Associate/Assistant Curator, Global Contemporary Art | USA

This content is exclusive for CfC members.

Please or register to see all our content.

nelson-atkins

Associate/Assistant Curator, Global Contemporary Art

The Nelson-Atkins in Kansas City is recognized nationally and internationally as one of America’s finest art museums is seeking an Associate/Assistant Curator to join its curatorial team.

The museum, which strives to be where the power of art engages the spirit of community, opens its doors free of charge to people of all backgrounds. The museum is an institution that both challenges and comforts, that both inspires and soothes, and it is a destination for inspiration, reflection and connecting with others.

Museum Collection

The Nelson-Atkins serves the community by providing access to its renowned collection of over 40,000 art objects and is best known for its Asian art, European and American paintings, photography, modern sculpture, and new American Indian and Egyptian galleries. Housing a major art research library and the Ford Learning Center, the Museum is a key educational resource for the region. In 2017, the Nelson-Atkins celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the Bloch Building, a critically acclaimed addition to the original 1933 Nelson-Atkins Building.

The Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park

The Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park, a 22-acre of parkland on the museum campus, is named in recognition of the lasting legacy Donald J. Hall created with his leadership and generosity. The land that surrounds the museum, considered one of the nation’s finest settings for a major art museum, is home to 36 sculptures. The museum has a partnership with the City of Kansas City, Missouri, to activate the parks surrounding the museum’s grounds.

Basic Function

The Associate Curator/Curator, Global Contemporary Art is responsible for research, exhibition, documentation, preservation, and growth of the Contemporary art (post-1980-present) collection, with a primary focus on the works in the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park. The Associate Curator/Curator is responsible for the permanent collection, gallery installations, and generating original exhibitions related to their expertise and collection area, and serves as a member of a larger team for curatorial, exhibition-related, and educational museum projects.

Summary of Responsibilities: Assists and advises the Director and CEO and Director of Curatorial Affairs on matters concerning the collections, their documentation, care, and disposition and exhibitions of global art from 1980 to the present in all media.

Researches, publishes, interprets and installs collection in novel ways. Collaborates with internal departments, donors, lenders, and artists to ensure a rich and vital program.

Conceptualizes and organizes exhibitions and collections installations in all media that place the collection in cultural and historical context; writes label copy and works with Interpretation team on installations, exhibitions and other interpretative strategies; plans programming with Public Programs, Membership and other departments; and collaborates with Advancement division on donor relations. In consultation with these teams, organizes all aspects of exhibitions, including generating loans, securing venues for travel, and organizing installations.

Works to develop collections with area, national and international collectors to strengthen the museum’s collection through gifts and purchases. Liaises with artists, galleries, and lenders to commission work or secure loans for exhibitions.

Catalogues and conducts research on Contemporary collections—collaborating with other curatorial departments including Photography, American Art, American Indian Art, European Painting and Sculpture, East Asian Art, South and Southeast Asian Art, African Art, and Architecture, Design and Decorative Arts as well as Registration department; updates document files and insurance valuation. Works with Conservation department on the care of works. Answers or directs inquiries and requests for information on collections. Follows the art market and maintains dealer relations for new acquisitions; conducts research for possible purchases and/or gifts. Presents proposed acquisitions and deaccessions to the Director and CEO and Director of Curatorial Affairs. Supports the Director in promoting relationships with donors and collectors.

Conducts tours and lectures on the permanent collections and installations for the general public, museum docents, donors, and the media.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Master’s Degree in Art History or related field required, PhD preferred. Area of specialty open, although preference given to candidates with experience with public art.
Understanding of curatorial practices and methodology.
Knowledge and understanding of museum ethics and principles.
Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
Ability to operate in a team-based working environment.
Commitment to diversity and to serving the needs of a diverse community.
Museum experience building and working with collections.
Record of creating, organizing, installing, and writing essays and labels for special exhibitions respectful of all deadlines.
Experience working with living artists, producing projects in a timely manner, respecting budgets.
Demonstrated record of scholarship and leadership in acquisitions, exhibitions, and publications.
Ability and willingness to deal with a wide range of audiences and donors/stakeholders.

For full job description and details on how to apply visit: https://www.nelson-atkins.org/careers-internships/?

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
4525 Oak Street

Kansas City, MO 64111
www.nelson-atkins.org