Curator – European and American Art

Curator – European and American Art
Krannert Art Museum
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Krannert Art Museum, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (KAM) seeks a creative and inspiring full-time curator of European and American Art. The primary area of responsibility for this position is European and American art before 1850.

KAM has a rich, varied, and comprehensive collection of approximately 10,000 works of art ranging from the fourth millennium BCE to the present, representing an extensive array of cultures and media and reflecting the museum’s educational mission. KAM presents 15 or more exhibitions a year (most of them organized by KAM) and over 150 educational programs and special events. Since 2004, KAM’s exhibitions have traveled to 28 cities in the United States and beyond. The museum is identified with initiatives that involve wide-ranging artists, ideas, and media, as well as those that explore compelling issues of contemporary culture and society. The topics and artists represented in its exhibitions and accompanying publications provide creative opportunities for the interdisciplinary programming that has become a signature of KAM.

KAM is an engaged partner in the intellectual work of the campus, involving students and faculty in research and development of exhibitions and museum publications, organizing interdisciplinary workshops and other exhibition programming, and inviting renowned artists and scholars to campus. Most of KAM’s exhibitions and projects actively involve faculty, students, and staff as initiators, partners, and subjects. Increasing KAM’s integration into the curriculum and enlisting more of the intellectual assets of the campus into the museum’s exhibition and educational objectives are major priorities.

Primary Position Function/Summary:
The Curator of European and American Art reports to the senior curator and will have two additional curatorial colleagues (curator of Modern and Contemporary Art and assistant curator). This individual contributes to the conceptualization and realization of KAM’s vision, mission, and strategic directions. The incumbent will be able to develop and execute innovative and well-researched exhibitions, collection installations, and multidisciplinary projects for KAM’s early modern program. S/he shapes the collection by conducting research, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and soliciting acquisitions through gifts and purchases. Additionally, the ideal candidate will embrace and advance KAM’s commitment to greater academic integration through dynamic curricular (and extra-curricular) collaborations with students, faculty, and staff.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:
In addition to the primary functions identified above, required duties include:

• Conduct research and publish original material related to KAM’s exhibitions, collection, and other museum-related initiatives.
• Maintain an active professional presence through participation in scholarly conferences, juries, and grant panels—on and off campus.
• Develop interpretive materials for KAM exhibitions, collection installations, and other projects.
• Identify fundraising possibilities, write grant proposals, and cultivate donors.
• Develop creative academic and public programming.
• Build strong relationships and exchange information with colleagues across campus and from other universities and cultural/arts institutions, as well as with alumni, artists, scholars, experts, collectors, and donors.
• Coordinate guest-curated exhibitions, including faculty and student collaborations.
• Assist in the identification and implementation of collection and conservation policies and priorities.
• Train and supervise graduate student interns and docents.
• Develop and administer budgets and schedules related to curatorial projects.
• Develop and implement goals related to the visitor experience.
• Travel to conduct research, organize exhibitions, develop the collection, present talks and papers, and solicit sponsorship and donation.

Position Requirements and Qualifications:
Master’s degree in art history, curatorial studies or related area is required. A Ph.D. degree in art history or related area is preferred. The qualified candidate will have a background in early modern European art as well as three to five years of curatorial experience in a museum/non-profit venue and/or as an independent curator. The committee is seeking candidates who demonstrate the following: knowledge of European and American art; curatorial abilities; critical writing skills that allow publication of scholarly material; knowledge of museum and curatorial best practices; interest in and commitment to issues relating to globalism, transcontinental trade, critical historiography, etc.; and the ability and interest to work well in an academic/research environment, making creative connections with faculty and students. Excellent verbal skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are required, as is competency in at least one of the following languages: French, German, Italian, or Spanish. Specialized knowledge of works on paper is preferred.

Appointment Status: This is a full-time, 12-month academic professional position.

Salary: Commensurate with experience and includes an excellent benefits package.

Proposed Starting Date: Spring 2015

Application Deadline: November 24, 2015

Application Procedure: To ensure full consideration, all candidates must complete an online application at jobs.illinois.edu prior to the application deadline. Qualified candidates must upload a letter of application, resume, and contact information (name, address, telephone number, and email address) for three current professional references. Interviews may take place prior to the closing date; however no decision will be made until after that date. Individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

For additional information regarding the application procedures, please contact:
Heidi Hardenbrook
Krannert Art Museum Human Resources
217-333-8305 (phone)
hhardenb@illinois.edu
www.kam.illinois.edu

Illinois is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. Illinois welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity. (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu).