Associate/Full Curator of Indigenous Art of the Americas

Cleveland Museum of Art

Institution: Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA)
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Position: Associate or Full Curator of Indigenous Art of the Americas
Application Deadline: March 24, 2025

Employment Type: Full-time, on-site

The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) seeks an experienced curator to lead the interpretation, exhibition, and expansion of its Indigenous Art of the Americas collection. The curator will oversee pre-1600 (ancient) South American art and ancient to contemporary Native North American art, ensuring ethical stewardship, scholarly research, and community engagement.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and managing exhibitions and public programs aligned with CMA’s strategic plan.
• Conducting collection research, publishing scholarly work, and making acquisitions.
• Collaborating with Indigenous communities, scholars, and advisory committees.
• Ensuring compliance with NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act).

Collection Overview

CMA’s Indigenous Art of the Americas collection includes:

• 900+ objects from Mesoamerica, the Isthmian Region, and the Central Andes.
• 300+ Native North American works, with strengths in baskets, textiles, and ceramics.
• Highlights include a world-famous Nasca painted cloth, Maya sculptures, Chavín gold ornaments, and a rare Chimú litter back-rest.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Art History, Anthropology, Indigenous Studies, or a related field (Ph.D. preferred).
• Minimum five years of museum experience, including exhibition curation and scholarly research.
• Expertise in multiple Indigenous American cultures.
• Spanish language proficiency preferred.
• Experience with Indigenous collections stewardship and repatriation ethics.

Application Timeline

• Deadline: March 24, 2025
• Required documents: Cover letter, CV, writing sample (max. 8 pages), and three references.

Benefits

• Competitive salary & full benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, and retirement plans.
• CMA membership & discounts on museum tickets, store, and dining.
• Free parking and access to cultural institutions in Cleveland.