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  San Francisco, USA
Curator, Jobs No deadline

Curator of African Art

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The Curator of African Art will have the opportunity to review the collection and gallery installation and, working with colleagues, envision new and innovative ways to interpret and present the collection of African art in focused presentations and in dialogue with other FAMSF collections and works of art. The Curator of African Art is responsible for conducting research on the collection,  planning and supervising the installation of the Museum’s African art collections, and fostering relationships with scholars, specialists, donors and the public in order to develop a dynamic program that attracts and engages the Museum’s many constituencies and stakeholders. This role reports to the Curator in Charge, Arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas (AOA).

Overarching Duties and Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of the Curator of African Art will be to:

  • Spearhead assessment of the collection in collaboration with FAMSF staff as well as scholars and experts in the field; prepare and implement a collections development strategy and execute ongoing collections stewardship;
  • Plan and supervise the installation of the Museum’s African art collections;
  • Develop, plan and organize temporary exhibitions;
  • Conduct research and writing that illuminates the Museum’s holdings and expands its interpretive possibilities;
  • Cultivate donors and constituents for the African art collection and assist the Curator in Charge of AOA and Associate Curator with programs and activities of the Friends of the AOA support group.

     

    Specific duties will include:

  • Advises the Director and Curator in Charge of AOA on matters concerning the collection.
  • Prepares, maintains and executes collections development strategy.
  • Documents the collection and conducts research. Collaborates with experts in the field as necessary. Creates and maintains all records pertaining to the collection in digital and/or paper-based formats, as appropriate, including TMS database records.
  • Presents proposed acquisitions and deaccessioning to the Art Division Director and the Curator in Charge of AOA.
  • Follows the art market and maintains dealer relationships for new acquisitions.
  • Develops, plans and organizes temporary exhibitions and works as a collaborative member of teams to write, edit and produce exhibition catalogues and collateral material.
  • Works with colleagues locally, nationally and internationally to conduct research and curate exhibitions to ensure a rich and vital program.
  • Liaises with artists, galleries and lenders to secure loans for exhibitions and permanent gallery installations.
  • Works with the Director and Curator in Charge of AOA, other curators and department heads to establish short- and long-term goals for programs related to the collection and exhibitions for the museum’s audiences.
  • Researches and publishes articles and creates catalogues about the collection.
  • Researches, writes, and develops a full range of interpretive materials including brochures, audio guides, videos, advanced technology aids and other educational tools working closely with Education, Marketing/Communications and other FAMSF departments as required.
  • Works with the Development Department to secure funding for programs and objects and to cultivate donors in order to continue to build the collection.
  • Acts as the spokesperson for the African collection, represents it to its many constituencies both internally and externally.
  • Conducts tours and lectures on the permanent collection for docents, donors, the general public and the media.
  • Builds relationships in the community, encouraging and developing collaborations with appropriate organizations and maintains a high professional profile locally and nationally.
  • Supports the public relations efforts of the Museum as directed by the administration.
  • Organizes and supervises the work of support staff, junior staff, interns and volunteers.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION:

The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. The Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer, deeply dedicated to diversity among its staff. The museum fully complies with all applicable regulations pertaining to non-discrimination.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The Curator of African Art must be a team player who can work successfully in a dynamic and collaborative environment and must have a track record of developing and implementing innovative exhibitions and programs that reflect knowledge of current issues in African art. They must have:

  • Master’s Degree in Art History, Ph.D. preferred, with speaking knowledge of French and/or German.
  • Minimum of five years of curatorial experience in the field of African art.
  • Understanding of curatorial practices and methodology involved in the maintenance and care of a museum collection of fine arts.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
  • Ability to effectively teach about African art and inspire visitors through public lectures, gallery presentations, video presentation and print media.
  • Experience building collections and working with leadership in acquisitions, exhibitions and managing budgets.
  • Track record of success producing projects in a timely manner.
  • Ability and willingness to work with a wide range of audiences, donors and stakeholders.
  • Commitment to diversity and to serving the needs of a diverse community.
  • Strong record of curatorial and scholarly leadership as well as developed professional relationships with curators in the field, both in the U.S. and in Africa.