Curator of European Art

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Background

The Museum seeks a dynamic and engaging Curator of European Art to activate and expand a collection of approximately 1,400 works of art from Europe dating between the 14th century CE to 1970. The ideal candidate would be excited to explore the complex and multi-layered interactions between Europe and the wider world, in particular reexamining colonial legacies as well as Europe’s iterative interactions with global economies through art. We are seeking a colleague who places great value on collegiality and collaboration, and demonstrates a strong desire to create a more inclusive and diverse collection, collection presentation, and exhibition program.

The Fariss Gambrill Lynn and Henry Sharpe Lynn Curator of European Art is responsible for collections of paintings, works on paper, and sculpture from Europe dating before 1970. Existing highlights include an outstanding collection of 39 Old Master paintings from the Samuel H. Kress Foundation with works by Paris Bordon and Canaletto; 49 18th-century French paintings from the Eugenia Woodward Hitt Collection; and more than 800 works on paper. Highlights from the museum’s collection of 17th-century Dutch and Flemish art include the work of artists Balthasar van der Ast and Jacob van Ruisdael. Our 18th-century English painting collection includes portraits by Thomas Lawrence, Thomas Gainsborough, and Henry Raeburn. The Museum seeks to expand the collections in areas not yet a focus, and is looking for a colleague who will address art created both in Europe and beyond, recognizing the impact European art had on colonized spaces across the globe while considering the global nature of artist populations working in Europe.

Duties:

Working in partnership with other Museum departments to conceive and implement new installations and gallery interpretation.
Prioritizing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion in all aspects of curatorial work.
Administering and managing all aspects of work within the European art department, including spearheading cross-departmental teams and projects.
Researching and disseminating findings through publications, lectures, gallery talks, labels, web-based media, and other forms of communication.
Organizing and orchestrating in-house and traveling exhibitions and bringing in significant exhibitions from elsewhere; working with the Advancement department to secure funding; with the Design department on gallery configuration; and with the Education department to craft public programs and engaging interpretive materials.
Developing and implementing long-term goals and objectives for the collection through acquisitions that include gifts, bequests, purchases, and deaccessioning projects.
Working with fellow staff to ensure the highest quality of care and maintenance of the permanent collection.
Developing and providing direction for an existing collection support group, the European Art Society. This group is committed to the continued growth and development of the BMA’s permanent collection and to educating its members about European art.
Participating in professional organizations and other opportunities that arise for professional development.
Supervise and mentor fellows, interns, and paid staff as needed.

To apply

Please apply via email with a letter of interest; curriculum vitae; names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references; and a writing sample to:

Human Resources
Birmingham Museum of Art
2000 Rev. Abraham Woods, Jr. Blvd.
Birmingham, AL 35203

recruiting@artsbma.org