Curator [Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement, St. Petersburg, FL]

Description

The Curator of the Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement (MAACM) is responsible for the collections, exhibitions, and related publications for the Museum and the Two Red Roses Foundation (TRRF). The Foundation is a non-profit educational organization that holds an internationally-important collection of over 1,800 works of the American Arts and Crafts movement, including early twentieth century furniture, ceramics, metalware, architectural elements, prints, and photography. Designed by award-winning Tampa architect Alberto Alfonso and projected to open in early 2018 in the thriving arts district of downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, the five-story, 110,000 square foot Museum will provide a permanent home for the Foundation’s collections. In addition to expansive collection galleries, the facility will include additional galleries for a program of temporary exhibitions that will expand upon the context and legacy of the American Arts and Crafts movement. Working with the MAACM Director, the Curator will play a formative role in the development of the museum’s new galleries, curatorial staff, and overall exhibition program.

Responsibilities

The Curator will work with the MAACM and TRRF teams, architect, and consultants in planning for the new building’s galleries, collection installations and art storage, and support facilities.

Elements include the development of interpretive materials for the new installation, including gallery didactics and digital resources, and recommending and pursuing innovative approaches to presentation and interpretation.

Working with the Director, develops and implements plans for the exhibition, care, and interpretation of the TRRF’s collections.

Manages exhibition schedule of MAACM and regularly conceives, organizes, and oversees installations from the TRRF collection including related scholarly publications and gallery interpretive material. Works with MAACM staff and other colleagues in the field to identify, secure, and coordinate exhibitions and loans related to the subjects of the Arts and Crafts movement, early twentieth century design, and the legacy of craft.

Advises TRRF on acquisitions relative to its collecting goals and priorities and works with Foundation in considering future development of MAACM installations and art storage.

Collaborates with education and other staff and consultants to develop concepts for community engagement based upon collections and exhibitions programs.

As lead curatorial representative of the MAACM, develops and maintains advantageous relationships with the community of artists, critics, dealers, museum colleagues, professional organizations, collectors, and friends of the Museum to enhance its position and relevance locally and nationally.

Encourages the development and cultivation of private collections, locally as well as nationally.

Assists with fundraising and public relations efforts to support and promote departmental and Museum activities.

Working with director and development staff, identifies and pursues funding opportunities related to exhibitions and collections-based projects.

Seeks other opportunities for professional development, including contributing to the field by participating in appropriate museum and arts organizations.

Conforms to the AAMD and AAMC codes of ethics governing the museum profession.

Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory responsibilities:

Develops and manages future curatorial, collections and exhibition staff – as well as related contract staff and volunteers.

Develops collections- and exhibitions-related budgets and assists in monitoring and maintaining budget responsibility for the curatorial department and its projects.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

M.A. or Ph.D. in art history, history, or comparable field, with an emphasis upon early twentieth century American decorative arts, fine arts, or various aspects of the history of craft and design.

Three or more years curatorial experience working in a museum or equivalent institution, with experience managing staff, budgets, and exhibitions.

Proven record of organizational, scholarly, and interpretive achievements through exhibition development and management, research, and publications.

Ability to work collaboratively on projects with internal and external teams.

Familiarity with and interest in the use of new technologies and their application to the field.

The MAACM Curator is a full-time position that offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and full benefits.  More information about the Two Red Roses Foundation and MAACM can be found at tworedroses.com.

The MAACM is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Interested applicants should email a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the names of three references to Kevin W. Tucker, MAACM Director, at ktucker@museumaacm.org. Position is open until filled.

How to Apply / Contact

Requirements