Minneapolis Institute of Art
Assistant/Associate Curator
European Art
Full time, Non-Exempt, Union Position
Starting Salary Range: $31.56 – $43.21 per hour
The Job
As Assistant or Associate Curator of European Art, the successful candidate will be a specialist in 19th and early 20th-century European art and join a collaborative team of four interdisciplinary specialists to support an expansive program centered upon the arts of Europe. As part of the curatorial team, the hire will be responsible for contributing to all curatorial duties, including researching, interpreting, and publishing works in the collection; organizing exhibitions and programs; and building the collection. Under the direction of the Chair, they will actively foster a culture of respect and inclusion within the department and join with colleagues to achieve both individual and departmental goals, including ongoing work to strengthen curatorial commitments to diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and belonging (DEAIB). The successful candidate will embrace Mia’s dedication to audience engagement and lifelong learning through innovative, inclusive, and accessible programming and delivery methods. The successful candidate will advocate for and meet the highest standards of scholarship and investigation, reinforcing intellectual inquiry as a core tenant of Mia’s culture and output.
In this role, you will….
- Advance the vision of European art at Mia.
- Provide expertise in 19th and early 20th-century European art.
- Utilize connoisseurship and research skills in fields of paintings, drawings, and prints.
- Heighten the profile of Mia’s collection and program in European art through ambitious and intellectually rigorous exhibitions, gallery rotations, publications, public programming, and significant acquisitions.
- Work cross-departmentally to organize and co-lead exhibitions, programs, display and interpretation.
- Cultivate relationships with donors, professional colleagues, partner organizations and peer institutions, as well as the community at large, in furtherance of Mia’s strategic goals, especially in support of DEAIB.
- Responsibly co-manage the museum’s collection of European art, ensuring proper documentation, maintenance, display, and conservation.
- Write gallery labels and panels, and online content.
- Review and update object records in the Museum database (TMS).
- Answer correspondence related to the collection; assist the public and visiting scholars.
- Locate, research, and recommend works of art for museum acquisition. Maintain awareness of availability of art objects and exhibitions through active research, contact with dealers and other professionals and collectors.
- Oversee the care, maintenance, and conservation of the collection in storage, on exhibition, or on loan.
- Consult with conservators on the care of the collection and documentation of the condition of works.
- Participate in museum community as active scholar/curator in their field.
- Engage actively in enhancing the reputation of Mia’s collection and exhibitions locally and nationally.
- Represent Mia through participation on committees and involvement in programs that enhance the knowledge and appreciation of art.
Specific Requirements
- Ph.D. or ABD preferred (Master’s degree required).
- Three or more years of experience with broad knowledge of European art.
- Strong record of research and scholarship, with proven experience organizing exhibitions and producing publications of high quality in a museum, academic institution, or equivalent.
- Exhibitions and program planning experience and demonstrated skills in those areas.
- Team player with the ability to work within cross-functional teams effectively.
- Excellent planning, organizational, and project management skills.
- Exceptional and effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent computer and organizational skills to maintain precise documentation of the collection.
- Ability to build positive and effective relationships with donors and the broader community.
- Knowledge of French, German, or Spanish (or other European language in subject-area expertise).
Mia Culture
The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is an audience-centered, equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome. Mia is Mission Driven, Generous, Agile, Emotionally Aware, and Positive, and endeavors to create a workplace culture where staff are responsible to one another, to our visitors, and to themselves to do the best work possible.
To Apply
To be considered for this position, please apply online at https://jobs-artsmia.submittable.com/submit. Please include a cover letter and resume.
