Leadership and Curatorship: An Analysis of Power Structures and Influence in the Contemporary Art Ecosystem

In the new era, the power structures within the contemporary art ecosystem have undergone a transformation. With the support of technological advancements and the development of the art industry, the influence of these power structures has been effectively enhanced. However, there remains a gap compared to the influence of power structures in the art ecosystems of developed Western countries. This paper, from the perspective of curatorial leadership and curatorship level, explores the power structures and their influence within the contemporary art ecosystem. It investigates the decisive role curators play in shaping the influence of these power structures and proposes strategies for enhancing curatorial leadership and curatorial capabilities. The aim is to provide valuable insights and references for art institutions and curators in China, encouraging continuous self-improvement and capacity building among curators to contribute effectively to the sustainable development of the contemporary art ecosystem in China.