Curator-in-Charge [Renwick Gallery Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, DC]

Description

The Renwick Gallery seeks a dynamic, full-time, permanent Curator-in-Charge to direct and oversee curatorial activities at this newly renovated branch museum of the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

The Renwick exhibits works by artists exploring innovative as well as traditional approaches to making and materials.  It increasingly seeks out contemporary artists working with avant-garde approaches to art and/or craft.  The reopening exhibition WONDER showcased nine immersive installations by contemporary artists, who created large-scale installations from unexpected materials; previously, 40 under 40 explored 21^st-century directions in many media.  Renwick curatorial activities include research, exhibitions, collection acquisitions, and public outreach, as well as nurturing relationships with artists, collectors, donors and dealers.  The Renwick maintains a collection of contemporary craft.  This position supervises a curatorial staff of four, while a Chief Administrator oversees museum operations.

Applicants should be recognized scholars in the field of American contemporary art, craft, design, or a related field, with experience organizing significant exhibitions, developing collections, and disseminating research through publications and public speaking.  Must be well organized, a strong manager, and able to think imaginatively and creatively.

This is a non-federal, trust-funded position at grades 13/14/15 with starting salary ranging from $90,000 to $150,000, commensurate with experience.  Position includes full benefits.  The Smithsonian is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply, send a letter of application and a resume to SAAMRenwickRecruit@si.edu by 6/15/2016.  In your letter of application, which should not exceed two pages, please describe three projects relevant to this position. Your resume should cover the following factors:

1. Education and professional experience in the fields of contemporary art, craft, design, and related fields, especially as those topics overlap or intersect.
2. Experience in working with artists and organizing museum exhibitions.
3. Experience researching and writing for publication.
4. Experience cultivating donors for acquisitions and exhibition support.

Requirements

Applicants should be recognized scholars in the field of American contemporary art, craft, design, or a related field, with experience organizing significant exhibitions, developing collections, and disseminating research through publications and public speaking.  Must be well organized, a strong manager, and able to think imaginatively and creatively.