Curatorial Assistant [Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA]

Department: Institute for Contemporary Art

Scheduled to open in 2017, the new Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), designed by the renowned Steven Holl Architects, invites applications for the position of Curatorial Assistant. The successful candidate will be a dynamic and energetic individual who will bring a unique blend of knowledge, humility, curiosity, creative insight, self-motivation, and organization to this new position.

The 41,000-square-foot ICA (ica.vcu.edu) will be an iconic gateway for the city of Richmond. As a non-collecting museum, the ICA will showcase a fresh slate of changing innovative exhibitions, performances, films and special programs that engage the university, students, faculty, the broader Richmond community, and beyond.

The ICA will be an incubator for interdisciplinary experimentation for the entire university while simultaneously providing opportunities for collaboration both locally and internationally. It will be in direct dialogue with VCUarts, the #1 public art school in the country; set within a major, urban public research university with national and international rankings in sponsored research; and centrally located on the East Coast in a city with a top-10 museum and a region with few venues for the latest contemporary art. The ICA will become a conduit for global collaboration, bridging the distance to artists working in other regions internationally.

The exhibition program at the ICA will be one of its most important and high-profile attributes, and the Curatorial Assistant will be a crucial member of the team that ensures exhibitions and related programs are exceptional. The Curatorial Assistant will provide vital administrative, research, and programmatic support for all of the ICA’s exhibitions, as well as the ICA’s curated performance program, and community engagement, publication, and research programs. The Curatorial Assistant reports to the Curator of the ICA, and provides key administrative support for the Associate Curator, Performance Curator, Director of Education and Community Engagement, and guest curators and the Director of the ICA as needed.

About Richmond, Virginia:

Richmond is an art-centric town, but there’s much more all around us. Hiking, biking, kayaking and rafting opportunities abound. Brown’s Island and Maymont Park are just a few of the natural treasures VCU faculty, staff, and students name as their favorite Richmond spots. Richmond is a thriving capital city full of cultural diversity, great food, festivals and entertainment. We are the heart of the arts in a state with a bustling gallery and performance scene featuring local and international talent. Many state museums are located here, such as The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Richmond, more commonly known as RVA, is a haven for alternative and creative endeavors. The Today Show named Richmond the #3 Most Tattooed City in the US. In September 2012, Outside Magazine named Richmond the “Best River Town in America.” We are home to the James River Park System, one of the largest inner city park systems in the country. Washington, DC, Virginia Beach, and the Blue Ridge mountains are only 2 hours away. Richmond International Airport has daily non-stop flights to NYC, so you can be there in an hour.

Population: 200,000+ live in the city; 1.2 million live in the greater Richmond area.

-Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU is required.

-Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in art history, art, museum studies, curatorial studies, or arts administration or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of college and related experience; advanced degree in art history or curatorial studies is preferred.

-Previous experience in a similar position at an institution dedicated to the visual arts, preferably one with a contemporary focus and/or an educational mission.

-Must be familiar with contemporary art and artistic practices, as well as deeply enthusiastic about working with artists, performers, curators, and exhibition designers.

-A deep commitment to the cultivation and presentation of contemporary art.

-Must have strong interpersonal skills, customer service skills, and responsiveness, and must possess a welcoming, professional, and polished demeanor.

-Ability to develop professional relationships in all aspects of the position that result in stable, consistent, reliable, and courteous communication.

-Must be self-motivated, strategic, creative, entrepreneurial, energetic and intelligent.

-Must be flexible and willing to perform a wide range of tasks as necessary with the ability to use good judgment, problem solve and work independently in a changing and multi-tasking environment with numerous competing deadlines.

-Ability to problem-solve using sound judgment and professional discretion.

-Organized and detail-oriented with a demonstrated strong work ethic and time management skills.

-Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

-Knowledge of office practices and procedures, and excellent computer skills.

-Ability to interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with University, State, and school policies, procedures, and guidelines.

-Interest in/track-record of pursuing his/her own curatorial projects, either independently or within an institution.

-Ability to work in a diverse environment is required.

Department Hiring Range: $33,797 – $38,000

Position Type: Classified (full-time)

Hours/Week: 40

Normal work days: M-F

Normal work hours: 40

Job Open Date: 03/24/2016

Open Until Filled: Yes