Description

The Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) invites applications for the Anne Vogt Fuller & Marion Titus Searle Chair & Curator of Prints & Drawings.

From our famous facade to the more than 250,000 works of art in the permanent collection, the Art Institute of Chicago showcases the best of what Chicago has to offer with close proximity to the lakefront and a collection that is as diverse as it is accessible. The collection, housed in eight buildings with eleven curatorial departments and nearly one million square feet has many iconic works by leading artists, and mounts approximately 30 exhibitions a year.

The Department of Prints and Drawings houses a distinguished collection of works on paper ranging in date from the 15th century to the present. With holdings of approximately 12,000 drawings and 55,000 prints, the collection includes particular strengths in French 19th-century prints and drawings; British, French, and Italian drawings; Old Master prints; extensive 20th-century holdings; and a constantly growing collection of contemporary works on paper.

Reporting to the President and Director of the museum, the Chair is responsible for the exhibition, preservation and research of the permanent collections of Prints and Drawings and for the acquisition of works on paper for the collection. The Chair is also responsible for departmental and major loan exhibitions and for the publication of the permanent collection and management of the department, including the Paper Conservation lab. The Chair directs various department administrative functions, including allocation of restricted and endowed funds for acquisitions, selection of salaries and administration of loans. Conducts weekly staff meetings to review departmental priorities. Supervises Collection Manager in the cataloging of the collection and loan-related matters.  Works with Senior Conservator of Prints and Drawings to review and approve treatments and set scheduling priorities for Paper Conservation.  Gives public and scholarly lectures, organizes and participates in scholarly symposia and trips for various museum groups. Works with donors and collectors; raises funds for departmental acquisitions and activities. Acts as primary liaison to major donors. Writes grants for exhibitions, internships, and other museum projects. Represents the museum in media interviews, at professional conferences, and on government panels.  Supervises and manages a staff of nine professionals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The successful candidate will be a seasoned Curator holding a doctoral degree or its equivalent in art history, with a track record of scholarship, exhibitions, and publications in the field of works on paper. Specialization in the area of old master drawings preferred.  Minimum of 8-10 years of experience working in museums and/or with objects; strong connoisseurship skills and keen understanding of materiality and authenticity issues.  Minimum of 5 years of budget responsibility and managerial experience.  Record of success in donor cultivation and fundraising.  Record of success in public engagement and outreach, including but not limited to in-gallery experience, publications, digital formats, community programming, and academic teaching.  Up-to-date knowledge of the market for prints and drawings, with a personal network of contacts (e.g. dealers, auction house specialists, collectors, scholars, conservators) in the field.  Knowledge of French, German, and Italian as appropriate to areas of specialty.  Familiarity with provenance issues, particularly as they pertain to acquisitions.  Familiarity with the field of paper conservation; ability to discuss condition and treatment proposals.  Open-minded and collaborative approach to working with colleagues across the museum, including other curators, conservators, museum educators, interpretation staff, and digital experience staff.  Excellent verbal and written communications skills.

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

Requirements

Job Information
  • Chicago, Illinois, 60603, United States
  • 26505606
  • January 14, 2016
  • Anne Vogt Fuller & Marion Titus Searle Chair & Curator
  • The Art Institute of Chicago
  • Curator
  • No
  • Full-Time
  • Indefinite
  • Ph.D.
  • None