Museum Creation

Sameer Shukla | Museum Curator | Soham Art Centre, Mussoorie

What is Museum Creation?

A Career in Museum Creation is very intriguing. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find information about What Museum Creation actually is. Most pages on the internet just talk about How to get into Museum Creation. While anyone can have an opinion on what Museum Creation entails; only a real professional can really explain it.

Museum Curator Sameer Shukla has 33 years & 5 months of professional experience in 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

The Journey of a Museum Creator: Samir Shakla's Passion for Art and Heritage Samir Shakla, a passionate museum creator from India, takes us through his incredible journey of transforming his love for art and culture into a meaningful profession. After an extensive career in customs, he found his calling in creating museums and art centers that showcase the beauty of the Himalayan region. In this article, we will explore Samir's insights into the museum creation industry, the necessary education and skills required, the positive impacts of this field, the challenges faced, and what a typical day looks like for someone in this rewarding career. What Is Museum Creation? Museum creation involves the establishment and development of spaces that preserve, collect, and display art and historical artifacts to educate and engage the public. This profession integrates various aspects such as theme identification, collection curation, and artistic presentation. Samir Shakla emphasizes that the foundation of a successful museum lies in having a clear theme that resonates with visitors, which often includes elements of local culture, history, and art forms. His own creation, the Soham Heritage and Art Center, exemplifies how regional focus can deeply influence the narrative of a museum. Education Museology A strong educational foundation is essential for anyone aspiring to create a museum. Museology, the study of museums and their practices, is critical for understanding museum management and operations. Samir highlights that many individuals pursuing museum careers often hold advanced degrees in this field, which provides them with a comprehensive understanding of how museums function and the ethical considerations involved. This academic background equips them to handle various aspects of curation and collection management effectively. Subject Knowledge In addition to formal education, specific subject knowledge is indispensable. Whether it's art, history, or cultural studies, having a deep understanding of the subjects related to the museum's theme allows creators to develop meaningful exhibits. Samir believes that creators must focus on particular regions or topics, studying the related cultural nuances and societal aspects to curate authentic experiences for visitors. Reading Books Continuous learning through reading is vital for anyone in the museum field. Samir emphasizes the importance of engaging with literature related to one’s focus area. Reading not only broadens knowledge but also informs better decision-making when it comes to developing exhibits and creating engaging narratives around artifacts. This scholarly approach enables museum creators to stay updated with ongoing research and contemporary discussions in their field. Human Psychology To build connections with the community and extract valuable cultural insights, a grasp of human psychology is crucial. Samir points out that understanding the emotional and psychological aspects of the audience allows creators to communicate effectively with visitors, especially when engaging with local communities that may feel reluctant to share their traditions. A good museum creator must be able to create an atmosphere of trust and respect to facilitate open dialogue. Designing Design skills play an essential role in creating an engaging visitor experience. Samir mentions that thoughtful design can transform the way stories are told within a museum. The arrangement of artifacts, thematic spaces, and the overall flow of the exhibit must be strategically planned to ensure that visitors can easily connect with the story being conveyed. Good design not only captivates but also educates the audience. Skills Passion and Dedication At the heart of museum creation lies a profound passion for art and history. According to Samir, this dedication is crucial, as creators often face numerous challenges and setbacks. A strong commitment to the craft and a desire to bring art and culture to the public are what ultimately drive museum creators to succeed in their journey. Artistic Temperament An artistic temperament allows museum creators to visualize art in everyday objects that others might overlook. Samir emphasizes that a creator should possess the ability to see beauty and significance in items that may seem ordinary, transforming them into captivating exhibits that tell compelling stories. This skill is critical for curating diverse artifacts and making them resonate with visitors. Research Skills Research is fundamental in museum creation, providing the necessary context for artifacts. Samir notes that meticulous research helps in understanding the historical relevance and significance of collection items. This knowledge enhances the authenticity of exhibits and supports the educational goals of the museum, creating a richer visitor experience. Open Minded Being open-minded is essential when engaging with diverse communities and cultures. Samir stresses that museum creators must approach their work without prejudice, allowing them to connect with individuals from varying backgrounds. This trait not only facilitates collaboration but also enriches the perspectives presented within the museum. Travelling Travel plays a pivotal role in gathering insights and inspirations for museum creation. Samir believes that visiting various locations and experiencing their cultures firsthand significantly contributes to a creator’s understanding and offers fresh ideas for their own art center. These experiences shape a creator's vision and inform the thematic choices made in their work. Positives Noble Profession Museum creation is a noble profession, as it contributes significantly to preserving cultural heritage. Samir describes it as a labor of love, where museum creators dedicate themselves to safeguarding knowledge and history for future generations. This underlying motive makes the pursuit of this career deeply fulfilling. Creating Bedrock for Education Museums serve as essential educational platforms. Samir notes that through his art center, he aims to provide resources and information that facilitate learning about the region's culture and heritage. By doing so, he creates a bedrock of knowledge that enhances understanding and appreciation of art. Respect and Recognition One of the many rewarding aspects of this profession is the respect and recognition received from local communities. Samir shares how his efforts to promote their culture have fostered admiration and gratitude, creating a sense of community and partnership that enriches his work and enhances mutual respect. Tourism Promotion Creating an art center inherently contributes to the promotion of regional tourism. Samir points out that through his initiatives, he has successfully attracted visitors to the area, enhancing local economies and invigorating interest in cultural tourism. This intersection of art and tourism highlights the practical impact of museum creation. Building Relationships Over the years, Samir has built a vast network of relationships within the communities he interacts with. These connections not only provide support for his endeavors but also create a broader cultural dialogue that enhances the museum's relevance. Establishing such relationships enriches both the creator’s experience and the overall impact of the museum. Challenges Initial Struggle The beginning phase of establishing a museum can be fraught with challenges. Samir reflects on the initial struggles he faced, specifically related to public understanding and acceptance of his vision. However, he emphasizes that overcoming these hurdles is part of the journey and leads to greater resilience. Lack of Cooperation from Govt Bodies Securing support from government entities can often be challenging. Samir explains that many times, new projects meet resistance due to bureaucratic processes and a lack of understanding of the project's scope. This non-cooperation can stall progress but also encourages perseverance in navigating institutional barriers. Infrastructural Investment Investing in infrastructure poses a significant challenge for museum creators. Samir notes that creating an appropriate space for displaying valuable collections often requires substantial financial resources. The high costs associated with property development and maintenance can be daunting, requiring careful planning and potentially external funding. A Day Of Museum Creation A typical day for a museum creator like Samir begins with a focus on the space itself. Maintaining the museum's condition and ensuring that all artifacts are properly cared for takes precedence. From cleaning to curating new exhibits, every day presents new responsibilities that must be managed with precision and passion. In the evenings, Samir often hosts events or tours, engaging with visitors to share stories about the art and artifacts on display. This personal connection is vital to fostering appreciation for the heritage and culture represented in the museum. Each day is an opportunity to interact with the public and gather feedback, which is essential for continuous improvement. As Samir closes out his day, he reflects on the impact of his work and looks forward to the new ideas he will implement. His commitment to sharing the beauty and stories of the Himalayan region motivates him and energizes his passion for this fulfilling career. The journey of museum creation is not just about curating artifacts; it's about crafting meaningful experiences that connect people to their heritage. Samir Shakla's story embodies the essence of this profession, showcasing how dedication, education, and passion can culminate in a transformative career. Ultimately, the field of museum creation holds immense potential for personal growth, community impact, and fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts. This career enriches not only the lives of those who create but also those who experience the power of history and culture brought to life.

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."