Career possibilities

Man looking at a sculpture
Michael Warren (BA, 2007) opened the Madrona Gallery and is seen here with 'Hunted' by driftwood sculptor Guthrie Gloag.

What can I do with a degree in art history & visual studies?

In our increasingly visual world, understanding the power and role of visual communication is an important skill in many careers.

Victoria is a vibrant city with a rich heritage, a strong Indigenous presence and an abundance of arts organizations to gain experience with through volunteering and co-op placements. Many of our students have found jobs in the community with organizations such as the UVic Legacy Art GalleriesArt Gallery of Greater Victoria, Craigdarroch Castle, Royal BC Museum, Victoria Arts Council, Emily Carr House and Open Space.

Career options for our graduates

  • Archivist
  • Art appraiser
  • Art director/graphic designer
  • Art marketer
  • Arts & culture coordinator
  • Communications officer
  • Conservator
  • Curator
  • Entrepreneur
  • Exhibit designer
  • Gallery administrator
  • Heritage consultant
  • Interpretive assistant
  • Marketing coordinator
  • Museum educator
  • Program coordinator
  • Social media manager
  • Specialist librarian
  • Teacher/instructor

Additional education and training may be required.

More information from UVic Co-op + Careers (pdf)

Develop your career

Meet our alumni

Michelle Cheimak

Communications Coordinator
Beattie Tartan

Michelle acts as the first point of contact for all inquiries and visitors that enter the office space. She triages calls and delivers messages to various departments, as well as handles daily administrative tasks like purchasing supplies and creating meeting agendas or press itineraries and packages. She reports daily on any print, online, and broadcast media clippings that mention clients, and often writes media releases and blog posts on their behalf. Occasionally, she handles some social engagement and creates email marketing campaigns. Read more

History in Art, minor in Film Studies - BA Honours (2013)

Brin O'Hare

Art Coordinator
Victoria Arts Council

Brin works as part of a small team developing and implementing programs, events and exhibitions which allow the public to engage with diverse art forms. The Victoria Arts Council provides artists with opportunities to further their growth and widen their audience. Read more

MA, Art History & Visual Studies (2014)

Meg Sugrue

Web & E-Commerce Specialist
Royal BC Museum

Meg's passion for the visual arts led her to the Art History & Visual Studies program where she developed the critical skills necessary to succeed in the cultural sector. Working with the Royal BC Museum & Archives, Meg draws inspiration from the collections to create innovative and engaging digital content. From producing promotional videos to planning exhibition interactives, her position allows her to support every department in the museum. Read more

History in Art & Anthropology - BA Honours (2012)