The Curator researches, conceptualizes, develops, and presents dynamic and diverse year-round exhibitions at the Moss Arts Center, including related educational and engagement opportunities, that serve as a cultural resource to Virginia Tech and the surrounding region. The Curator works closely with both the Director of Programming and the Moss Arts Center’s Executive Director to establish vision and goals for the exhibitions. The Curator works with other center staff to develop effective implementation and operating plans, and to provide an inclusive and creative environment for exploration of the arts for all audiences, including Virginia Tech students.
Moss Arts Center programs combine national and international visiting artists and exhibits, state and regional artists and community arts programs, and projects involving faculty and students at Virginia Tech. Diverse voices and perspectives are central to the breadth and depth of exhibitions and related programming. With the assistance of a program manager, the Curator oversees installation and daily management of two galleries and other exhibition areas, and must have a genuine commitment to public engagement, community outreach, educational programming, and goals of diversity, inclusion, and equity.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
– Advanced degree in visual arts, art history, or a closely related field; or a Bachelor’s degree in same with significant related professional experience.
– Progressively responsible professional experience with program development in a gallery, museum or other professional arts environment.
– Hands-on experience managing gallery spaces and knowledge of physical requirements of exhibitions.
– History of robust public engagement, community outreach, and educational programming.
– Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to planning programs that attract and support diverse artists and audiences.
– Experience successfully managing staff.
– Track record of successful external and internal collaborations, including demonstrated ability to build consensus and develop strong relationships at all levels within an organization.
– In-depth knowledge of modern and contemporary art, a demonstrated track record of achievement in exhibitions, working with artists, collectors, museum professionals, dealers, university communities and the public, and working with and negotiating with artists and vendors.
– Strong communication, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills and the ability to solve problems imaginatively and create support for solutions.
– Demonstrated understanding of the academic mission of a comprehensive research university and the role of the arts within it.
Preferred Qualifications
– Professional experience at an arts program within an institution of higher education.
– Direct experience developing and curating projects involving creative and new technologies and performance art, in addition to traditional visual arts.
