Reports to: Senior Curator
Number of hours per week: 40 | 1.00 FTE
Title: Associate Curator of European, American, and Regional Art
Job Code: 0403 | Curator
Grade/FSLA: D/Exempt
JOB SUMMARY
The Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) at the University of Utah is looking for a highly motivated, well-organized, and experienced professional to support the curatorial team while working closely with colleagues across the Museum in an energetic, creative, and supportive environment. Formally established in 1951, the UMFA is Utah’s only institution that acquires, interprets, and exhibits a fine art collection of ancient to contemporary objects from around the globe. Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the UMFA upholds industry standards in our field when acquiring art, designing programs, curating exhibitions, and engaging communities. An affiliate organization of the University of Utah, the UMFA serves growing and increasingly diverse communities on campus and across the region. The UMFA is committed to diversity and equal opportunity and encourages applications from people who self-identify as minorities or members of underrepresented groups.
The UMFA is seeking an innovative, collaborative, and community-minded museum professional to serve as Associate Curator of European, American, and Regional Art. Under the direction and supervision of the Senior Curator, the Associate Curator will manage UMFA’s collections of European (Medieval to early 20th century) and American (18th century to early 20th century) art, the latter with an emphasis on regionalism and the art of the American West. The Associate Curator will collaborate extensively with cross-departmental teams to present exhibitions, both original and borrowed, that are rigorous and visitor-centric. She/He/They will conduct research on the collections, recommend acquisitions and deaccessions, develop relationships with donors and collectors, engage deeply with campus and community partners, and provide access to art in ways that foster new scholarship, creative thought, and critical dialogue around today’s pressing cultural, political, and social questions.
The Associate Curator will help to advance the UMFA’s commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) across all aspects of the Museum’s work. She/He/They will utilize Museum collections, temporary exhibitions, and public programming to expand and question the framing of the past, present, and future. The UMFA is committed to being a museum where our communities find themselves represented, welcomed, engaged, and heard. The Associate Curator will be innovative in their approaches to engaging audiences and will be responsive to community needs. She/He/They will produce presentations, materials, and exhibitions that are inclusive, accessible, welcoming, and relevant.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Exhibitions
Under the guidance of the Senior Curator and in response to the UMFA’s strategic plan, work collaboratively with others in the Museum, across campus, and in the community to lead the development and realization of rigorous exhibitions (large and small) using works of art from the UMFA’s collection, as well as loaned objects. Collaborate early and deeply with museum educators and collections/exhibitions staff. Participate in exhibition evaluation.
Collections Care
Oversee the Museum’s collections of European and American art to benefit both the University community and the broader public. Conduct original research and produce scholarship related to the UMFA’s European, American, and regional art collections. Develop, maintain, and advance collecting plans for areas of oversight. Collaborate with collections staff to develop and implement preservation and conservation strategies of the highest professional standards for the collection.
Community engagement
Participate in audience research and develop relationships with campus and community partners. Be responsive to community needs in the formation of exhibitions, collections planning, and public programs. Encourage and facilitate the use of UMFA resources with University of Utah faculty, staff and students, members of the community, and international researchers and scholars. Represent the UMFA at public events.
Development
Work with Museum staff to develop fundraising strategies for the European, American, and regional art collections, and develop and steward donor relationships to cultivate gifts to the Museum. Interact, as needed, with the Museum’s Board of Directors, Collections & Program Committee, and members.
Education and Public Programs
Collaborate with Museum educators in the creation and management of interpretive strategies and public programs for a variety of audiences. Lecture on and lead tours of the Museum’s exhibitions. Train docents on special exhibitions and in specific content areas and museum best practices. Mentor interns and volunteers.
Administration
Perform administrative duties related to the functions of the position. Participate in the construction and tracking of exhibition budgets. Participate on cross-departmental teams for exhibitions and other museum initiatives.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in Art History or a related area or equivalency, and two years related experience.
- Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills.
- Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
PREFERENCES
- MA or PhD in Art History, or related field, plus four years of curatorial experience.
- Demonstrated knowledge of European and/or American art and participation in the national and international art and curatorial community. Knowledge of art of the American West and an ability to relate those narratives to the broader scope of Western art history.
- Desire to facilitate and motivate others in experimenting with new curatorial and museum practices as part of a culture of innovation and collaboration. Interest in sharing curatorial authority.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and community members.
- Commitment to audience engagement.
- Track record of exhibitions, publications, and scholarship.
- Experience advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in the arts, museum field, and/or beyond.
- University-level teaching experience a plus.
- Advanced skills in word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.
APPLY HERE
https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/99551
Categories: Job Postings