Obtain a copy of the curator's resume so you can study his or her education and experience. Take note of particularly interesting places the curator has worked and the intriguing collections the person has previously overseen. Ask what unique qualifications the curator possessed that made him or her stand out from other candidates when the curator secured past and present job positions in this highly competitive field.
Learn as much as possible about the collection the curator is currently in charge of. Focus on pieces of particular note, rare items and recently acquired treasures. Study the background of the country the collection hails from and the time period of the collection to obtain a working knowledge of the culture and period.
Prepare a list of interview questions so you don't find yourself at a loss for words. While you don't have to stick to your list verbatim, it helps to have this framework to help structure your interview. Allow your natural journalistic curiosity to lead the way.
Veer away from your original questions when the answer to one inquiry leads you in a more interesting direction. When you ask about a particular piece, the curator may describe how he or she traveled to Egypt to acquire it, for example, opening up an entirely new line of questioning.
Allow periods of silence in your interview. A brief silence may encourage the curator to elaborate on the previous question or take the interview in a new direction by interjecting information that he or she feels is particularly valuable.
Thank the curator for taking the time away from his or her formidable list of duties to participate in the interview. Send the candidate a print or video copy of the completed interview and a thank-you note as well.