Apply before September 5, 2014.

JOB TITLE: Curator

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

EXEMPT STATUS: Exempt, Full Time

DATE CREATED: July 28, 2014

POSITION SUMMARY/ROLE

The Curator is a passionate, industrious, and energetic individual with the ability to manage, research, position, exhibit and develop exhibitions while working on and accomplishing multiple projects concurrently.

The Curator must have the demonstrated interest and ability to engage diverse audiences and will be someone who cultivates and develops lasting relationships, attracting people and resources to The Contemporary.

The Curator must be an innovative and entrepreneurial thinker and an effective communicator with the ability to present the vision and mission of The Contemporary to all internal and external constituencies and must have a reputation for the highest level of integrity and credibility.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Research, planning, budgeting, organization and implementation of multi-year schedules for original, on-site exhibitions across contemporary practices and approaches.
Research, planning, budgeting, soliciting, organization and implementation of touring exhibitions across contemporary practices and approaches.
Primarily author and publish a range of exhibition-related material to be used by staff for a variety of media including, but not limited to, print and web based collateral, didactic panels, labels, press releases, ads, etc.
Work in accordance with the organization’s vision, mission, and goals.
Engage and interact with visiting and guest artists, curators, and lecturers for a myriad of programming and activities The Contemporary produces.
Seek and promote partnerships and collaborations with other cultural or relevant organizations and institutions to advance the vision and mission of The Contemporary.
Cultivate and maintain beneficial relationships and partnerships with the local creative community including artists, academics, collectors, and donors.
Cultivate and maintain productive working relationships with all institutional constituents, including but not limited to staff, board, current and potential donors, visitors, volunteers, and studio artists.
Act as assertive advocate and ambassador for The Contemporary with proven skills and confidence in public speaking and community representation.
Work with staff to implement an ongoing plan of communication and outreach with The Contemporary’s stakeholders throughout the year, including traditional media, social media, events, blogs, and other media channels that resonate with audiences interested in contemporary art and discourse.
Work with, support and organize The Contemporary’s board/organizational committees to assist in the exhibition process.
Act as standing liaison/ambassador between the 14 Studio Artists working on campus at The Contemporary through active studio visits, program initiation, and development.

QUALIFICATIONS; KNOWLEDGE; SKILLS; ABILITIES:

Candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in studies relevant to contemporary art. A Master’s or terminal degree in art history, cultural studies, curatorial studies or visual arts is preferable.
Minimum five-years experience with a proven track record of significant thematic as well as monographic exhibitions.
Creativity through risk taking in curatorial approach.
Excellent verbal and writing skills.
Flexibility and adaptability.
Ability to work collaboratively.
Proven talent for developing relationships with artists from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, including emerging and under-recognized mid-career artists and artists with established reputations. Proven talent for cultivating a diverse network of art world colleagues.
Experience in commissioning artworks is preferred, as is experience in negotiating contracts and overseeing installations.
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects with varying deadlines.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and make exceptional, concise oral presentations.
Adept at donor communication and fund raising.
A creative communicator with excellent listening skills.
Administrative and technological self-sufficiency.
An understanding of and experience working in complex organizations.

SALARY RANGE: $52,000-$70,000 ANNUALLY DEPENDENT ON SALARY HISTORY AND EXPERIENCE.

EEO/AA STATEMENT:

ACAC does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran/Reserve/National Guard status.

The above statements are intended to generally describe the work being performed by the person in this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.
Job Requirements

Atlanta Contemporary Art Center (The Contemporary) plays a vital role in Atlanta’s cultural landscape by presenting cutting-edge contemporary art reflective of the world around us, offering diverse educational programming for people of all ages, and supporting working artists and their creative process.

The Contemporary is seeking a Curator who is passionate and energetic, with the ability to manage, research, position, and place The Contemporary’s exhibitions and programs in dialogue with other leading contemporary arts presenters. The Curator must have a demonstrated ability to develop and shape exhibitions while working and accomplishing multiple projects concurrently and within each project’s budget. The Curator must have the demonstrated interest and ability to engage diverse audiences and expand and foster lasting relationships for The Contemporary. The Curator must be an innovative and entrepreneurial thinker, effective communicator, and collaborative leader with the ability to present the vision and mission of The Contemporary to all internal and external constituencies. The Curator will bring a reputation for the highest level of integrity and credibility with high motivation and a sense of adventure. Attuned to the developments in and with great facility of contemporary art, its multiple discourses and diverse contexts, the Curator will be eager to attract and organize dynamic exhibitions and foster community engagement for The Contemporary.

Founded in 1973 as Nexus, a grassroots artist’s cooperative, The Contemporary is a nationally recognized contemporary art center. The Contemporary presents 6 – 10 exhibitions and organizes 50+ diverse educational offerings each year, unrivaled by other organizations of its size. The Contemporary also provides on-site subsidized studio space to 14 working artists on its campus, removing cost as a barrier to the creative process. The Curator will directly engage with Nexus archive utilizing curatorial interventions with, and responding curatorially as a resource to, the institutional archiving process.

The Contemporary has an annual budget of $600,000, with an aggressive strategy in place for a projected growth of 30% over the next three years, five full time staff, and a 14-member Board of Directors. The Curator reports to the Executive Director. The Contemporary maintains two exhibition galleries encompassing a total of 3500 square feet of exhibition space. The Contemporary underwent a successful capital campaign in 2013 which afforded renovations of its galleries, lobby and public spaces.

The successful candidate will have extensive knowledge of modern & contemporary art and a minimum of five years’ experience organizing museum/gallery exhibitions. The ideal candidate will have a graduate or terminal degree in contemporary art practice or history, excellent verbal and written communication skills, public speaking experience and assurance, a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, and highly developed organizational and interpersonal skills. The ability to manage multiple projects at the same time is a must, along with flexibility, adaptability, and administrative self-sufficiency. Experience developing publications & websites, and integrating technology in exhibition interpretation is a plus. The successful candidate will be someone who cultivates and develops relationships, attracting people and resources to The Contemporary.

Applications must contain a cover letter, full CV with salary history, a writing sample, prior exhibition images with descriptions, and contact information for three references. Please send your complete application package with subject line: Curator Search, before September 5 to:

Julie Delliquanti, Executive Director

Atlanta Contemporary Art Center

Jdelliquanti@thecontemporary.org
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Contact Person: Julie Delliquanti
Email Address: jdelliquanti@thecontemporary.org