Exploring the World of Cultural Heritage Jobs That You Can Do Remotely

Exploring the World of Cultural Heritage Jobs That You Can Do Remotely

Cultural heritage is an essential aspect of human life that holds our collective past and shapes our future. It encompasses a vast range of tangible and intangible heritage assets, including ancient ruins, artwork, cultural practices, languages, and traditions passed down from one generation to another. Cultural heritage jobs are among the most fulfilling and exciting professions one can pursue. However, not everyone has the privilege of working in a heritage-rich environment, given the limited opportunities in most parts of the world. Luckily, remote working has emerged as a viable option that opens up the world of cultural heritage jobs to anyone with a passion for this field regardless of their geographical location.

Here, we examine some of the cultural heritage jobs that you can do remotely, explore their latest trends, and highlight some of the challenges you may face and how to overcome them.

Archeologist
Archeologists study human ancestors’ physical remains, artifacts, and structures to learn about humanity’s past. Remote archeology work includes conducting research, creating and reviewing technical reports, developing data management plans, and analyzing data collected in the field. Data collection usually requires remote visualization and 3D modeling technology to create digital, realistic versions of archeological sites, resulting in potentially higher accuracy data representations.

Art Restorer/ Conservator
Art restorers/conservators work to restore lost beauty and preserve historical objects for the current and future generations. Remote work in art restoration involves researching techniques to restore artwork and researching appropriate preservation materials. The artist may work remotely with local staff to oversee conservation efforts or consult with galleries or auction houses to discern whether a damaged piece of artwork would benefit from restoration.

Museum Curator
Museum curators manage and coordinate collections, exhibitions, and events at museums, galleries, and cultural centers. Remote work in museum curation includes designing museum displays, conducting research, and analyzing audience data to make informed decisions for exhibit designs. With increasing interest in immersive online exhibitions, curators partner with web design professionals, including graphic designers, to bring the museum experience to viewers worldwide.

Heritage Sites and Tour Guide
Remote work in the tourism industry involves providing virtual visitors with interactive, engaging, and informative narratives. Heritage sites and tourism establishments have responded to the pandemic by offering virtual tours, online exhibitions, and curated stories to showcase their cultural heritage to larger audiences and boost revenue. Remote working in this field can lead to employment in local tour companies, hotels, and tourism boards, or joining companies that specialize in virtual tourism.

Archivist
Archivists are responsible for organizing and preserving the records, artifacts, and historical documents of individuals, corporations, and government agencies. Remote work in archiving includes cataloging, documenting, and researching historical properties or collections to maintain their accuracy and accessibility. Archivists also collaborate with online publishers to curate culturally thematic digital exhibitions as a way of showcasing historical documents to a broader audience.

Conclusion
Remote cultural heritage jobs offer new opportunities to create more inclusive and diverse work environments. Working remotely promotes engagement with a more extensive range of cultural heritage sites that limit the budget, location, or travel restrictions, leading to the democratization of cultural heritage jobs. While there are benefits to remote work, challenges might also arise, such as technology limitations, limited funding resources, and a potential lack of essential on-site experiences. Cultural heritage professionals who succeed in remote jobs are those who can embrace the advantages of remote work while mitigating its challenges. Ultimately, remote work offers an excellent chance to expand the cultural heritage sector, empower a diverse group of cultural heritage professionals, and promote equal opportunities for all.