Job Description

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 opened this summer with a 12-week outdoor concert 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.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Curator works under the direct guidance of the director and is expected to work collaboratively with the other curators and exhibition team to develop a creative, strategic vision for exhibitions; engage in cultivation and fundraising activities; and generate and carry out original ideas for exhibitions.  The Curator reports to the deputy director for programming and the primary responsibility of the Curator is to conceive and curate original, innovative exhibitions—from concept through realization.

Working with the Director, Deputy Director for Programming, two curators, and the full Exhibitions/Collections Team, the Curator will work with the others to shape a diverse, balanced exhibition schedule; strengthen JMKAC’s regional and national professional networks; collaborate with other departments to encourage interdisciplinary activity; and work in a collegial and collaborative manner with peers in education, development, marketing/public relations, and visitors services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Responsibility for the development of exhibitions.
  2. 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.
  3. Development of exhibitions with the Exhibitions Team including the following    responsibilities:
    • communication (written, verbal) with artists, galleries, museums, as well as private collectors and other lenders
    • coordination of shipping and other technical details with the registrars as needed
    • oversight of installation requirements and exhibition design and layout
    •  the research and writing of interpretive materials in exhibitions—wall statements, labels, handouts, etc.—and for catalogues and other publications
    • involvement in special-topic conferences as appropriate
    • assisting development staff in seeking funding for Exhibitions/Collections Department
    • collaborating with performing arts, education, and other staff as necessary on the conceptual development of related programming
    • briefing of docents and gallery aides
    • aiding the marketing lead in the development of  marketing plans and publicity materials for each exhibition

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Email Address: MCAWall2@gmail.com