Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Initiatives

Job Details

• Job Title: Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Initiatives
• Job Family: Curatorial
• Type: Regular Full-Time
• Position Status: Getty Center
• Workplace Type: Hybrid/Partially Remote
• Salaried/Hourly: Salaried
• Hiring Pay Scale: $93,149 – $123,421 Annually
• Salary: Commensurate with experience and internal equity
• Program/Department: Museum – 0304-Associate Director Collections
• Requisition Number: 2023-4201
• ERRP Eligible: No

Promoting Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion

At Getty, we believe in the fundamental importance of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in achieving excellence and fulfilling our mission. We value differences, seeking mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. We are dedicated to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace that mirrors the communities we serve, embracing individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We actively encourage applications from individuals of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans, and persons with disabilities.

Job Summary

Our Mission

The J. Paul Getty Museum’s mission is to inspire curiosity about, and enjoyment and understanding of, the visual arts. We accomplish this by collecting, conserving, exhibiting, and interpreting art of exceptional quality and historical significance. The Museum is one of four programs within the J. Paul Getty Trust. It operates at two sites: the Getty Villa in Malibu, which houses its collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, and the Getty Center in Brentwood, which showcases European art, including Medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts, paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, drawings up to 1900, and contemporary photography (including non-European works). The Museum hosts about 25 temporary exhibitions each year across both sites, maintains an annual permanent gallery improvement program, and offers extensive and ambitious programming for its visitors.

The Opportunity

The J. Paul Getty Museum is seeking a Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Initiatives to expand its program in 20th- and 21st-century art. This role involves independent work and collaboration with the Museum’s curatorial departments to develop programs that forge meaningful connections between the Getty’s collections, exhibitions, architecture, site, and contemporary art and culture. The Museum does not collect contemporary art, with the exception of photographs, but it possesses numerous works by 20th- and 21st-century artists.

The Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Initiatives will be instrumental in shaping and executing the Museum’s contemporary art program. Responsibilities include organizing a series of artist installations in the Museum’s entrance hall and other potential campus locations, collaborating with curatorial departments to conceptualize interventions and installations in the collection’s galleries, acting as the Museum’s primary modern and contemporary curator for special exhibitions, and coordinating associated programs to enrich the Museum’s interpretive goals and audience engagement.

The ideal candidate should have a proven record of curating exhibitions and displays of contemporary art, established relationships within the contemporary art world, a broad art historical background, and the ability to create compelling narratives for diverse audiences. Reporting to the Associate Director for Collections, the Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art Initiatives will collaborate with other curators, as well as colleagues from various departments within the Getty.

Major Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Associate Director for Collections and Associate Director for Exhibitions to develop and implement the Museum’s initiatives in modern and contemporary art.
• Develop and implement gallery displays, exhibitions, temporary commissioned installations, and associated publications and public programs that introduce new voices and perspectives.
• Engage with artists, gallerists, and collectors in Los Angeles and beyond to develop projects that align with the Museum’s programmatic goals.
• Work closely with Getty curators, conservators, interpretation specialists, scholars, public programmers, and educators on projects developed by the Curator as well as emerging from other departments.
• Travel for research, exhibitions, art fairs, and networking to build relationships with artists, gallerists, museum professionals, and academics.
• Publish and lecture in the field of specialization.
• Communicate and engage with patrons, scholars, educators, docents, and the general public.
• Collaborate with the development team to identify and cultivate sponsors and donors for contemporary initiatives.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in art history, art, or art education, or 7-10 years of curatorial experience, or Ph.D.
• Fluency in at least one foreign language (modern or ancient) is required.
• Top-level contributor in one or more specialized curatorial functions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ph.D. preferred in the field of contemporary art.
• Expertise in 20th- and 21st-century art and a broad understanding of global contemporary art.
• General knowledge of European art history.
• A record of publications, lectures, and presentations in contemporary art.
• Established relationships with artists, gallerists, collectors, and museum professionals.
• Seven+ years of curatorial experience in the art world is preferred.
• Fluency in at least one modern foreign language is preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong writing and proofing abilities.
• Proficient in organizational skills and project management.
• Good knowledge and experience with computer systems and programs.
• Proven experience handling confidential information.

Benefits and Perks

Getty offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage (starting on the hire date), with Getty contributing 75%-95% of the premium depending on the plan selected.
• 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan, with up to 5% Getty Match.
• Getty’s contribution of 6% to the employee’s 401(a) retirement account.
• Educational assistance and professional development opportunities.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and personal days.
• 12 paid holidays.
• Many positions include bi-weekly off-Fridays.
• On-site fitness center at the Getty Center.
• Community service opportunities.