Description

The Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) invites applications for Chair of the Department of African Art and Indian Art of the Americas and Curator of African Art.

The Art Institute of Chicago is a renowned, encyclopedic art museum housing one of the world’s most important permanent collections, including many iconic works of leading artists, and mounting approximately 30 exhibitions a year.  The Art Institute’s African collection includes over 400 works that highlight the diversity of tradition-based arts on the continent, with emphasis on the sculptural traditions of West and Central Africa. Included are masks and figural sculpture, beadwork, furniture, regalia, and textiles from countries including Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Ethiopia, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa. The museum’s collection of over 80 African ceramics is the largest in an American art museum.  Additionally, the museum’s holdings of Indian art of the Americas span more than 4,000 years and include outstanding works from across the United States as well as ancient Mesoamerica and the Andean countries of South America. Ceramics, basketry, textiles, stone sculpture, metalwork, painting, and beadwork present a remarkable picture of the indigenous artistic heritage and deep-seated patterns of thought and ritual performance throughout the region.

Reporting to the President and Director of the museum, the Chair will oversee the collections of African art and Indian Art of the Americas, including the maintenance and display of the permanent collection and the assessment and recommendation of acquisitions.  The Chair will also organize, select, design, administer, and implement in-house exhibitions and periodically, national or international loan exhibitions. Additionally, the Chair will work in liaison with the Departments of Education, Digital Experience, and Interpretation to develop compelling narratives and programs for broad community engagement.  Overseeing a staff of 4 four employees as well as potential interns and fellows, the Chair will also be charged with hiring an assistant/associate curator for Indian art of the Americas.

Requirements

The successful candidate will be a seasoned Curator holding a terminal degree or its equivalent in African Art, with a track record of scholarship, exhibitions, and publications in the field.  Minimum of 8 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.  Excellent verbal and written communications skills.  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, and community programming.  Up-to-date knowledge of the market for African Art, with a personal network of contacts (e.g. dealers, auction house specialists, collectors, scholars, conservators) in the field.  Knowledge of French and/or appropriate languages in area of specialty.   Working knowledge of Pre-Columbian art and related cultural property laws.  Open-minded and collaborative approach to working with colleagues across the museum, including other curators, conservators, museum educators, interpretation staff, and digital experience staff.  Working knowledge of contemporary art practices and trends in area of specialty.

Applications should be submitted electronically at: https://hrweb.artic.edu/recruit/applyjob.html

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

Job Information
  • Chicago, Illinois, 60603, United States
  • 25908987
  • November 23, 2015
  • Chair of the Department of African Art and Indian Art of the Americas and Curator of African Art
  • Art institute of Chicago
  • Curator
  • No
  • Full-Time
  • Indefinite
  • Ph.D.
  • 7-10 Years