Arts of Africa, Assistant/Associate Curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Job Title: Assistant/Associate Curator

Job Status: Full-time

About the Department

An Assistant/Associate Curator specializing in the Arts of Africa is sought to develop and expand projects in the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing. The works in the Africa collection span fired clay figures shaped present-day Mali during the twelfth century to the fiber creation Bleu no. 1 (2014) by contemporary innovator Abdoulaye Konaté. Major forms of visual expression surveyed relate to traditions of portraiture, dynastic succession, generational rites of passage, ancestor veneration, healing and divination, and theatrical performance. Their authors have contributed to major social and cultural developments, including the flourishing of urban centers such as ancient Jenne, evident in devotional sculpture sponsored by its citizenry; the arrival of Islam through trans-Saharan trade reflected in decorative arts ranging from tunics to architectural design; the early embrace of Christianity by Ethiopian monarchs and their sponsorship of liturgical works; the dawn of coastal trade with Europe and the exchange of exotic presentation pieces wrought from locally sourced ivory for imported luxury materials; a transformation in representation and the development of modernism in the West; and dynamically resilient historical traditions that endure into the present day.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

The Assistant/Associate Curator is required to be a specialist in the arts of Africa. The incumbent will report to and collaborate with the Curator in Charge of the MCR Wing setting long-term department priorities and will participate in: the renovation of the permanent galleries, including research, cataloguing, presentation, publication and interpretation; and the development of special exhibitions and collaborations with international partners.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

  • Refine and develop plans for the installation of the collections in the newly renovated Michael C. Rockefeller Wing in consultation with the Curator in Charge
  • Expand and enhance interpretative strategies for the planned renovation, including writing labels and developing digital content with colleagues in and beyond the department
  • Assist with on-going special exhibition projects for MMA; develop new exhibition projects in coordination with the curator
  • In coordination with other Department members, initiate, plan and develop outreach activities relating to the collection for audiences ranging from donors to the general public, including production of the Department’s newsletter, support group events, and other responsibilities
  • Handle requests from the Education Department for information concerning works featured in the Africa galleries and ongoing training of MMA volunteers
  • Maintain and expand information on the Africa collection in the TMS database and online catalogue
  • Maintain and develop international networks with museums, universities, and research institutes, including handling correspondence with international researchers and institutions concerning their inquiries about access to works in the collection and related information; assist with scholarly collections study
  • Research and write on the collection for MMA and other publications, including exhibition catalogues and digital platforms
  • Conduct research on incoming acquisitions, gifts, and deaccessions
  • Prepare routine gallery rotations
  • Other related duties

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:

Fully vaccinated with an FDA or WHO authorized vaccine (or approved for an exemption as a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, sincerely held religious belief, or pregnancy, or because you are a victim of domestic violence, stalking, or sex offenses).

Experience and Skills:

  • Knowledge of both primary sources and secondary literature required
  • Demonstrated ability to write and speak about works of art with precision and care
  • Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, that reflect high standards and good judgment, across a range of international constituencies
  • Fluency with collection databases
  • Three to five years of museum experience
  • Advanced computer skills

Knowledge and Education:

  • MA in the Art History of African Art; Ph.D. preferred
  • Strong working knowledge of French required

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants are asked to please provide a cover letter in addition to your resume, expressing your interest in the position. Applications can be submitted via the posting on LinkedIn. Alternatively, applications can be submitted via email to Careers@MetMuseum.org – please reference position “Arts of Africa, Assistant/Associate Curator“ in the subject line of the email. Applications received with the requested cover letter will be given priority.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status or domestic partner status, genetic information, genetic predisposition or carrier status, gender identity, HIV status, military status and any other category protected by law in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, lay-off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.