Kurátor

Kurátor is a term used in Czech to denote a curator. In cultural institutions, a kurátor is a professional responsible for a collection or exhibition, combining research, interpretation, and management. Duties typically include selecting and acquiring objects, researching provenance, cataloging and conservation coordination, developing exhibitions, writing labels and catalogs, arranging loans to and from other institutions, and overseeing budget and public programs. A kurátor may specialize in a field such as art, archaeology, or science, and often holds a degree in art history, museology, archaeology, or a related field. The role emphasizes scholarship, audience engagement, and the stewardship of cultural assets.

In law, kurátor also refers to a court-appointed guardian who acts to protect the interests of a person who cannot manage their own legal affairs, or to safeguard property on behalf of a minor or incapacitated adult. The kurátor's duties include managing finances, paying bills, representing the person in certain legal matters, and ensuring appropriate care, within the limits set by the court. Appointment and powers are defined by civil procedure and guardianship laws, and the role ends with restoration of capacity, release, or death.

Etymology: kurátor is cognate with the English curator, derived from Latin curator meaning guardian or overseer.

In contemporary usage, kurátor may also refer to a person who curates content for exhibitions, collections, or digital platforms, and the verb kurátorovat (to curate) is widely used in media, art, and cultural contexts.