Curator of Prints and Drawings (DCA # 4527) [New Mexico Museum of Art]

Purpose of Position:

The Curator of Prints and Drawings is a new position which will be responsible for the museum’s significant collection of works on paper. This includes the care, development, interpretation, exhibition, and information dissemination regarding the collection. This position will be responsible for evaluating and categorizing artwork in the collection and will ensure collections are preserved and accessible to the public. This position will plan, develop, research, document and implement exhibitions and related projects; develop the collection through new acquisitions; contribute content to the cataloging and information files related to the collection; and ensure object information is complete, accurate, and up to date. This position will work with the registration and collection department to help maintain accurate records and care of the collection in compliance with museum standards. This position will assist with fund-raising and promotion and conduct research projects; and contribute to educational programs.

About the Museum

The New Mexico Museum of Art was established in 1917 as an exhibition venue for the burgeoning art colonies in Taos and Santa Fe. Our historic building, on the National Register, is New Mexico’s premier Pueblo Revival style building and the transformation of Santa Fe from a western outpost into a cultural destination came into being in large part due to the efforts of the museum’s founders. As a state institution, we are the primary repository for works of art by and for the people of New Mexico. Our museum and the collection reflect the history of the state and its people, serve as a repository of art from an important American art colony, and as a center for contemporary art from this region. We hold significant collections of works of art crucial to an understanding of not only our region, but also of the history of art in America as experienced in the American Southwest.

We have an ambition to become a beacon for excellence and innovation in all areas of museum work, and are looking for a talented curator who shares that ambition and has the energy and ideas to make it happen. The New Mexico Museum of Art is transforming to an institution where excellence and access go hand in hand, and where we celebrate and promote the art of this region, both historic and contemporary, by creating imaginative exhibitions and presenting art in new, innovative and accessible ways. We also seek to build partnerships regionally, nationally and internationally to bring world class art works to Santa Fe.

For more information, have a look at our website at www.nmartmuseum.org.

If you are inspired to join us, here is a word of advice.  The application procedure on the State website is bureaucratic and unforgiving.  Please take time to read and fully understand the instructions, even when they may seem counter-intuitive. Follow instructions completely, or your application may not make is past the pre-screening at State Personnel.  Allow plenty of time, and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Merry Scully, Head of Curatorial Affairs on merry.scully@state.nm.us. Interested candidates must apply online:  http://www.spo.state.nm.us/applicationguide  by January 31st.

Bachelor’s Degree in Museum Studies, Museology, Art, Art History, Art Administration, Anthropology, American Studies, Archaeology, Curatorial Studies, History, Humanities, Interdisciplinary Studies, Liberal Arts, Public History, or Paleontology and four (4) years experience in exhibit development, collections management, curation, creative writing, conducting research in specialty area of a museum, and working with historical concepts. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling eight (8) years may substitute for the required education and experience.

Must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver’s License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment.