Curatorial Assistant, Painting and Sculpture (Focus on African Modernism)
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is seeking a Curatorial Assistant to join its Department of Painting and Sculpture, with a particular focus on African Modernism.
The successful candidate will assist senior curators with research, exhibitions, publications, acquisitions and the care and documentation of the collection. The role will support the development of an upcoming exhibition centred on African modernism.
Role details
Organisation: The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
Location: New York, USA
Working pattern: Full-time, on-site
Salary: $74,858 gross per year
Department: Painting and Sculpture
Reports to: The Steven and Lisa Tananbaum Curator
Application deadline: Not specified
Requisition number: CURAT002408
Responsibilities
- Assist senior curators with the research, planning, organisation and delivery of upcoming exhibitions.
- Write, edit and support the production of Museum publications and exhibition materials, including wall texts and extended object labels.
- Research and catalogue the Museum’s collection and archives in relation to exhibition projects.
- Undertake bibliographic and checklist research, loan correspondence, publication research and production, website development and public programme planning.
- Assist with the maintenance of the collection and loans, including arrangements for registration, conservation, preparation and custodial work.
- Liaise with external individuals and organisations, as well as departments across the Museum.
- Support research and preparation for potential acquisitions, including biographical and bibliographical research and communication with dealers, galleries, collectors and artists.
- Keep informed of relevant activity through museum and gallery visits and publications, making recommendations to senior staff.
- Conduct daily inspections of collection galleries and works displayed in temporary exhibitions.
- Respond to enquiries and conduct gallery tours when required.
- Undertake other duties related to the role.
Requirements
- A master’s degree in art history, with expertise in modern and contemporary art.
- Specialised knowledge of the mid-century period in Africa is preferred and should support the development of an upcoming exhibition on African modernism.
- One to two years of experience working in a museum or supporting loan exhibitions and related publications.
- Excellent research, writing and editing skills.
- Proficiency in French.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to work successfully as part of a team.
- Working knowledge of Google Workspace and Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Familiarity with The Museum System (TMS) is desirable.
About the Museum
Founded in 1929 as an educational institution, The Museum of Modern Art is dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Its Painting and Sculpture Department oversees a collection of approximately 4,000 works dating from the late nineteenth century to the present and delivers a programme of acquisitions, exhibitions and scholarship.