Assistant Curator: African Diaspora
The Assistant Curator will be a key member of the Barnes Foundation’s Collections and Exhibitions team, working closely with colleagues in and across departments to advance the Barnes’s mission. As a specialist in the art of the African Diaspora, the post holder will help to develop and deliver exhibitions and collection-related content including interpretive materials for use in-gallery and on social media; contributions to Barnes Foundation catalogues; talks and lectures (in person and online). The candidate’s research and communication skills will help the Foundation build relationships with current and prospective visitors.
In service of the Barnes’ commitment to art education for all, at a time when the Barnes is expanding its digital footprint, the Assistant Curator will integrate curatorial content into the foundation’s broader activities, most specifically in service of new educational initiatives.
Established as an educational institution, the Barnes Foundation carries out its mission by promoting appreciation of the arts and horticultural science, through the preservation, presentation, and interpretation of the collections of Albert C. and Laura L. Barnes.
Celebrated for its exceptional breadth, depth, and quality, the Barnes Foundation’s art collection has exceptional holdings of Impressionist, post-impressionist, and Modern art, and encompasses African Material Culture, Native American pottery and textiles, antiquities, Pennsylvania German decorative arts, metalwork, and more.
The Foundation engages diverse audiences through high-quality programs, including numerous special exhibitions and commissions, that reflect the range of the collection and our founders’ innovative educational vision. Recent initiatives have included the first US exhibition of the French painter Suzanne Valadon, a show that explored the enduring significance of our Native American collections, and a commission from Sir Isaac Julien that invites reflection on colonialism and the display of African material culture in museums in Europe and America.
Responsibilities:
Job Specific Competencies:
- Contributes to the development, management and promotion of loan exhibitions and new commissions at various levels. Works in collaboration with Conservation, Publications, and external curators as appropriate.
- Studies the collection and disseminates knowledge through printed and/or online publications including labels, content for barnesfoc.us (the Foundation’s online touring tool) and social media. Contributes to Barnes Foundation catalogues.
- Shares content and ideas with colleagues in Public Programs and Community Engagement in support of their efforts to build diverse audiences for the Barnes on campus and beyond.
- Collaborates with Advancement staff to identify appropriate funding opportunities, cultivate potential individual and corporate prospects, steward the Barnes’s strong donor base, and assist with grant applications
- In support of the department of Research, Interpretation and Education, provides lectures, classes, tours, and other presentations for various audiences including the Barnes staff, visitors, members, donors, and the scholarly community.
Skills and Knowledge:
- Minimum of Master’s degree in art history or related field. PhD recommended.
- Minimum of 2 years of related professional experience in a cultural or educational institution or organization.
- Demonstrated expertise in Art of the African Diaspora.
- Knowledge of best practices and procedures for collections management and care in cultural institutions.
- Working knowledge of a second language preferred.
Competitive Benefits Include: Group health, dental and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; short- and long-term disability and group life insurance; 403(b) with matching contributions; Employee Assistance Program; voluntary benefits; as well as paid vacation, personal time, sick time and holidays.
Please include a cover letter and an updated resume with your application, along with salary expectations.