Curatorial Assistant

Position Overview:

The Momentary is a new center for Contemporary Visual and Performing Arts and Culinary Discovery in Bentonville, AR, slated to open in February 2020. The center will operate as a subsidiary of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The Curatorial Assistant will provide curatorial support to the Momentary’s visual arts curator and administrative support to the Momentary’s visual and performing arts curators. The Curatorial Assistant is an integral member of the curatorial teams and will contribute to the curatorial vision. A strong interest in and experience with contemporary visual arts is required; familiarity with performing arts preferred. The ideal candidate will be flexible and able to manage their time well across departments.

Principle Responsibilities

• Assist visual arts curator with research and content development for the ongoing exhibitions and residency program.
• Assist visual arts curator with publications by locating images, securing copyright permissions, compiling research as directed, fact checking texts and back matter, and mailing catalogues to artists, photo and object lenders.
• Assist visual arts curator with writing, including object label copy, wall texts, content guides for use internally, and catalogue entries.
• Lead gallery tours and deliver occasional gallery programs.
• Provide organizational support for curatorial projects, including calendar management and checklists.
• Manage incoming telephone calls, e-mail and written correspondence for visual and performing arts curators.
• Assist with production, maintenance and monitoring of visual and performing arts curatorial budgets and reporting activities.
• Coordinate visual and performing arts departments interns and volunteers.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Experience, and Skills:

• B.A. in Art History or related discipline required
• Background in art history, with a strong interest in American art, post-1960
• 2 years of work experience in museums, galleries, performing art center or other relevant art settings
• Familiarity with Word, Excel, and the Microsoft Office Suite
• Demonstrated skill in organization and rigorous attention to detail
• Manage multiple deadlines simultaneously
• Ability to work independently and as a team member across departments
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Exemplary research and writing ability
• Demonstrated research skills
• Familiarity with cataloguing techniques
• Understanding and experience in budget maintenance
• Excellent customer relations skills (in person and on the telephone)
• Positive attitude and collaborative spirit
• Ability to maintain highest levels of confidentiality and discretion
• Ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish a plus