
Curator/Assistant Curator/Curatorial Assistant
About National Gallery Singapore
National Gallery Singapore is a leading visual arts institution overseeing the largest public collection of modern art in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Situated at the birthplace of modern Singapore, in the heart of the Civic District, the Gallery is housed in two national monuments – City Hall and former Supreme Court – that have been beautifully restored and transformed into this exciting 64,000 square metres venue. Reflecting Singapore’s unique heritage and geographical location, the Gallery aims to be a progressive museum that creates dialogues between the art of Singapore, Southeast Asia and the world to foster and inspire a creative and inclusive society. This is reflected in our collaborative research, education initiatives, long-term and special exhibitions, and innovative programming. The Gallery also works with international museums such as National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT), National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA), Centre Pompidou, Musée d’Orsay and Tate Britain to jointly present Southeast Asian art in the global context, positioning Singapore as a key node in the global visual arts scene.
In 2018, the Gallery was the only museum in Southeast Asia that received a ranking in The Art Newspaper’s annual global survey of attendance at museums and took the 38th place. It is also the first museum in Asia to receive the Children in Museums Award by the European Museum Academy and Hands On! International Association of Children in Museums. It also won the awards for “Best Theme Attraction” at TTG Travel Awards 2017, “Best Attraction Experience”, “Breakthrough Contribution to Tourism” and “Best Customer Service (Attractions)” at the prestigious Singapore Tourism Awards in 2016 for its role in adding to the vibrancy of Singapore’s tourism landscape. For more information, visit https://www.nationalgallery.sg.
Curator/Assistant Curator/Curatorial Assistant
The Curator/Assistant Curator/Curatorial Assistant will contribute to the development and implementation of the Gallery’s exhibitions, acquisitions and related programmes on ink media, with an emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist the Senior Curator in conceiving, planning and executing exhibitions and programmes including negotiations with lenders and collaborative institutions, as well as co-ordination of general exhibition matters
- Work with other teams (Marketing, PD, IP, AEM) to provide content and support for exhibition related matters
- Work with other teams in developing and executing programmes and tours for audience and stakeholder engagement
- Help formulate ink acquisition tracks within overall collection strategy
- Work with a wide network of artists, artist estates, lenders, collectors and dealers, source key works for the National Collection
- Develop acquisition/donation proposals by negotiating with relevant parties
- Work with Collections Development team to cultivate and service past and potential donors
- Follow research directions for exhibition and collection development as well as building on broader understanding of Southeast Asian art in relation to global art history
- Conduct research and present its outcome at internal and external platforms (gallery talks, symposiums, external conferences, publishing such as exhibition catalogues, journals)
- Support the curriculum for the NUS Minor in Art History programmes modules. Give lectures and conduct tutorials
- Work with and support curatorial colleagues in the execution of exhibitions and programmes. Mentor junior colleagues
- Handle ad-hoc assignments as and when required, including writing policy papers and leading cross- functional work groups
REQUIREMENTS
- A post-graduate degree in art history or related field
- About five years’ relevant curatorial experience, preferably within the museum field
- Keen interest in and strong knowledge of ink practices, in China and throughout the Chinese diaspora, including Singapore and Southeast Asia
- Excellent research, writing, communication and interpersonal skills
- Fluency in written and spoken English and Chinese
- Ability to work with diverse colleagues
- Interest and ability to contribute to the museum’s overall strategy and management
- Good project management and organisational skills
- Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Teaching experience a plus
Please send your detailed CV to careers@nationalgallery.sg, stating your notice period, current and expected remuneration.
We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.