Disjecta. Curator-in-Residence

Disjecta Contemporary Art Center 2014 – 2015 Curator-in-Residence

Portland, Oregon-based Disjecta Contemporary Art Center is accepting proposals for a Curator-in-Residence for its 2014-2015 exhibition season.

Disjecta houses an expansive exhibition space for the presentation of visual and performing arts at the regional, national and international level that speaks to the region’s diverse interests, talents and identities.

Supported in part by a grant from The National Endowment for the Arts, the CIR program—the first of its kind in the region—provides an opportunity for emerging local and national curatorial talent to develop and expand the scope of their practice through a one-year residency. Curators actively engage with a broad range of artists to create a series of exhibitions in Disjecta’s dynamic 3,500-square-foot space.

Throughout the season (September 2014 through April 2015) the Curator-in-Residence will organize four to six exhibitions. The nature of Disjecta’s exhibition space and mission facilitate contemporary work that is installation-based, specific to the site or project-based—though these should not be considered limitations. Disjecta encourages artists and guest curators to challenge themselves and viewers, to take intelligent risks, and to expand definitions of disciplines.

ABOUT DISJECTA
DISJECTA Contemporary Art Center builds ambitious programs that promote artists and engage communities.

DISJECTA provides a professional platform in which artists can realize their best work and engage new audiences. Our dynamic programs showcase new work and fuel collaborations between artists, curators, and viewers that impact and intervene in the larger contemporary arts dialogue. DISJECTA exacts equal rigor from local and national artists, while recognizing and supporting the talent of the region.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Scope of Work

• Solicit and select artists for four to six exhibits (one must emphasize regional Pacific Northwest work) and oversee exhibit planning, budgeting and design.
• Administer contracts, schedules and budgets in collaboration with Disjecta staff.
• Assist in planning and attend opening receptions, group tours/curator talks, artist talks and workshops with exhibiting artists.
• Communicate the mission and goals of Disjecta while bringing a unique curatorial vision to the program.
• Convey key messages about artists’ work and Curator-in-Residence exhibits to Disjecta staff for media materials.
• Prepare drawings, models and sketches as required.
• Participate in fundraising duties as needed or assigned.

Desired Qualifications 

• Minimum three years curatorial experience.
• Awareness of contemporary arts issues, practices and artists. A clear and distinct curatorial vision that is consistent with Disjecta’s mission.
• Knowledge of or willingness to become familiar with regional contemporary art.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team within a larger arts organization.
• Ability to organize and communicate messages effectively through writing and public presentation.
• Ability to manage exhibition budgets.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Graduate-level education in curatorial studies or a related field is preferred but not required.

Financial Considerations
Curatorial stipend between $5,000-$9,000 commensurate with experience. Please note, it is not a requirement that the curator reside in Portland for the duration of the program, however travel will be a necessity and candidates must be able to demonstrate flexibility of schedule.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS 
All applications must be sent via email. No exceptions. The subject line must read: Curator-in Residence Application.

Please include the following:

• Examples of past curatorial work, including images and critical reviews.
• Curatorial statement and vision for the Disjecta Curator-in-Residence Program.
• Professional resume.
• Two writing samples.
• Three professional references.

Proposals are due to Disjecta by Friday, January 31, 2014 Midnight PST. Please forward application materials to Bryan Suereth at bryan@disjecta.org. Qualified candidates will be contacted in February. No phone calls please.

For further information please visit http://www.disjecta.org/