Curator of Art and Social Practice 

The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is in search of a Curator of Art and Social Practice who will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive plan for curating and delivering art exhibitions, temporary installations, and artist-led projects at the O’Keeffe Museum and in the wider northern New Mexico community. This position is funded by the Luce Foundation’s American Art Program.

In preparation for the opening of our new facility in mid-2025, the Curator of Art and Social Practice will collaborate with colleagues to ensure that The O’Keeffe Museum offers exceptional inaugural and continuing exhibitions that incorporate the experiences and stories of the peoples of New Mexico by facilitating co-curation and shared story-telling. Building relationships with local constituencies, the Curator of Art and Social Practice will take the lead in developing the internal skill set necessary to ensure that local and regional audiences are meaningfully represented in the Museum’s work.

The Curator of Art and Social Practice will be responsible for curating a broad range of interdisciplinary art projects on an ongoing basis, including projects for the special exhibition gallery, temporary art installations and activations in O’Keeffe buildings and sites, and offsite projects and partnerships. Alongside the Museum Director, Deputy Director, and Manager of Community Engagement, the Curator of Art and Social Practice will work to build meaningful partnerships with community members, regional organizations, and peer institutions locally and nationally.

Working with colleagues in Research Collections and Services, the Curator will develop and manage programmatic and social practice-oriented residencies and programs that foster opportunities for innovative scholarship, professional development, and community empowerment.

*COVID-19 considerations: Common surfaces are sanitized regularly; safety and cleaning measures are in place to prevent the spread of the virus. Masks and PPE are provided to all staff.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Curation and Community
• Works closely with the Curator of Fine Art and with community members to develop the inaugural installation of the permanent collection in the new museum building, opening in 2025, ensuring that the installation is inclusive of and reflects the multifaceted stories of northern New Mexico.
• Builds relationships with northern New Mexico communities and partner organizations to collaboratively develop exhibitions and installations.
• Works closely with the Curator of Fine Arts and Curator of Historic Properties to conceive and propose a 3-5-year schedule of changing exhibitions, including organizing specific exhibitions, establishing their budgeting, organizing checklists, loan letters, and precis.
• Builds relationships with contemporary artists, particularly artists based in New Mexico, to develop exhibitions that broaden and enrich the stories of northern New Mexico and Georgia O’Keeffe.
• Collaborates with interpretation staff to develop audience-centered interpretive plans, outlines, and materials for exhibitions and installations.
• Works closely with curatorial, collections, conservation, and preparation staff to implement exhibition programs, including layout and installation of exhibitions and installations.
• Collaborates with education staff to develop and implement exhibition and collection-related programming.
• Works closely with curatorial and Research Center staff to propose, develop, and support social practice-focused residencies and programs that foster innovative scholarship, professional development, and community empowerment.
• Works with the Curator of Fine Arts to develop exhibition and collection publications.

Internal Support

• Participates in various museum-wide committees and meetings,
• Assists in the identification of funding opportunities and development of marketing opportunities.
• Attends, participates in, and prepares reports for Board, Board Committee, and Building Project meetings.
• Leads special tours and staff training to support exhibitions and installations

Special Projects or Additional Duties

• Complete special projects or additional duties as assigned, and consistent with the skills, training, level of responsibility and other requirements for this position

Background and Qualifications

• BA/BS in Art History, Museum Studies, Humanities; Required
• MA in Art History; Desirable
• 1 year of curatorial experience
• 1 year of experience with exhibitions
• 1 year of community engagement and social practice
• 1 year of museum experience

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Able to build relationships across diverse communities and individuals
• Creative, able to find innovative solutions
• Works collaboratively, team-oriented
• Organized and attentive to detail, excellent time and resource management skills
• Strategic thinker able to evaluate both big picture and detailed views
• Ability to forge and maintain effective working relationships within organization as well as with representatives of public and private organizations
• Flexible, able to work with many different ideas and perspectives
• Knowledge of museum practices and ethical standards and proper art handling practices required; ability to layout and oversee installation of exhibitions required
• Research skills and knowledge of development and process of organizing and installing exhibition

Benefits

This position is eligible for our full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, Life Insurance and Short/Long Term disability, 403b retirement plan with employer match, museum membership, retail store discount, Employee Assistance Program, PTO, Paid Holidays and much more!