Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art

Location: Austin, Texas, US
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week
Salary: From $100,000 per year, depending on qualifications
Start date: As soon as possible
Application deadline: Not specified

The Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin is seeking a Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art to lead one of its principal curatorial areas.

Reporting to the Chief Curator and Deputy Director of Collections, the Curator will oversee research, exhibitions, collecting strategy and rotating gallery displays relating to American and international modern and contemporary art, excluding Latin American art.

The successful candidate will work within a small, collaborative team, particularly alongside the museum’s Curators of Latin American Art and Prints and Drawings, whose areas have significant points of connection with the role.

About the Role

The Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art will advance the Blanton’s mission by shaping a dynamic programme of exhibitions, installations and commissions incorporating works from the collection, loans and new commissions.

The role will establish and maintain relationships with artists, scholars and institutions nationally and internationally while fostering collaboration across the museum and university.

The Curator will lead research, interpretation and public-engagement initiatives that deepen understanding of modern and contemporary art and expand its impact. They will also contribute to collection development, fundraising and strategic planning in support of the museum’s long-term goals.

Responsibilities

Exhibition Development and Management

• Organise exhibitions and installations incorporating collection objects, loans and commissions;
• Develop exhibition concepts, tours and co-produced projects in collaboration with curatorial colleagues and external partners.

Collection Strategy and Stewardship

• Define and implement a vision for the museum’s modern and contemporary art collection;
• Recommend and secure acquisitions;
• Collaborate with collections staff on conservation strategies.

External Relations and Institutional Partnerships

• Develop relationships with artists and national and international institutions;
• Solicit and secure loans and externally organised exhibitions;
• Represent the museum in collaborative initiatives that advance its mission.

Interpretation, Education and Public Programmes

• Develop interpretive strategies and materials;
• Work with Education and Academic Affairs colleagues to create programmes;
• Train docents and gallery assistants;
• Support public engagement with modern and contemporary art.

Research, Scholarship and Publications

• Conduct original research on the collection;
• Contribute to exhibitions, programmes and publications;
• Supervise guest curators, visiting scholars, interns and student researchers.

Academic Engagement, Fundraising and Administration

• Promote the use of the collection in teaching and engage with the university’s academic community;
• Support fundraising activities, including donor cultivation and funding proposals;
• Manage related budgets and records;
• Supervise interns.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• A master’s degree in Art History or a related field, or a bachelor’s degree combined with equivalent professional experience;
• At least seven years of museum experience, with a strong record of publications, public presentations and active participation in the national or international art community;
• Extensive knowledge of American and international modern and contemporary art;
• Demonstrated excellence in scholarship, writing, communication, interpersonal relations and organisation;
• Experience managing budgets and fundraising, including donor cultivation and securing grants from foundations and government sources;
• Strong professional relationships with artists, collectors, gallerists, writers, scholars and museum colleagues;
• A collaborative and collegial approach, with the ability to work effectively across departments;
• Demonstrated integrity and professional judgement; and
• The ability to communicate effectively with audiences ranging from students and members of the public to scholars and specialists.

An equivalent combination of relevant education and professional experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• A PhD in Art History or a closely related discipline;
• Specialist expertise in an area of modern or contemporary art;
• A successful record of acquiring works through purchases or gifts; and
• Knowledge of museum collection management systems and digital collection initiatives.

Working Conditions

The position involves:

• Standard office-based working conditions;
• A combination of sitting and standing;
• Repetitive keyboard use;
• Occasional evening and weekend work; and
• Some travel.

Finalists will be required to complete a criminal background check. The appointed candidate must also provide evidence of their identity and authorisation to work in the United States.

About the Blanton Museum of Art

The Blanton Museum of Art is part of the University of Texas at Austin. Its recent developments include the reinstallation of its collection galleries in 2017, the opening of Ellsworth Kelly’s monumental work Austin in 2018 and the redesign of its grounds by Snøhetta in 2023.

The museum places education at the centre of its work and serves thousands of school and university students alongside visitors from Austin and beyond.

Eligible employees receive benefits provided by the University of Texas at Austin. Blanton staff also receive complimentary museum admission, access to selected museum events and a 20% discount at the Museum Store.