About Us
National Gallery Singapore is a leading visual arts institution which oversees the world’s largest public collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian modern art. Situated at the birthplace of modern Singapore, in the heart of the Civic District, the Gallery is housed in two national monuments – City Hall and former Supreme Court – that have been beautifully restored and transformed into this exciting 64,000 square metre venue. Reflecting Singapore’s unique heritage and geographical location, the Gallery aims to be a progressive museum that creates dialogues between the art of Singapore, Southeast Asia and the world to foster and inspire a creative and inclusive society. This is reflected in our collaborative research, education, long-term and special exhibitions, and innovative programming. The Gallery also works with international museums such as Centre Pompidou, Musée d’Orsay, Tate Britain, National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT) and National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA), to jointly present Southeast Asian art in the global context, positioning Singapore as a key node in the global visual arts scene.
In 2020, the Gallery was the only museum in Southeast Asia that received a ranking in The Art Newspaper’s annual global survey of attendance at art museums, taking 20th place. It was the first museum in Asia to receive the Children in Museums Award by the European Museum Academy and Hands On! International Association of Children in Museums in 2018. The Gallery also won the awards for “Best Theme Attraction” at TTG Travel Awards 2017, “Best Attraction Experience”, “Breakthrough Contribution to Tourism” and “Best Customer Service (Attractions)” at the prestigious Singapore Tourism Awards in 2016 for its role in adding to the vibrancy of Singapore’s tourism landscape.
We offer job opportunities in our dynamic organisation. Working at the Gallery enhances and cultivates your love for the arts, and offers you a chance to be part of the Gallery’s vision.
Job Description
Lead in the development and implementation of strategies and policies relating to curatorial research, ensuring that they contribute to the Gallery’s mission of compelling exhibitions and to be a thought leader in Southeast Asian art and key member of international museum community.
Responsibilities
- Oversee research directions for exhibition and collection development as well as building on broader understanding of Southeast Asian art in relation to global art history.
- Conduct research and present its outcome at internal and external platforms (gallery talks, symposiums, external conferences, publishing such as exhibition catalogues, journals).
- Seek opportunities for collaboration with leading museums, universities, scholars, artists and curators.
- Develop the curriculum and development plan for the NUS Minor in Art History programmes modules. Give lectures and conduct tutorials.
- Lead project teams in development and execution of major exhibitions.
- Conceive, plan and oversee major exhibitions and programmes including negotiations with lenders and international collaborating institutions.
- Provide direction for collaboration with other teams (Marketing, PD, IP, AEM) to provide content and support for exhibition related matters.
- Provide direction for collaboration with other teams in developing and executing programmes and tours for audience and stakeholder engagement.
- Oversee collection building by the Curatorial team through strategic planning grounded on solid research into the collection.
- Provide direction to the Curatorial team to source key works for the National Collection.
- Work closely with DD/ Collections Development team to cultivate and service past and potential donors.
- Mentor and supervise curatorial colleagues in the development of their research plans and capacities, including opportunities for residencies and further studies.
- Mentor and supervise curatorial colleagues in the planning and execution of exhibitions and programmes, as well as professional curatorial development.
- Formulate and oversee an art appreciation and history training strategy for staff, as part of induction and ongoing learning, in collaboration with HR.
- Formulate and oversee relevant strategic planning and management matters, both within department and across departments in the museum.
- Oversee budget, projects, processes and procedures under his/her responsibility.
- Handle ad-hoc assignments as and when required, including writing policy papers and leading cross-functional work groups.
Requirements
- A post-graduate degree in art history or related field
- About ten years’ relevant curatorial experience, preferably within the museum field
- At least five years’ experience managing staff and project teams.
- Keen interest in and strong knowledge of Singapore and/or SEA art history
- Excellent research, writing, communication and interpersonal skills
- Fluency in English. Additional SEA language abilities would be ideal
- Ability to lead and motivate colleagues
- Interest and ability to direct the museum’s overall strategy and management
- Good project management and organisational skills
- Attentive to details and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Qualifications
A post-graduate degree in art history or related field
