BACKGROUND: Founded in 1967, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center (JMKAC) generates a creative exchange between an international community of artists and a diverse public of up to 220,000 annually (plus broadcast audiences). JMKAC makes real the power of the arts to transform lives and strengthen communities. The Arts Center serves as laboratory for the creation of new works; nurturer of interdisciplinary initiatives; originator of exhibitions and critical writings; steward of groundbreaking collections; presenter/producer of performing arts; educator; and community builder. In essence, the Arts Center is an explorer and catalyst that impacts artists and the public. Its inspiring mission, extensive award-winning programming, local/regional/national audiences, and strong involvement of underserved constituencies make it unique.

The Exhibitions/Collections Department of 12 annually curates 12–22 original exhibitions that are part of 2–3 broad themes exploring relevant issues in contemporary art. These series of exhibitions emphasize original installation works, new genres, other contemporary forms, and the work of self-taught and folk artists. The Arts Center is acclaimed for its 45-year partnership to preserve vernacular art environments and has developed an unprecedented collection of 15,000+ works that were once in jeopardy. Publications are developed to document series or individual exhibitions as possible and are exemplary in capturing the spirit of the work.

Working with 17 Community Partners, JMKAC’s Connecting Communities program gives artists the opportunity to collaborate with underserved constituencies on the creation of large-scale compelling works. Among recent works, in 2014, JMKAC and two other nonprofits partnered to create a magical Culinary Art Car that reached over 25,000 in its debut weekend.

For over forty years, the groundbreaking Arts/Industry program has provided 2–6-month residencies for 16 artists annually, giving them 24/7 access to Kohler Co.’s Pottery, Iron and Brass Foundry, and Enamel Shop to create whole bodies of new work. Over 400 artists have participated in the program to date, among them Chris Antemann (OR), Susan Beiner (AZ), Jack Earl (OH), Molly Hatch (MA), Stuart Keeler (Canada), Sergei Isupov (MA), Beth Lipman (WI), Michael Sherrill (NC), and Tom Spleth (NC).

Performing/Media Arts programming includes 3–4 day Footlights residencies annually by up to 5 national/international companies, for example, Stephen Petronio Dance (NY), Esperanza Spaulding Trio (MA), Minh Tran & Company (OR), and Les Yeux Noirs (Paris) Other series focus on cultural heritage, contemporary music, theater, and documentary film.

Education efforts deepen the impact of other programs through an acclaimed arts-based preschool; introductory videos for exhibitions; lectures; tours; festivals; and programs for schools, universities, daycare centers, shelters, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and families.

The Arts Center has become a focal point of a major downtown revitalization phase one of which will open this summer with a 12-week contemporary music series. Another major project that is in a very early planning stage is the Art Preserve that will make the Arts Center’s vernacular art environment collection available to scholars, artists, and the public year round.

Despite economic pressures, the Arts Center maintains free admission. It involves diverse artists in the breadth of its programming and works closely with its Community Partners. It has a 20-member Board of Directors, a full-time staff of 50 and a budget of $5.5 million. The Arts Center will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2017 with a spectacular yearlong celebration.

Job Requirements
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Chief Curator reports to the Director and is expected to develop a creative, strategic vision for the Exhibitions/Collections Department; provide effective management of the curatorial staff; engage in cultivation and fundraising activities; and generate and carry out original ideas for major exhibition series.

Working with the Director, Deputy Director for Programming, two curators, and the full Exhibitions/Collections Team, the Chief Curator will shape a diverse, balanced exhibition schedule; conceive and curate original, innovative exhibitions; oversee the development of publications and touring exhibitions; maintain and strengthen JMKAC’s regional and national professional networks; collaborate with other departments to encourage interdisciplinary activity; oversee the curatorial team; and work in a collegial and collaborative manner with peers in education, development, marketing/public relations, and visitors services. Working with the Director, Deputy Director for Programming, and Exhibitions Team Lead, the Chief Curator will assist in the development of departmental budgets and management of the exhibition schedule.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Primary responsibility for the supervision and development of curatorial and collections staff.
2. Editorial supervision of JMKAC’s didactic materials and exhibitions- and collections-related publications.
3. Research into the richness of exhibition content and that of related programming, with consideration given to availability of works of art, budget, strong public engagement, and potential to tour exhibitions.
4. Oversee the development and execution of exhibitions with the Exhibitions Team Lead including the following responsibilities:

a. communication (written, verbal) with artists, galleries, museums, as well as private collectors and other lenders
b. coordination of shipping and other technical details with the registrars as needed
c. oversight of installation requirements and exhibition design and layout
5. Direct, assign, and oversee curatorial staff responsibilities relating to:
a. the research and writing of interpretive materials in exhibitions—wall statements, labels, handouts, etc. —and for catalogues and other publications
b. curatorial involvement in special-topic conferences as appropriat
c. assisting development staff in seeking funding for Exhibitions/Collections Department
d. collaborating with performing arts, education, and other staff as necessary on the conceptual development of related programming
e. briefing of docents and gallery aides
f. aiding the marketing lead in the development of marketing plans and publicity materials for each exhibition series

Qualifications:
The Chief Curator must demonstrate leadership and team-building skills and have the ability to think strategically while showing the highest level of excellence. The successful candidate will be entrepreneurial-minded and possess the energy and enthusiasm to reach her/his goals while creatively applying skills and techniques to solve problems. In addition, s/he will display integrity, be self-starting, well-organized, both big-picture and detail oriented, innovative, and capable of working under pressure and meeting deadlines.

Specific qualifications include:
• Master’s degree in Art History or related content area plus a minimum of 7 years curatorial experience;
• Extensive knowledge of the emphases of JMKAC’s specializations;
• Exemplary curatorial record, including rigorous research and critical writing skills;
• Excellent managerial, organizational, and administrative skills;
• A heightened aesthetic sensibility and understanding of visual culture, as well as the ability to ignite excitement in diverse audiences;
• Cultivation of collectors and potential donors and a willingness to travel in order to study and work with other museums’ staff, collectors, and gallerists.

START DATE: Summer 2015
COMPENSATION: Commensurate with experience

PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION:
Send resume and cover letter indicating interest, qualifications and list of 4–6 references to:
Diane Frankel/ Linda Sweet
Management Consultants for the Arts
Email only care of Christy Wall at mcawall2@gmail.com.

APPLY FOR THIS JOB
Contact Person: Diane Frankel or Linda Sweet
Email Address: MCAWall2@gmail.com