Curatorial Assistant
Published on 21 August 2024
Job Details
Location: MOCA – Los Angeles, CA
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $23.08 – $26.68 Hourly
Position Overview
The Curatorial Assistant is responsible for research and project management tasks related to exhibitions, publications, acquisitions, and other curatorial projects. Key responsibilities include conducting art historical research, maintaining exhibition files, managing the collection database (The Museum System), drafting various texts, and responding to inquiries. The role involves liaising with other Museum departments, external museums, galleries, collectors, artists, and trustees. Additionally, the Curatorial Assistant may organize smaller exhibitions when appropriate.
Essential Functions
Exhibition Organization and Implementation
- Assist curators with organizing exhibitions, including managing loans, correspondence with artists and galleries, data entry, image scanning, and maintaining digital assets.
- Coordinate scheduling, travel arrangements, grant applications, installation photography, and public programming.
- Collaborate with various departments (Exhibition Production, Registration, Communications, etc.) to ensure the smooth flow of exhibition-related information, adhering to timelines.
Exhibition and Publication Support
- Support curators in creating exhibition didactics, including object labels, wall texts, and brochures.
- Coordinate with external editors and translators as needed.
- Assist in the production of exhibition-related publications, securing copyright permissions, arranging photography, and managing research, editing, and proofing tasks.
Public Engagement
- Lead exhibition tours and present on exhibitions to the public when required.
Research and Acquisitions
- Conduct research for exhibitions, publications, collections, and potential acquisitions.
- Prepare reports and presentations for potential acquisitions, collaborate with the Registrar, and engage with donors and galleries.
External Relations
- Maintain professional relationships with external organizations, collectors, artists, and other stakeholders to represent the Museum effectively.
Administrative Duties
- Participate in department-wide administrative tasks, including collection care and the development of best practices and procedures.
- Provide administrative support to the Chief Curator & Director of Curatorial Affairs.
Exhibition Organization
- Occasionally organize modest exhibitions from the permanent collection.
Qualifications
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent grammar, writing, and organizational abilities.
- Proven ability to conduct art historical research and manage exhibition projects effectively.
- In-depth knowledge of contemporary art.
- Preferred qualifications: M.A. in art history or a related subject, previous museum or gallery experience.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Photoshop, Google Workspace, and SketchUp.
- Experience with The Museum System (TMS) database is preferred.
Hourly Rate: $23.08 – $26.68 per hour
This position is not covered by the MOCA/AFSCME Collective Bargaining Unit Agreement.
