In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the vacancy of Curator of Art Exhibitions and Galleries in the University of Pretoria Museums.
The University of Pretoria’s commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The successful incumbent will be responsible, among others, to:
- Curate museum exhibitions both permanent and temporary, as well as to manage the dedicated museum sculpture and art gallery according to national and international museum standards;
- Conceptualise, research and produce curatorial statements and proposals for progressive new and existing museum and art-related exhibitions;
- Realise, produce and install art projects and delivery of permanent art exhibitions and map-up social impact of museum art-related collections;
- Oversee, deliver, produce, install and dismantle all temporary exhibitions and liaise closely with other internal departments and external partners;
- Ensure efficient and effective curatorship for temporary art exhibitions in terms of wider accessibility to visitors, tourists, learners, students, community and the public in order to attract new audiences to the museum art collections;
- Provide input into and execution of the art exhibition strategy, balance of schedule, sound scholarship and added-value for all types of audiences and providing engaging experience for all museum visitors;
- Contribute to the acquisition, diversity, growth and scholarly knowledge of the museum collections, specifically for the art and sculptural collections;
- Conduct academic research, analyses, publish in both the creative and academic domains, write exhibition catalogues, wall texts, labels, and create and design multimedia content to aid understanding of museum art exhibitions;
- Serve as a subject specialist on museum and art-related exhibitions, both permanent and temporary;
- Hold a comprehensive understanding of museums, critical theory, South African art trends and developments and modern curatorial practices;
- Conduct regular curatorial talks and walkabouts, guided tours, lecturers, workshops to share knowledge and foster a connection between audiences and art in a museum context;
- Implement robust museum exhibition-related annual programmes, initiate projects that explore the permanent museum galleries to showcase the museum collections on wider platforms;
- Direct hands-on curatorial practices and practicality in exhibition installation, and ongoing curatorial care and management of museum collections;
- Support all university museum activities and curatorial support to students, teaching, training and research programmes.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Honours Degree in Museology, Fine Arts, History of Art, Heritage Studies, Cultural or Visual Studies, Creative Design or another relevant and related field.
- A total of 3 years’ experience as follows:
- Museum curatorial experience, collections management experience and management of an art museum gallery experience;
- Experience in managing complex and creative curatorial projects within an academic domain;
- Proven design experience in project co-ordination and implementation.
REQUIRED COMPENTENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):
- Excellent curatorial core competencies (curation, research, public engagement);
- Excellent knowledge of curatorial processes and practices and sound knowledge of museum science;
- Excellent communication skills in working with curators, museum staff, artists, art experts and public speaking;
- Excellent writing skills, both creative and academic writing with expectations of being an effective writer;
- Excellent contemporary knowledge of South African art, developments in art theory and history;
- Sound knowledge of all relevant policies, guidelines, legislation related to the art, creative and heritage sector;
- Sound knowledge of curatorial research, planning, exhibition installation and deinstallation;
- Good knowledge of managing permanent collections, organization and preservation of museum collections;
- Sensitivity to and the ability to manage cultural diversity, gender diversity in both the internal and external environment;
- Ability to deal with complex issues, an eye for detail and impeccable planning skills;
- Ability to work with minimum supervision and to deliver under strict time lines;
- Proficiency in strategic and change management skills;
- Efficient and effective administrative management skills;
- Excellent and effective communication skills (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills;
- Excellent academic writing and report writing proficiency and appropriate language skills;
- Be a team leader and a good team player;
- Willingness to initiate and/or participate in student and public engagement.
ADDED ADVANTAGES AND DESIRABLE PREFERENCES:
- Masters’ Degree in Museology, Fine Arts, Visual Studies or related field;
- A total of 4 years’ experience as follows:
- Experience at a Higher Education institution;
- Established professional network and connections within the art and museum sector;
- In-depth scholarship of university museums, collections and curatorship;
- Working experience in the application of with national and international museum standards;
- Advanced experience in curatorial and exhibition design.
PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.
The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.
Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, and follow the link: Careers@UP.
In applying for this post, please attach:
- A comprehensive CV;
- Certified copies of qualifications; and
- Letters of reference on a formal letterhead
- Provide a museum portfolio with examples of curated exhibitions and outline professional affiliations
- Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.
CLOSING DATE: 31 July 2023
No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.
ENQUIRIES: Ms Busi Khumalo, Tel: (012) 420 4134 for application-related enquiries relating to the post and Dr S Tiley-Nel, e-mail: sian.tiley@up.ac.za relating to the position.
Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 August 2023, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.
The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.
In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.
All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.
By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.
The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.
