Assistant Curator of Contemporary Art & Community Projects at New Bedford Whaling Museum

Job Title: Assistant Curator of Contemporary Art & Community Projects

Job Status: Full-time

Location: New Bedford, MA

Salary: $44,000.00 – $49,000.00

Description

In collaboration with and under the direction of the Chief Curator, the Assistant Curator of Contemporary Art & Community Projects works full-time executing contemporary art exhibitions and community focused initiatives. The candidate will play a central role in managing, developing, and interpreting the Museum’s collection of contemporary art, which is both local and global, including through commissions, acquisitions, exhibitions, and public programs. The contemporary curator will be committed to enhancing the visibility of underrepresented communities of artists through acquisition and programming. The successful candidate will also serve as the museum’s primary liaison with the local and regional artist community and develop ties between the Museum, gallerists, and collectors. The Museum maintains a dynamic calendar of rotating exhibitions, and – since its founding in 1903 – has always collected contemporary art. This candidate will be integral in propelling that momentum forward, by raising the profile of the museum as a key space for the exhibition of contemporary art within New England. This program should thoughtfully link to our institutional mission, vision, collection, and recent strategic plan. This is a full-time, exempt position and includes a robust benefits package.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:  

  • plan and execute 3 to 4 exhibitions per year, including contemporary art exhibitions, catalogues, and related programming, and traveling exhibitions, under the guidance of the Chief Curator
  • serve as point of contact for contemporary artists and inquiries related to contemporary art
  • liaise with community arts initiatives, galleries, and collectives
  • attend openings and open studios, and build a network within the local and regional museum and arts scenes
  • conceive and execute community arts projects
  • present gallery talks, docent lectures, and public lectures on relevant exhibitions and aspects of the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions
  • Conduct research and publish on the Museum’s collections, and assist outside scholars with inquiries
  • Promote the Museum’s collection through lectures and public programs
  • work with partner organizations to contribute to the cultural fabric of the SouthCoast region
  • spearhead work with four advisory committees Portuguese; Cape Verde; Women’s; and Melville Scholars
  • foreground and extend existing partnerships with regional institutions and research groups
  • steward and assist in building the permanent collection, in collaboration with department colleagues
  • make recommendations for acquisition and deaccession, as appropriate and within their area of collections
  • identify and secure funding opportunities for projects, exhibitions, and catalogues, in concert with Development
  • actively participate in philanthropy, grants, and donor relations with the Development team
  • prepare and monitor budgets related to their projects
  • supervise fellows, interns, and volunteers as assigned
  • collaborate with Visitor Experience, Museum Learning, and Digital Engagement colleagues on interpretation and in-gallery interactives
  • serve as a key individual within the Curatorial department by attending regular weekly meetings
  • serve as an advocate for their collection areas at all levels of museum operations
  • execute other duties as assigned

 

Requirements

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES: 

  • broad knowledge of art history with expertise in American art and cultural history
  • excellent research, written and oral communication skills
  • excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
  • ability to collaborate respectfully and effectively with colleagues
  • experience with museum databases and technology
  • excellent negotiation, resource management, and people skills
  • availability to represent the Museum at after-hours events
  • availability to travel
  • embraces and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives
  • commitment to accessibility within the museum and digitally

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • advanced degree in art history or American studies with proven experience in the field of art history
  • 2-4 years curatorial experience with a PhD in a related field; 4-7 years curatorial experience with an MA
  • competency in languages in area of specialization
  • preference will be given to candidates with either knowledge of local contemporary art or global Indigenous art

Apply via AAM