Full Time
Rank: Associate Curator, dependent on experience
Experience: MA in relevant field and 4 years of curatorial experience required, PhD degree preferred
Salary Range: 70,000-74,000
Curator works full time conceiving and executing exhibitions that address and enact collaborative practice with WAM’s communities, including university and external partners for the Weisman’s exhibitions galleries. In keeping with the University of Minnesota’s long-founded emphasis on innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and public service, this position will contribute to that university-wide mission, enhancing the co-productive aspect of the Weisman as a University and Minnesota Community member. The Curator will bring both expertise and an eagerness to learn and participate in new areas and forms of inquiry, expanding institutional practices, curatorial models and modes of research.
The Weisman maintains a dynamic rotating temporary exhibition schedule that includes three exhibitions per year with related public programs and publications (print and digital). Building on the compelling and prolific collaborative projects of the former Target Studio program, the Curator will seek out and develop partnerships across the Weisman’s internal (campus) and external (Twin Cities and greater Minnesota) communities to create and manage original community-based exhibitions to be featured in the central featured exhibitions gallery. Expanding on the museum’s 2024 strategic plan, exhibitions are developed to promote public and scholarly engagement that meaningfully integrate works of art with education, civic engagement, and community development.
Curator reports to WAM Senior Curator. They are a full member of the curatorial department, which is composed of the Senior Curator, Curator, Assistant Curator (joint appointed with Art History), Rotating Guest Curator of the Native American Visiting Artist Program and the annual Lisa and Gerald O’Brien Curatorial Fellow. This position works in concert with other museum departments to carry out the strategic vision of the museum through various cross-departmental initiatives, activities and experiences.
The Curator will work routinely with the Learning and Engagement, Registration, Communications and Development departments on planning, resources, communication, and fund-raising efforts. All activities further the museum’s mission of promoting a campus community that respects, incorporates, and advances diversity, equity, and pluralism.
Key responsibilities include:
- Exhibition Production and Management 70%
- Curates and delivers co-created exhibitions with both the campus and wider community.
- Facilitates an integrated curatorial and pedagogical vision to create greater relevance and accessibility to a public-centered practice.
- Actively contributes to rethinking presentations and understandings of the Museum’s collection to incorporate community voices and perspectives.
- Coordinates community group participation for exhibition development.
- Initiate, facilitate, and participate in research projects and various forms of public scholarly engagement that meaningfully integrate works of art with education, civic engagement, and community development.
- Works collaboratively across curatorial, public engagement and learning departments to establish interpretive goals for exhibitions, collections and programs that prioritize visitor engagement and learning through reflection, creative participation, and empowering experiences.
- Expands the Museum’s vital role as an active and trusted community member and facilitator for scholarly, creative endeavors.
- Works directly with artists, researchers, community members, academic units and local organizations.
- Incorporates accessibility standards and produces new curatorial approaches to collections and partnerships.
- Identifies and researches significant trends, issues, and opportunities within the field.
- Supervision and Administration 25%
- Supports Senior Curator in the development and management of departmental budgets.
- Prepares contracts and supporting documentation for artists and other contractors;
- Manages incoming traveling exhibitions administration and assigned exhibitions
- Selects and presents objects for accessioning
- Mentors students and museum interns from diverse disciplines.
- Contributes to fundraising and resource development efforts.
- Collaborates across Curatorial, Exhibitions, Public Engagement and Learning, Communications staff on a variety of projects and initiatives.
- Prepares reports, gives presentations on exhibition and project developments for both internal and external stakeholders.
- Service / Professional Development 5%
- Serves on university / museum and community committees
- Actively represents museums with external stakeholders
- Participates in the museum field, developing and maintaining relationships with other museum professionals, and participating in professional activities.
Qualifications:
- MA art history or other relevant field and 2 years of curatorial experience required, PhD degree in art history or other relevant field, preferred
- Experience in managing and leading research, planning, development and implementation of curatorial and socially engaged programs.
- Project management skills, including budgeting.
- Considerable skills in communication and facilitation; strong intercultural competency.
- ● Must be a collaborator inside and outside the Museum.
- ● Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with artists, museum colleagues, donors, faculty members and the general public.
- ● Experience working with museums database systems a plus
- ● Experience working with diverse and underrepresented communities
- Is exceptional in establishing and fostering strong, credible and long-term relationships with artists, colleagues, donors, board members, staff, volunteers and other stakeholders.
Working Conditions and Atmosphere:
This is a full-time, hybrid position with a flexible schedule as required for implementation of responsibilities and related museum activities. Working hours may include some evenings and weekends. General mobility throughout museum properties required.
Benefits
- Yearly salary: 70,000-74,000
- The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
- Financial counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
About Weisman Art Museum
Since its origin in 1934, Weisman Art Museum has been a campus museum for the University of Minnesota. Today, our mission as a university art museum is to create and advance inclusive arts experiences to broaden understanding of ourselves, our communities, and our world. The Weisman is located at 333 East River Road, Minneapolis, on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. Gallery admission is always free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.wam.umn.edu.
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