Associate Curator

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Associate Curator, Heinz Architectural Center

Carnegie Museum of Art creates experiences that connect people to art, ideas, and one another. We believe creativity is a defining human characteristic to which everyone should have access. CMOA collects, preserves, and presents artworks from around the world to inspire, sustain, and provoke discussion, and to engage and reflect multiple audiences.

Carnegie Museum of Art is arguably the first museum of contemporary art in the United States, collecting the “Old Masters of tomorrow” since the inception of the Carnegie International in 1896. Today, the museum is one of the most dynamic major art institutions in America. Our collection of more than 30,000 objects features a broad spectrum of visual arts, including painting and sculpture; prints and drawings; photographs; architectural casts, renderings, and models; decorative arts and design; and film, video, and digital imagery. Through our programming, exhibitions, and publications, we frequently explore the role of art and artists in confronting key social issues of our time, combining and juxtaposing local and global perspectives. With our unique history and resources, we strive to become a leader in defining the role of art museums for the 21st century.

Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh is interested in candidates who, through their experience and collaborations, will contribute to diversity and excellence of the Carnegie Museums community.

PRIMARY FUNCTION

The Associate Curator, Heinz Architectural Center (HAC), is a motivated, collaborative, and dynamic professional who plays a critical role in the development and implementation of Carnegie Museum of Art’s architecture program. They work closely with the HAC Curator-at-Large to conceive temporary exhibitions (loan-based and/or drawn from the collection), commission projects, and research initiatives. The Associate Curator implements curatorial projects of their own conception and is tasked with implementing borrowed exhibitions and select projects conceived by the Curator-at-Large. As an active member of the museum’s curatorial team, the Associate Curator makes recommendations for the collection (acquisitions and deaccessions) and shares their expertise on the collection with colleagues. They serve as the administrative lead for HAC and oversee the work of a Curatorial Fellow, occasional interns, volunteers, as well as project-specific staff, as necessary. The Associate Curator also plays an instrumental role in the care and management of the Architecture department’s collection of architectural drawing, prints, fragments, photographs, books, models, and archival materials on paper. Finally, the Associate Curator is a collaborative professional who seeks to extend their experience in the field by testing out new curatorial models and approaches to research and communication at a time of rapid transformation for the Heinz Architectural Center, one of the nation’s leading centers for architectural experimentation and thought.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: An MA in Architecture, Architectural History, Curatorial Studies, or a relevant field is required, along with 3–5 years of experience in an appropriate curatorial department; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience making high-caliber exhibitions will be favorably considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES: Proven ability to write, supported by published work, is recommended. A strong track record in exhibition development and presentation is desirable. Expertise in contemporary architectural practices from around the globe is essential.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work is primarily sedentary in nature. Candidate must be able to travel nationally and internationally, and be available on weekends and evenings, as necessary.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Organizes original collection- and loan-based temporary exhibitions as part of HAC’s ambitious program.
Implements borrowed exhibitions and select exhibitions and commissions initiated by the Curator-at-Large, serving as the primary curatorial point of contact for colleagues across the museum.
Serves as the administrative lead for daily operations of HAC by maintaining the departmental budget, facilitating research and loan requests, and other duties.
Collaborates with Curator-at-Large to recommend acquisitions through gift and purchase, often working closely with living architects, to the Director.
Conducts and shares scholarly research about the collection and interprets works of art from the collection for the museum’s audiences through gallery talks, brochures, labels, wall texts, etc.
Maintains beneficial relationships with the regional, national, and international architecture community to increase awareness of the museum and expand its base of supporters.
Carries out all activities and communications in a manner that promotes teamwork and mutual respect and is in keeping with the museum’s overall strategic goals and standards of quality.
Actively keeps abreast of relevant trends and issues to inform the Curator-at-Large and CMOA Director’s vision for HAC’s program.
Contributes to museum-wide planning efforts and other initiatives as requested by the Director and Curator-at-Large.
All other duties as assigned.