Curatorial Director
New York
Pace is a leading international art gallery representing some of the most influential contemporary artists and estates from the past century, holding decades-long relationships with Alexander Calder, Jean Dubuffet, Barbara Hepworth, Agnes Martin, Louise Nevelson, and Mark Rothko. Pace enjoys a unique U.S. heritage spanning East and West coasts through its early support of artists central to the Abstract Expressionist and Light and Space movements. Since its founding by Arne Glimcher in 1960, Pace has developed a distinguished legacy as an artist-first gallery that mounts seminal historical and contemporary exhibitions. Under the current leadership of CEO Marc Glimcher, Pace continues to support its artists and share their visionary work with audiences worldwide by remaining at the forefront of innovation. Today, Pace has seven locations worldwide, including a European foothold in London and Geneva; two galleries in New York; Los Angeles; Hong Kong; and Seoul, as well as offices in Beijing and Berlin. In spring 2024, Pace will open its first gallery space in Japan in Tokyo’s new Azabudai Hills development.
Pace Gallery seeks a passionate, dynamic, and deeply engaged individual with profound expertise of modern and contemporary art to serve as Curatorial Director. Based in New York or London, the Curatorial Director works across the gallery’s program to support the careers of Pace artists, achieve the highest level of programmatic excellence, and enhance the gallery’s relationships with museums and institutions, especially in Europe, Asia, and/or Latin America.
The Curatorial Director will have a notable profile in the art world, deep knowledge of the history of art, and a robust awareness of the global landscape of contemporary practice. They will be a skilled writer and storyteller who develops a primary expertise on Pace’s program and champions the careers of Pace artists, contributing directly to the development of scholarship, programming, and institutional success. Reporting to the Chief Curator, the Curatorial Director is part of a team of colleagues within the Sales department who work closely with the gallery’s Directors and Artist Liaisons—as well as the Communications, Exhibitions, Events, Art Resources, and Research & Archives teams—while maintaining a strong external focus.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Provide a direct and active touchpoint for select group of gallery artists and estates.
- Develop and execute a successful institutional strategy for Pace artists, with a particular focus on museums in Europe, Latin America, and/or Asia.
- Cultivate close relationships with museum curators and directors, while tracking key developments, discussions, and trends in the museum world.
- Ideate, develop, and contribute in various ways to gallery exhibitions and programs, including by co-organizing Pace exhibitions in collaboration with the Directors.
- Produce original writing and scholarship for the gallery.
- Ensure excellence in written materials for exhibitions and programs, such as press releases, wall texts, scholarly texts, catalogue essays, etc.
- Participate actively in the art community as a spokesperson and representative of Pace.
- Research trends, conversations, debates, and developments in contemporary art.
- Work closely with the Communications and Events teams to promote gallery artists.
- Undertake select travel on behalf of the gallery, i.e, to meet with artists and curators, and to attend key art events, such as fairs, exhibitions, and biennials, as needed.
- Serve as a core member of the gallery’s Artist Management Team.
What You’ll Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in art history or a closely related field. Master’s degree preferred.
- 7+ years of experience in a museum, gallery, or similar cultural institution.
- Impeccable verbal and written communication skills and confidence in public speaking.
- Robust network of relationships with museum curators.
- In depth experience working directly with artists, organizing exhibitions and programs, and/or writing about modern and contemporary art.
- Exceptional diplomacy and charisma; ability to forge deep connections with a diverse range of artists; and a positive, collegial, and collaborative approach to curatorial work.
- Willingness to embrace challenges, navigate shifting priorities, and to work quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment.
- Ability to juggle multiple projects while maintaining a high degree of accuracy and rigor.
- Ability to present complex concepts in a way that is accessible to a diverse range of publics and constituencies.
- Creative, proactive, independent, and self-motivated problem solver with a full commitment to, and belief in, Pace’s gallery program and its artists.
- Proficiency with MS Office
- Willingness to undertake domestic and international travel as needed.
- Bilingual fluency in English and Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin and/or Cantonese), Korean, Japanese or French.
Estimated compensation for this role is $125,000- $150,000.
In addition to an active and progressive work environment, Pace Gallery offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance, retirement plans with a company match, flexible spending accounts and commuter benefits. We encourage a healthy work/life balance and offer a generous vacation policy.
Pace Gallery is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, Veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
