Curator at ICA Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University

Organisation: Institute for Contemporary Art Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US
Contract: Full-time, regular staff position
Salary: Not specified
Application deadline: Not specified

About the Position

The Institute for Contemporary Art Pittsburgh (ICA Pittsburgh) at Carnegie Mellon University is seeking an imaginative, collaborative and artist-centred Curator to help define the institution’s artistic identity.

Working closely with the Founder and Director, the Curator will shape and implement ICA Pittsburgh’s artistic vision, develop exhibitions, commissions, publications and live programmes, and cultivate relationships with artists and cultural partners.

As a senior institutional leader, the Curator will contribute to establishing the values, processes and working culture of a new contemporary art institution. ICA Pittsburgh builds on the legacy of the Miller ICA and is preparing to open its expanded, purpose-built space in autumn 2027.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Director to define ICA Pittsburgh’s artistic vision, programme identity and multiyear strategy.
• Research, develop and organise exhibitions, commissions, performances, screenings, publications and interdisciplinary projects.
• Identify and collaborate with emerging and established artists, guest curators, writers, scholars and other cultural practitioners.
• Build collaborations with Carnegie Mellon faculty, students and researchers, connecting curatorial practice with interdisciplinary learning.
• Develop exhibition texts, essays, publications, artist interviews and accessible interpretive materials.
• Integrate exhibitions with public programmes, workshops, conversations and participatory activities.
• Oversee exhibition planning, budgets, production schedules, artwork loans and installation in collaboration with institutional teams.
• Supervise and mentor curatorial staff, interns and project collaborators.
• Establish partnerships with local, national and international cultural organisations and contribute to fundraising and institutional development.

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates should have significant professional experience in curatorial practice, contemporary art programming or artistic leadership, with a demonstrated record of developing ambitious exhibitions, commissions, publications or public programmes.

Applicants should possess broad knowledge of contemporary art, experience collaborating directly with artists and proven leadership skills within a museum, university gallery, kunsthalle, alternative art space or comparable cultural institution.

Strong writing, communication, project management and budgeting skills are essential, alongside a commitment to accessibility, equity and inclusive representation.

An advanced degree in art history, curatorial studies, studio art, visual culture or a related field is required, although an equivalent combination of professional experience and demonstrated achievement will be considered.

Experience with interdisciplinary practices involving science, technology, design, architecture, performance, sound, moving image or emerging media is particularly welcome. Previous involvement in launching or developing cultural institutions and programmes would be an advantage.

Image: Courtesy of ICA Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University.