Job Description

We are currently seeking an Assistant Curator who will:

At the direction of the Department Chair, perform the full range of curatorial duties including research, publication, lecturing, giving tours, acquisition, recommending objects for acquisition or deaccession, organizing exhibitions and rotations, and participating in and contributing to the overall work of the Department. Has curatorial responsibility for all European and Western Hemisphere textiles in the Department’s permanent collection.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Responsible for keeping collection catalogue of Western textiles up to date. Conducts research on the permanent collection and contributes to the study of Western textiles through scholarly and online publication and public lectures. Maintains professional knowledge and contacts with colleagues by attending conferences and symposia, and by visiting other institutions to view collections and exhibitions.
  2. Conceives, organizes, and implements departmental rotations and loan exhibitions, which may on occasion include a publication. Conducts original research and uses this research to write labels, didactic materials, and other texts connected to rotations and exhibitions. Conceives of and participates in related programming, including lectures, tours, and lectures. Assists with rotation of textiles in other museum department galleries, as appropriate.
  3. Proposes potential acquisitions and deaccessions to Chair, and assists Chair in the research and presentation of acquisitions and deaccessions generally. Makes presentations on acquisitions and deaccessions, and other departmental matters, to the Committee on Textiles and to the Department’s affiliate group. Prepares justification essays for acquisitions and deaccessions.
  4. Works closely with donors, scholars, dealers, artists and museum administration, as appropriate. Takes an active role in departmental programs and events, and participates as needed in fundraising activities.
  5. In coordination with the Collection Manager and conservation staff, schedules and oversees appointments with visitors to view the Department’s collection, files, images, and resource materials, as practicable.
  6. Assists Curator in answering research inquiries from scholars, curators, dealers, collectors, and the general public.
  7. Supervises volunteers and special project staff as assigned.

Other duties, as assigned.

Job Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Must have at least an M.A. in Art History, with specialization in an aspect of Western textiles.  European textile specialization preferred, accompanied by relevant foreign language skills. Two years experience as assistant curator or curatorial assistant in a museum or equivalent institution preferred.  Strong communication and organizational skills are essential.  Familiarity with MAC OS and software are required.

The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce.

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