Location: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Organisation: Powerhouse Arts
Salary: $80,000–$90,000 (commensurate with experience)
Benefits: Health insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plan, generous paid vacation, Citi Bike membership
Application Deadline: January 4, 2025
Powerhouse Arts is a not-for-profit organization committed to creative expression. Housed in a purpose-built facility in Brooklyn, the organization hosts an extended network of art and fabrication professionals and educators who work together to co-create and share artistic practices vital to the well-being of artists and the communities they serve. Facilities include fabrication services, production services, production spaces, and member workshops for artisans. In 2025, the building became a center for art and performance, welcoming thousands of patrons.
Role Overview
Powerhouse Arts is seeking an Associate Curator with a strong working knowledge of contemporary art to help build a new exhibition program. Reporting to the Vice President of Curatorial and Arts Programs, the Associate Curator supports and leads curatorial and programmatic efforts, with a primary focus on managing the Artists-in-Residence (AiR) program and the Artist Subsidy Program (ASP). The role coordinates all aspects of exhibitions; conceives, proposes, and realizes exhibitions and exhibition-related public programs; conducts curatorial research; undertakes project and exhibition management as needed; and organizes the annual AiR exhibition. The Associate Curator collaborates across departments including fabrication, public art production, visitor services, learning & engagement, operations, marketing, finance & legal, and leadership to realize a vibrant and inclusive curatorial program.
Key Responsibilities
Artists-in-Residence & Artist Subsidy Program Management
- Oversee daily administration and long-term development of the AiR and Artist Subsidy Programs
- Manage the annual AiR cycle including selection process, artist communications, residency logistics, studio and fabrication access, materials, scheduling, documentation, support during residency, and evaluation
- Plan, coordinate, and produce the annual AiR exhibition including selection of works, exhibition design, installation logistics, wall texts and didactics, and opening and closing events
- Monitor program budgets, administer artist contracts and stipend disbursements, and maintain accurate records
- Build and maintain relationships with artists, alumni, community partners, fabricators, and stakeholders
- Develop opportunities for collaboration with national and international residency programs
Curatorial & Exhibition Work
- Research, conceive, propose, and execute exhibitions or curatorial projects
- Support exhibitions and other presentation formats, including fairs
- Manage exhibition logistics including scheduling, budgeting, loans, installation coordination, insurance, shipping, signage, didactic content, and close-out
- Write curatorial texts including wall labels, didactics, essays, and web copy
- Collaborate with Public Art, Fabrication, Operations, Live Production, Learning & Engagement, Marketing, Visitor Services, Development, Finance & Legal teams
Public Programs & Community Engagement
- Develop exhibition-related public programs including artist talks, panels, workshops, community events, open studios, and studio visits
- Ensure programs are inclusive, accessible, and integrated across institutional offerings
- Represent Powerhouse Arts publicly through relationships with artists, galleries, funders, cultural institutions, and community groups
Administration, Planning & Collaboration
- Participate in curatorial and institutional planning
- Contribute to long-term planning for residency and curatorial programs
- Oversee budgets and maintain accurate documentation of exhibitions, residency cycles, and artist files
- Coordinate with fabrication, technical, installation, and operations teams on projects requiring specialized production
- Support grant writing and funding proposals in collaboration with Development
Qualifications
- 3–7 years of curatorial, program management, or residency program experience
- Experience managing artist residencies or subsidy programs strongly preferred
- Deep knowledge of contemporary art, particularly socially and politically engaged practices
- Demonstrated experience organizing exhibitions and public programs
- Strong project management skills and ability to manage overlapping timelines
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Commitment to inclusive, community-centered artistic practice
- Cultural competency and interest in supporting emerging, underrepresented, or nontraditional artists
- Proficiency with project-management and office software
How to Apply
Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and one writing sample by January 4, 2025. Writing samples may include a published essay, exhibition didactic or proposal, or documentation of an artist residency or relevant initiative.
