Description

The Newport Art Museum seeks a Senior Curator who will provide leadership and vision for the exhibitions program and will be an integral member of the Museum’s senior management team.

The ideal candidate will be a dynamic, visionary, accomplished, and collaborative individual, who will guide the acquisition, presentation, publication and interpretation of American and contemporary art from the Museum’s permanent collection, in addition to realizing temporary exhibitions featuring the art and artists of Rhode Island, the region and beyond. This individual should be driven by a passion for works of art and a desire to bring a critical historical perspective to bear upon the current moment, and be willing to take risks, challenge existing narratives, and capitalize on the freedom to think across the boundaries of time, culture, or discipline. He/She will be interested in creating spaces, programs, and exhibitions that engage audiences as active participants.

The Museum’s Curator will help create and manage the exhibition budgets, schedules, loans, and installation; supervise production of exhibition-related brochures and promotional copy; and work closely with education, marketing, and public programing staff to facilitate the production of interpretive materials, educational opportunities, and audience-engaged activities. The Curator stewards the Museum’s Collection Committee.

Within a team environment, the Curator will advance the institutional vision and promote dialogue, engagement, and collaboration both at the Museum and beyond, developing strategic collaborations with appropriate organizations and cultural partners.

A Master’s Degree in Art History, Museum Studies or related field; three years of experience as a curator in a museum environment; and broad knowledge of art from the 18th century to the present is required. He/She will demonstrate substantial knowledge of best practices including collection care and handling, as well as digital archiving systems. Excellent speaking, writing, and research abilities are also required.

Since its founding in 1912 in Newport, Rhode Island, the Newport Art Museum has served the community and region through its arts education, exhibitions, community outreach programs, collections, and historic preservation.

Today, the Newport Art Museum operates out of three buildings located on Bellevue Avenue in Newport. The primary mission is to support and celebrate the art and artists, past and present, of Rhode Island and the region. The Museum’s permanent collection includes nearly 3,000 fine art objects, from photographs and paintings to sculptures and glass art. Rotating exhibitions installed in six different galleries feature art works from the Museum’s permanent collection, as well as nationally and internationally recognized artists working in a variety of mediums.

The Museum’s art school, the Coleman Center for Creative Studies, serves individuals of all ages and experience levels through studio art classes, Museum Studies programs, and visiting artists’ workshops.

The Newport Art Museum is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization and is fully accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

Requirements

The Curator is charged with shepherding all activities related to the exhibition program and collection activities of the Museum. Working in a collaborative manner with other key staff members, the main areas of focus will be:

– With special attention to audience needs, and in close collaboration with the Executive Director and other key staff members, contributes to a dynamic multi-year exhibition schedule that represents the full range of the Museum’s mission and showcases the permanent collection as well as temporary exhibitions of contemporary artists working in a variety of mediums. This includes creating and activating an outdoor sculpture program.

– In conjunction with the Museum’s Collections Committee and Executive Director, creates and implements collection development strategies that include purchases and gifts.

– Ensures the best available standards of care and protection for all works in the permanent collection and borrowed art works.

– Works in close partnership with Education and Community Engagement colleagues to contribute to programs related to the collection and special exhibitions, including, but not limited to, lectures, workshops, gallery presentations and other in-gallery interpretation efforts.

– Assists with exhibition and collection related fundraising by providing necessary project and object information and participating in grant writing and personal solicitations to potential donors including corporations, foundations and individuals.

– Supervises guest curators in area of specialization, consultants and support staff including curatorial assistants, and interns as required.

Serves as an ambassador for the Newport Art Museum locally, nationally, and internationally, being an active member in the field as well as with the general public.

– Performs additional duties as assigned.

Job Information
  • Newport, Rhode Island, 02840, United States
  • 26790122
  • February 8, 2016
  • Senior Curator
  • Newport Art Museum
  • Curator
  • No
  • Full-Time
  • Indefinite
  • Master’s Degree
  • 2-3 Years
  • 10-25%
  • $60,000.00 – $70,000.00 (Yearly Salary)