Seeking a curator of 20th-century architecture

ArkDes is Sweden’s National Centre for Architecture and Design. It is a national museum, a research node and an arena for debate and discussion about the future Swedish cities. ArkDes invites in a broad public to reflect on, debate and affect design and architecture’s role in society through our critically acclaimed exhibition programme and many other events and activities. We also contribute to the national policy context for architecture and design in collaboration with other national institutions.

ArkDes is working on a major research project into its very large collection of objects related to Swedish architecture between 1850 and the present day. This unique part of Sweden’s cultural heritage has for the most part never been displayed publicly. The collection contains the works of hundreds of Sweden’s greatest architects and comprises one of the most important histories of modern architecture in the world.

In 2024, ArkDes will open a new collections gallery aimed at giving the public an experience of the collection for the first time. We are seeking a curator of 20^thcentury architecture to contribute to that work. This is a unique opportunity for an innovative and energetic curator to make research, exhibitions, events, publications and more that will deepen the public’s understanding of how modern Sweden was imagined, designed, and built.

ArkDes has one of the largest specialist curatorial teams in the world dedicated to architecture and design, and one of the largest collections. We are seeking an extraordinary curator who can be an intellectual leader within our organisation, and an inspirational guide for the public to Sweden’s 20^th century history in architecture and design.

Presentation

The Curator of 20^th Century Architecture reports to the Chief Curator. The role includes managing the collection, expanding, and deepening the museum’s holdings through acquisitions and donations, organising exhibitions and events related to the collection; editing and writing exhibition catalogues; producing significant scholarship, and cultivating relationships with other museums. The curator of 20^th Century Architecture will have the immediate task of focussing on research, narratives, and object selection for the upcoming reconfiguration of the collections exhibition to be opened in 2024 at ArkDes.

Responsibilities

• Managing the collection, developing knowledge on our holding and serving as the museum’s primary expert on architecture between 1880 and 1980.
• Considering, researching, and recommending donations and acquisitions of works to the Chief Curator and the Director.
• Researching and selecting material for the collections exhibition, to be completed in 2024.
• Proposing new commissions and additions to the collection’s material.
• Organizing temporary exhibitions.
• Working with catalogues and other written materials to accompany exhibitions. When appropriate, solicits essays for ArkDes publications from scholars and writers in the field.
• Collaborating within the museum to promote and support exhibitions.
• Collaborating within the museum on events and public presentations including workshops, seminars, guided tours, lectures or panel discussions at the museum and elsewhere.
• Attending international conferences and symposia, and serving as a key representative of ArkDes curatorial team.
• Writing articles in the press, in professional journals and giving lectures at other institutions.
• Performing museum, gallery, and studio visits, and following the development of emerging as well as established architects, to maintain awareness of the architecture and design field.

Qualifications

• The successful candidate will be an accomplished and experienced professional who brings knowledge, curiosity, and talent to ArkDes.
• Deeply passionate about architecture and versed in architecture history, the candidate has a commitment to excellence in curatorial expertise.
• Expertise in 20^th century Swedish or Nordic architectural history and experience working with historical objects and artifacts is preferred. An in-depth knowledge of architectural history with a focus on the 20^th Century is required.
• Creative and strategic, must be able to apply contemporary critical discourses to a historical collection, and to activate it for new and diverse audiences. Works closely with the Chief Curator in developing conceptual frameworks for exhibitions, acquisition priorities, publication proposals, and public programming.

Education and professional experience

• Architecture, art, or design history background, with a postgraduate degree in the field or comparable experience.
• Strong academic foundation and clearly demonstratable research capabilities, with a sophisticated understanding of architecture history.
• A track record in object-based study or archival research, or demonstrable experience in working with archival material.
• Accomplishments in the field of 20^th century architecture history, including exhibitions and publications.
• Track record of organizing exhibitions and programs that are accessible to a diverse public, and curatorial experience in museums (or equivalent) is preferred.
• Ability to work equally effectively under the supervision of the Chief Curator as well as autonomously, and a strong record of collaboration.
• Strong organizational skills. Ability to set priorities yet maintain flexibility to respond quickly to new opportunities.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written in Swedish and English are preferred. ArkDes can consider highly promising candidates who are not fluent in Swedish but willing to learn.
• Passionate about making architecture, design and art publicly understood, with a commitment to ArkDes’ mission.

Application

The post is a permanent position with competitive salary. It includes a six month-long probationary period. The workplace is ArkDes on Skeppsholmen in central Stockholm. Travel can be required. The final date for applications is March 15^th.