Description
Position Available
Title Assistant/Associate Curator, Photography
Reports To: Gus and Lyndall Wortham Curator of Photography
Curatorial Pay Type: Full-Time, Regular, Exempt, 35 hrs/week
Salary: Commensurate with Experience and Education
Benefits: Group Medical and Dental Insurance, Life and Long Term Disability
Insurance, Pension Plan, Credit Union, Flexible Compensation Plan, Paid Time Off, Reserve Time Off, Holiday Pay, Museum Membership and Discounts
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Work Location: Beck Building, a non-smoking facility
The Assistant/Associate Curator will play an active role in all aspects of the Department’s activities: acquisitions, exhibitions, publications, collection research, interpretation, and donor relations. The successful candidate will have expertise and curatorial experience in American and European photography of the middle half of the twentieth century as well as interest in and knowledge of contemporary photography. Knowledge and scholarship in non-Western modern and contemporary photography is also desirable.
Responsibilities:
Acquisitions:
? Learn the strengths and weaknesses of the MFAH collection.
? Maintain relationships with artists, dealers, and collectors.
? Seek out and propose the acquisition of works that complement the existing MFAH photography holdings.
? Research and write texts about objects considered for acquisitions.
? Present proposed gifts and purchases to the Department head, fellow curators, the Director, Photography Subcommittee, and Collections Committee of the Board, as appropriate.
? Actively fundraise for purchases of art and solicit gifts of art, as appropriate.
Collection Research:
? Prepare texts resulting from new research, and insure that such information enters museum records system.
? Supervise volunteers and interns conducting research in the collection.
? Establish and maintain collection files.
? Work with the Conservator of Photographs as appropriate.
? Work with other members of the curatorial staff where objects relate to multiple departments (Modern and Contemporary, Asian, Islamic, African-American, Film, and Decorative Arts Departments).
? Publish articles in Museum publications, on the Museum’s website, and in outside journals or catalogues as appropriate.
Interpretation, Public Programs, Donor Relations:
? Present or participate in public programs (lectures, roundtables, symposia) in cooperation with the Department of Learning and Interpretation.
? Prepare general-public didactic materials for collection displays, mfah.org, annual reports, etc.
? Participate in docent training sessions on the history of photography, the MFAH collection, or departmental installations and exhibitions.
? Assist in the planning and preparation of programs for Photo Forum (the Department’s patron group).
? Develop and maintain close relationships with Museum supporters and community partners.
? Participate in the activities of photography-related groups in the community such as the Houston Center of Photography, FotoFest, Glassell School of Art, Rice University, and University of Houston, as appropriate.
? Teach at local higher education institutions, if so inclined and if approved by the Department head.
Exhibitions:
? As directed or approved by the Department head, prepare collection installations including selection of work, coordination of conservation and matting and framing, writing of labels and other didactic materials, and overseeing of installation.
? Oversee the coordination, preparation, and installation of loan exhibitions as directed or approved by the Department head.
? Conceive, propose, and organize major exhibitions drawn from the MFAH collection and/or dependent upon loans from other institutions and private collections.
? Prepare scholarly catalogues and other written materials for exhibitions, as appropriate.
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
? Broad knowledge of art history, particularly of history of photography and of photographic techniques.
? Specialized knowledge of 20th-century American and European photography.
? Interest in and knowledge of contemporary photography.
? Advanced research skills and clear, lucid writing style.
? Attention to detail, strong organizational skills and ability to work with minimal supervision.
? Familiarity with TMS (The Museum System) or ability to learn.
? Fluency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
? Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with various departments of museum as well as with donors, trustees, and the public.
? Foreign language skills.
Education and Experience:
? Ph.D. in Art History completed or nearing completion, with specialization in the history of photography.
? Minimum three years curatorial experience.
How to Apply:
Send resume to Human Resources, Job 16-105CUR, P.O. Box 6826, Houston TX 77265-6826; Fax 713-639-7508 or email: jobs@mfah.org.
The Museum is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment without regard to race, creed, color, age,
gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. For more
information, visit our website at http://mfah.org/about/careers/.
Job Information
- houston, Texas, 77000, United States
- 27873199
- April 11, 2016
- Assistant/Associate Curator, Photography
- The Museum Of Fine Arts, Houston
- Curator
- No
- Full-Time
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