RISD Seeks Curator of Asian Art

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a Curator, Asian Art to join the RISD Museum

Employment Status: Full-time; Regular
Work Modality: Hybrid Eligible

As the sole curatorial-track position within the department, the Curator of Asian Art is responsible for the development, and care of an important departmental collection, as well as its interpretation through exhibitions, publications, and participation in Museum teaching and educational programs in alignment with the museum’s strategic plan. The position is responsible for budgets and other administrative matters relative to individual projects.

The successful candidate will thrive in a campus environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, environmental and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities.

Essential Functions/Duties

Responsible for the development of the collection.

• Maintain a sound knowledge of the art market, including the availability and value of objects. Maintain contact with dealers and cultivate donors and potential donors.
• Through the Director and Chief Curator, recommend purchases, gifts, deaccessions, and methods of deaccessioning (sale, exchange, transfer).

Responsible for the care of the collection.

• Documentation of objects within the collection: provide basic cataloguing information to the Registrar for all objects acquired or already owned by the Museum; schedule and supervise inventories of objects in the collection; conduct and record or publish research on objects in the collection.
• Preservation of objects within the collection in consultation with conservation: work in collaboration with the Registrar to set standards for housing, storage, and installation and oversee the proper storage of all objects to ensure safety and accessibility; determine conservation priorities, develop a budget plan, recommend appropriate treatments, and supervise treatments; recommend loans and set standards for care; at the request of the Director, serve as courier.
• Work closely with the Museum Security Department to ensure the security of works of art.

Develop exhibitions, educational programs, and interpretative texts

• Interpret and display Asian Art—both generally and in the collection specifically—through exhibitions, publications, and educational programs (in coordination with all departments responsible for interpretation and audience engagement) that present works of art from the Museum and outside collections in alignment with the goals and priorities articulated in the museum’s strategic plan.

Teach and make the collection accessible to RISD faculty and students, the broader academic community, and the general public, emphasizing inclusivity. Answer scholarly and public inquiries.

Support the fundraising and public relations efforts of the Museum and the Development and Communications Offices.

• Identify, cultivate, and educate supporters and potential supporters of the Museum through advice and special activities.
• Prepare grants, budgets, and project work plans with the Director, Chief Curator, Director of Finance Operations, and Institutional Advancement.
• As project director of grant-funded projects, responsible for the execution of work plan and budget, and with the Deputy Director, Exhibitions, Education & Programs, and Deputy Director, Museum Finance and Operations, adherence to deadlines and requirements for interim and final reporting.
• Provide timely information to the Communications Office and support its efforts.

Additional Functions:

• Share day-to-day departmental responsibilities equitably with colleagues in a manner that promotes collaboration and teamwork.
• Contribute to the life of the Museum and college through participation in institution-wide and Museum-wide committees and projects, as requested and approved by the Director.
• Participate in the larger academic field and the museum profession through such activities as lectures, written contributions, panel and peer review service, and attendance at symposia, professional workshops and meetings, and local/regional arts events.
• Perform related assignments as requested by the Chief Curator

Required Knowledge/Skills/Experience

• Masters or equivalent combination of education and experience required; Ph.D. preferred.
• Minimums of 7 years of curatorial and related experience; a record of scholarly publications and /or exhibitions.
• Specialization in Asian Art with an emphasis on historical objects and periods and fluency in a language relevant to the area of expertise.
• Connoisseurship skills; familiarity with conservation and collection care.
• Excellent research and writing skills.
• Excellent speaking skills.
• Collaborative, teamwork approach.
• Flexibility.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills.

Union: No
Work Schedule: 35 hours per week; 12 months per year. Some traveling in the U.S. and abroad may be required.
Employment Status: Full-time; Regular
Grade: 550EX
Work Modality: Hybrid Eligible

Documents Needed to Apply:

• Resume (Required)
• Cover Letter (Required)
• Finalist candidates will be asked to submit a presentation

Salary Grade Structure

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please upload all required documents.

The successful candidate will be required to meet our pre-employment background screening requirements.

RISD recognizes diversity and inclusivity as fundamental to its learning community and integral to an art and design education. We welcome candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. RISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.