Curator of Artistic Programs [The Clay Studio]

Apply by October 15, 2014.

Description: The Clay Studio, a nonprofit organization with a focus on the ceramic arts, seeks a dynamic and knowledgeable Curator of Artistic Programs to lead our residency, visiting artist, and exhibitions programs. The Curator of Artistic Programs plays a leadership role in formulating strategies that support The Clay Studio’s artistic and community engagement goals as well as the expansion of the organization’s reputation in the ceramic field, within our local community, and within international craft circles.   As the member of a small staff, the Curator of Artistic Programming will be a strong team player who is willing to roll up their sleeves and manage details and execution of all programming, communicating among departments, and pitching in with the very real labor involved in exhibitions, artist talks, and special events.

The Curator of Artistic Programs is a vital senior-level staff member of The Clay Studio who reports to the President of The Clay Studio. S/he is responsible for oversight of support staff, achieving annual income goals, contributing to fundraising activities, working with the Board and Artistic Committee, and must be a highly visible member of The Clay Studio community. S/he collaborates with the President, Senior Staff and Board members to create, communicate and implement an array of artistic programming.

The Clay Studio has recently adopted a new strategic plan that outlines an extended period of growth and community partnerships. The Curator of Artistic Programs will play a key role in executing this plan by strengthening relationships with the Board & staff, local & national artists, collectors, customers, and varied members of the community.

Organizational Background: The Clay Studio was founded in 1974 as an artist collective. As we approach our 40th Anniversary in 2014, we have a proud legacy of presenting international artists, hosting national clay conferences, and serving local artists, students, children, and adults. The organization has worked to attain a strong local, national, and international reputation in the field of ceramic arts programming.

The Clay Studio’s artistic programming has evolved drastically over the past 40 years. Initially the organization served a small collective of professional artists, but it has consistently driven to serve more members of the community. We have expanded our reach to other artists, amateurs, hobbyists, schoolchildren, members of the international community, and those in various social service organizations. Our next evolution will witness even greater community engagement by sharing our passion for the ceramic arts. Artistic programming will play a key role in this broad evolution.

Qualifications: The successful candidate must possess a broad understanding of contemporary ceramics, curatorial practice, and the needs of practicing artists. Furthermore, this position requires a bold vision of community engagement, a collaborative working style, and the ability to create exciting programs and meaningful partnerships. Applicants must have at least 5 years experience in a senior-level curatorial or artistic director role. An advanced degree in ceramics or curatorial practice is preferred.

Essential Skills : The Clay Studio is seeking a creative thinker who also knows how to get things done independently, but is a highly functioning member of a team. Physically, the position requires climbing ladders, stairs, and lifting of 50 – 100 pounds is regularly required. The successful candidate will have experience and strengths in the following areas:

Gallery & Exhibition Programming

• Conceptualize and direct the installation of major exhibitions
• Identify and cultivate lasting and ad hoc partnerships to meet artistic goals
• Attract buyers, supporters, and collectors to all artistic programs
• Ensure that revenue goals are met or exceeded each year
• Develop cross-over educational programming & lectures internally and externally
• Contract with guest curators as necessary
• Experience with shipping, crating, packaging of artwork
• Help install, strike, and be an active member of the opening preparation team.

Resident and Visiting Artist Programs

• Attract and retain the best artists for the Resident and Guest Artist Programs
• Select and orient artists to Philadelphia and its creative community
• Collaborate with each artist to define the goals of their participation
• Communicate across departments with regard to residency details and materials needs
• Make Resident Artists aware of professional opportunities
• Work to attract Artistic Program Sponsor(s)

Administrative Responsibilities

• Develop and manage an Artistic Programs Committee
• Provide timely and detailed reports for Executive Committee and the full Board
• Maintain a customer-first focus by interacting directly with collectors and buyers
• Assure all web pages specific to Artistic Programs are maintained
• Deliver lectures and other presentations on behalf of The Clay Studio
• Create narratives for publications, grant materials and budgets, press releases and visual branding oversight
• Develop and adhere to annual budgets in each Artistic Program area
• Attend, as directed, various local, national and international conferences
• Support goals as outlined in The Clay Studio’s strategic plan
• Train and mentor all shop & gallery staff
• Other duties as assigned
• Qualifications: The successful candidate must possess a broad understanding of contemporary ceramics, curatorial practice, and the needs of practicing artists. Furthermore, this position requires a bold vision of community engagement, a collaborative working style, and the ability to create exciting programs and meaningful partnerships. Applicants must have at least 5 years experience in a senior-level curatorial or artistic director role. An advanced degree in ceramics or curatorial practice is preferred.Essential Skills : The Clay Studio is seeking a creative thinker who also knows how to get things done independently, but is a highly functioning member of a team. Physically, the position requires climbing ladders, stairs, and lifting of 50 – 100 pounds is regularly required. The successful candidate will have experience and strengths in the following areas:

  Gallery & Exhibition Programming

  • Conceptualize and direct the installation of major exhibitions
  • Identify and cultivate lasting and ad hoc partnerships to meet artistic goals
  • Attract buyers, supporters, and collectors to all artistic programs
  • Ensure that revenue goals are met or exceeded each year
  • Develop cross-over educational programming & lectures internally and externally
  • Contract with guest curators as necessary
  • Experience with shipping, crating, packaging of artwork
  • Help install, strike, and be an active member of the opening preparation team.

  Resident and Visiting Artist Programs

  • Attract and retain the best artists for the Resident and Guest Artist Programs
  • Select and orient artists to Philadelphia and its creative community
  • Collaborate with each artist to define the goals of their participation
  • Communicate across departments with regard to residency details and materials needs
  • Make Resident Artists aware of professional opportunities
  • Work to attract Artistic Program Sponsor(s)

  Administrative Responsibilities

  • Develop and manage an Artistic Programs Committee
  • Provide timely and detailed reports for Executive Committee and the full Board
  • Maintain a customer-first focus by interacting directly with collectors and buyers
  • Assure all web pages specific to Artistic Programs are maintained
  • Deliver lectures and other presentations on behalf of The Clay Studio
  • Create narratives for publications, grant materials and budgets, press releases and visual branding oversight
  • Develop and adhere to annual budgets in each Artistic Program area
  • Attend, as directed, various local, national and international conferences
  • Support goals as outlined in The Clay Studio’s strategic plan
  • Train and mentor all shop & gallery staff
  • Other duties as assigned

  How to Apply: In order to be considered, please submit the following information:

  • Cover letter outlining qualifications, curatorial methods, and salary expectations
  • Professional resume
  • Three relevant references
  • Relevant support materials and/or publications from a recent exhibition where you were the lead curator or artistic staff member

  Submit to Charity Thackston. charity@theclaystudio.org No phone calls, please.

  Deadline: Please submit materials via email on or before 5:00 PM, October 15, 2014

  The Clay Studio is an equal opportunity employer regardless of race, color, religion, creed, sex, marital status, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, political affiliation or belief. Employment decisions are made without consideration of these or any other factors that are prohibited by law.