Colorado College (CC) is seeking applicants for a Curator of Southwest Art to join the creative team in the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (CSFAC) Museum. This is a full-time 12-month staff position reporting directly to the Museum Director.
Located in the vibrant city of Colorado Springs, Colorado, at the foot of Pike’s Peak, Colorado College and the CSFAC share a rich history. CC is a highly selective and nationally-ranked liberal arts college, known for innovative teaching, that attracts students nationally and internationally. Founded in 1936, the CSFAC is an interdisciplinary arts institution that combines a museum, an art school, and a professional theater. The Museum houses over 20,000 objects, including the historic Taylor Collection of Native American and Hispanic art. It hosts an active exhibition schedule of 20th-century and contemporary art in recently renovated gallery spaces of 30,000 sq. ft. The CSFAC and CC are engaged in a historic alliance that marries the strengths of the two institutions to offer a rich array of arts opportunities for the Colorado Springs community, the CC campus, and the region.
The Curator of Southwest Art will be a key member of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center Museum staff, joining an ambitious and collaborative team of eight professionals. The Curator will be responsible for curating permanent collection exhibitions and special exhibitions (both original and traveling) of art from the Southwest, working alongside team members in collections, education, and preparation. Collaboration and teamwork are essential to this position, as are commitments to embracing new and innovative ideas for audience engagement. The Curator will have the opportunity to enter into teaching collaborations with Colorado College faculty, under the direction of the Director of Academic Engagement.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conceive, plan and deliver ambitious, rigorous, and thought-provoking Southwest art exhibitions from the permanent collection and from other institutions.
- Conduct tours, training/educational sessions, and public programs such as artist talks and exhibit opening events.
- Undertake research to illuminate the museum’s Southwest holdings; disseminate findings through publications, lectures, gallery talks, web-based media, and other forms of communication to the public.
- Build local, regional, national, and international relationships with artists, source cultures, and institutions for the benefit of the collection.
- Develop and implement long-term goals and objectives for the Southwestern art collection through acquisitions, grants, fundraising, and loans.
- In consultation with the Director of Academic Engagement, engage in teaching collaborations with Colorado College faculty; provide support to the Colorado College community on projects relating to the Taylor collection; and participate in the college’s Museum Studies program.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree required from an accredited institution in art history, indigenous studies, museum studies, or other related field (PhD preferred)
- Expertise in art of the Southwestern region of the United States, historic or contemporary, with a focus in Spanish Colonial, Hispanic and/or Native/Indigenous cultural traditions.
- Work experience of at least five years, including knowledge of the methods, techniques and procedures involved in the maintenance and care of a museum collection of fine arts according to AAM standards.
- Experience in developing and executing imaginative and innovative exhibitions on complex subjects designed to appeal to broad audiences.
- Ability to achieve and sustain best curatorial practices and ethical standards of the field; sensitivity to and awareness of cultural property and diversity issues.
- Excellent project management skills
- Excellent writing skills and public presentation skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in art history, indigenous studies, museum studies, or other related field
- Record of successful scholarship and publications (e.g. exhibition catalogues, articles in scholarly journals, conference presentations).
- Significant art acquisitions experience and knowledge of art markets
- Teaching experience in a higher education liberal arts environment a plus.
- Familiarity with social media and other relevant media outreach platforms.
Colorado College offers a comprehensive package of benefits and competitive salaries. As a leading institution in higher education, we strive for inclusive excellence in access to, and development and delivery of, outstanding learning opportunities and success for our diverse community of individuals who teach, learn, and work at the college. We pursue the equal opportunity of individuals to fully participate in our mission.
Colorado College is an equal opportunity employer committed to increasing the diversity of its community. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, gender identity or expression, disability, or sexual orientation in our educational programs and activities or our employment practices.
To Apply
Review of applications will begin on April 15. Qualified candidates should send a resume and cover letter by applying at the link below:
https://employment.coloradocollege.edu/postings/2813
Categories: Job Postings