involves costs for security and maintenance, which can be prohibitive for some creators. Budgeting for infrastructural expenses is crucial, as securing the artifacts in a dedicated space ultimately protects the investment made into their creation. A Day Of Museum Creation A day in the life of a museum creator like Samir is dynamic and varies based on visitor interaction and ongoing projects. Each morning starts with ensuring the museum's displays are in order and preparing for visitors. Weekends, being peak times for visitors, require additional focus on visitor engagement and feedback mechanisms. Samir dedicates time for planning future exhibitions and maintaining relationships within the community. The role encompasses a blend of labor, creativity, and connection as he continually seeks to enhance the museum’s offerings and relevance to societal narratives. In summary, Samir’s journey illustrates the profound impact of museum creation not just as a career but as a calling. The field offers a blend of challenges and rewards, allowing passionate individuals to perpetuate culture while inspiring future generations. For those looking to embark on a similar path, the secrets of successful museum creation lie in education, skills, and an unwavering commitment to cultural preservation, making it a truly rewarding venture.

Install the LifePage App to:

(for Free) Watch Museum Curator Sameer Shukla’s full Museum Creation Career Talk

₹ Do a Self Assessment on Museum Creation to calculate your Dream Index, which is defined as:

According to Sameer Shukla your chances of success in Museum Creation is __%

Access your personalized Dream Index Report which will have all your Dream Indices sorted in descending order.

How to get into

Museum Creation?

If you are want to get into Museum Creation, start by investing in a Career Plan.

The 14 hour process, guided by a LifePage Career Advisor, will help you introspect and check whether your interest in Museum Creation is merely an infatuation or is it truly something you wish to do for the rest of your life.

Next, your Career Advisor will help you document how you can get into Museum Creation, what education and skills you need to succeed in Museum Creation, and what positives and challenges you will face in Museum Creation.

Finally, you will get a Career Plan stating which Courses, Certifications, Trainings and other Items you need to do in the next 7 years to become world’s best in Museum Creation.

LifePage Career Plan

14 hour personalized guidance program

Your LifePage Career Advisor facilitates your guided introspection so that you systematically explore various Career options to arrive at a well thought out Career choice.

Next: your Advisor helps you figure out how you will get into your chosen Career and how will you develop the skills needed for success in your Chosen Career.

LifePage Plan will not stop at saying "to become an Architect study Architecture". It will guide you on which Certifications, Trainings and Other items you need to do along with your Architecture education to become the world's best Architect.

Links for this Talk

Museum Curator Sameer Shukla's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/sameershukla

LifePage Career Talk on Museum Creation

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/museum-creation

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20171009-0009

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgLGejl69Nk

(Museum Creation, Sameer Shukla, Soham Arts Centre, Conservation, Restoration, Museum)

Similar Talks

Image Management

Megha Aggarwal
Image Consultant | Ebony & Jade

[ 1 year Experience ]

Image Management is the ongoing, pro-active process of evaluating and controlling the impact of your appearance on you, on others, and the achievement of your goals. Image Management is creating an authentic, appropriate, attractive, and affordable personal and/or professional Image which increases your confidence, credibility, capability, and productivity while contributing to continuing success.

"After completing my graduation, I moved to Delhi and worked with various IT companies. After few years I moved back to Dehradun and handled HR for a company which has around 50 outlets in Dehradun. After that, I took a break from my career and did Image Management from Image Consulting Business Institue, Mumbai. Currently, I am running my own luxury salon in Dehradun and practicing Image Management as a consultant."

Railway Checking Management

Bimal Kant Datta
Chief Ticket Inspector | Northern Railways

[ 40 years Experience ]

Railway Checking Managements job is conducted by Railway Recruitment Board to fulfill the vacant seat available in the railway department. He is responsible for collecting ticket, checking ticket etc. They are the one who collects fine if someone is travelling without ticket.

"After completing my Schooling from Haryana, I became a Ticket Collector in 1977. I have been working with the Railways from 1977 to 2017. I have also been an International Football Player."

Heritage Conservation

Lokesh Ohri
Convenor | INTACH

[ 23 years & 8 months Experience ]

Heritage Conservation has two words in it. Heritage is something of value that we get from our past such as buildings, paintings, statues, fabric and so on. Now heritage needs to be conserved so the second word is conservation which is saving those objects or the art forms and preserving them for the future.

"After working for a few years in Kolkata, I decided to come back to Dehradun because I wanted to teach. I was running a school as well as teaching in it but then over the years I realized that my real passion was in the field of Art and Culture so therefore I took up Heritage Conservation as a profession and started working for INTACH."

Diplomatic Relations

Tulika Chawla
Team Leader | Diplomatic Mission

[ 10 years & 6 months Experience ]

Diplomatic relations refers to the customary diplomatic intercourse between nations. It involves permanent contact and communication between sovereign countries. As a part of the diplomatic relations two countries send diplomats to work in each other's country and to deal with each other formally

"I did my schooling from Welham Girls School, Dehradun. I then graduated in History Hons from Delhi University. After that I did a lot of short term courses such as in Monastery, Italian language and Graphic Design. I joined the Embassy in 2008. Today I am working as a Team Leader there."

CSR Management

Amrit M Burrett
School Social Service Coordinator | The Doon School

[ 11 years Experience ]

Corporate social responsibility, often abbreviated CSR is a corporation's initiatives to assess and take responsibility for the company's effects on environmental and social wellbeing. The term generally applies to efforts that go beyond what may be required by regulators or environmental protection groups.

"After completing my schooling, I did my Graduation and Post Graduation from Delhi University. I was in the Advertising Sector for nearly 20 years. I have been working with The Doon School as a School Social Service Coordinator."

Heritage Communication

Sargam Mehra
Co-founder | Been There Doon That

[ 3 years Experience ]

There is a difference between History and Heritage. It includes built and inbuilt heritage. It also includes the building, architecture, stories, folk rituals and practices of a place. It deals with familiarizing people with their own surroundings and making them aware of their own city.

"Since I was associated with INTACH, it inspired me to Co-found a Heritage walk group called "Been There, Doon That?.""

Rural Development Consulting

Siddharth Chaturvedi
Consultant | World Bank

[ 7 years Experience ]

Rural development is the process of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people living in rural areas, often relatively isolated and sparsely populated areas. A Rural development consultant is a professional who provides expert advice in this area.

"After doing a B Tech in Agricultural Engineering from College of Technology, Pantangar University, I joined Escorts Limited as Assistant Sales Manager. I then moved to Infosys as Software Engineer and worked there for 3 years. I did an MBA from Asian Institute of Management, Philippines and started working at National Rural Livelihood Missions as Senior Mission Executive. I have also worked at Standard Skills Development Pvt Ltd as General Manager and at Tata Cornell Institute as Senior Program Officer. I am now a consultant at The World Bank."

Business of Arts

Aarti Uppal
Owner | Easel Ideas

[ 3 years Experience ]

Art management or Business of Art (also referred to as art administration) applies business administration techniques and processes to the art world. Arts Management's purpose is to reconcile both disciplines as they potentially have opposing objectives. Business of art is performed by a mediator who provides a specific platform to artist to sell their best art pieces and also helps clients to find the art work of their choice and need.

"After doing my schooling from Sacred Heart Convent School Ludhiana, I did my BFA from Government College of Arts, Chandigarh and MA from Punjab University. Thereafter, I worked as a Graphic Designer for Cosmopolitan Magazine by India Today Group & The Studio. I was always passionate about Art Work and in 2002 I started my own design studio named Easel Ideas."

Art Curation

Aarti Uppal
Owner | Easel Ideas

[ 14 years & 7 months Experience ]

A curator is a manager or overseer. Traditionally, a curator or keeper of a cultural heritage institution is a content specialist charged with an institution's collections and involved with the interpretation of heritage material .In other words the title curator is given to a person who selects and often interprets works of art. In addition to selecting works, the curator often is responsible for writing labels, catalog essays, and other content supporting the exhibition.

"After doing my schooling from Sacred Heart Convent School Ludhiana, I did my BFA from Govt College of Arts, Chandigarh and MA from Punjab University. Thereafter, I worked as a Graphic Designer for Cosmopolitan Magazine and The Studio. I was always passionate about art and started my own design studio named Easel Ideas in 2002."

Parcel Management

Baankelal Yadav
Chief Luggage Supervisor | Western Railways

[ 28 years & 9 months Experience ]

Parcel Management is the process of managing parcel services which includes checking of irregularities while booking, loading and delivery of goods.

"After completing my B A (Economics), I got job in Textile Industry where I worked for 7 years and along with that I have also completed Diploma in Textile Manufacturing from Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute, Matunga. In 1988, I was selected for Indian Railways as an Assistant Commercial Clerk and got posted in Western Zone of Indian Railways and on 31st March 2017, I retired from western Zone of Indian Railways as a Chief Luggage Supervisor."

Community Engagement

Surbhi Vachani
Head Resident Engagement Manager | Antara Senior Living

[ 3 years & 6 months Experience ]

Community Engagement Management entails ensuring that all the promised services are rightly delivered to the residents of a community. Senior living is a concept that is more popular in the west however, the same has recently been tapped by the Max India Group who has started Antara Senior Living in Dehradun, India.

"I did my schooling from Wynberg Allen, Mussourie. I thereafter, attained a Bachelors degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from Amity University, Greater Noida. I then worked for a leading events designing company called Q Events. I am presently the Head Resident Engagement at Antara Senior Living, Dehradun."

Community Engagement

Dewansh Poddar
Co-founder | Young Engine

[ 2 years & 2 months Experience ]

Community engagement is a dynamic relational process that facilitates communication, interaction, involvement, and exchange between an organization and a community for a range of social and organizational outcomes.

"I have done B tech in Mechanical Engineering. During college, I was passionate about starting my own business and so I co-founded Hajaam which provides solutions for augmented reality and beauty products. I have also formed a community by the name Young Engine which is a community of youth."