Position Summary

This position will oversee all activities relating to public art on the Rice University campus. It includes oversight of the current collection of artworks by artists such as Michael Heizer and Jaume Plensa, management of and programming in the James Turrell Skyspace, and the installation of new works of campus art. The successful candidate will bring a creative curatorial vision, strong managerial skills, and an ability to work well with a wide variety of collaborators and constituents.

Rice Public Art Collection

  • Manage Rice’s Public Art collection, including inventory management, extending loans to outside institutions, receiving loans, tracking the movement of artworks, maintaining detailed records and an inventory database
  • Oversee regular maintenance of public artwork and associated signage on campus. Includes working closely with Rice’s facilities department, as well as with outside vendors
  • Together with the Director of the Moody Center for the Arts, define the curatorial vision for the future growth of the public art collection
  • Oversee the selection and installation of new artworks on campus acquired through gifts and Rice’s percent for art program, including creating and managing installation budgets and managing technical crews
  • Together with the Director of the Moody Center for the Arts and the Development Office, maintain and enhance donor and constituent relations
  • Draft and issue regular electronic newsletters to constituents and supporters. Maintain the database of constituents
  • Ensure that the Public Art website is accurate and up-to-date
  • Plan and execute an annual lecture series to activate public art on campus through speakers and special events
  • Manage the BRC Pop-Up Gallery with three installations a year. Work with faculty and artists to identify appropriate artworks for the space, oversee the installation, signage, opening reception, media release, and photography of each exhibition
  • Manage the Provost’s art gallery with two to three installations per year of student artwork
  • Serve as the primary contact between Rice Public Art and Rice University community, as well as external parties. Respond to press inquiries, speaking requests, tour and space rental requests
  • Oversee the budgets associated with Public Art and the Skyspace, including tracking revenues and expenses associated with donations and maintenance and installation projects
  • Assist with new projects as needed (e.g. an interactive campus map, presidential portrait exhibition)

James Turrell Skyspace

  • Oversee all activities related to the James Turrell Skyspace which is open to the public 7 days per week. This includes maintaining the mechanical functioning and cleanliness of the Skyspace on a daily basis, managing Rice maintenance crews and external contractors’ care of the artwork, serving as a liaison with the Shepherd School of Music, and hiring and overseeing a Docent Coordinator, as well as a team of student docents
  • Ensure that the sunrise and sunset light sequences work consistently and that the space functions in accordance with the artist’s vision
  • Manage private rentals and special events held in the Skyspace, including booking the space, executing rental agreements, ensuring their effective execution and processing payments
  • Respond to general inquiries regarding press, photography, website, online reservations, special needs access to Skyspace
  • Ensure that the website and the online reservation system are up-to-date and in working order

Qualifications and Skills Required

  • Batchelor’s Degree, MA in art history preferred
  • 5 years experience in an arts organization
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills and project management experience
  • An in-depth knowledge of modern and contemporary art

How to apply

Interested candidates should apply through the Rice University website: https://jobs.rice.edu/postings/7663

Job Information
    • Houston, Texas, 77005, United States
    • 29230259
    • June 27, 2016
    • Director, Rice Public Art
    • Rice University
    • Directors/Administrators
    • No
    • Full-Time
    • Indefinite
    • Master’s Degree
    • 3-5 Years
    • 0-10%