Association of Academic Museums and Galleries

Job Purpose:

The Maveety Curator of the Arts of China and Japan is responsible for the presentation, research, preservation, and growth the Asian Art collection of the Cantor Arts Center, including the development of the permanent collection, which includes objects from China, Tibet, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia and the Philippines. The strengths of the collections are in the arts of China and Japan. The curator reports to the John and Jill Freidenrich Director, as well as works closely with other museum curators and educators, develops partnerships with faculty members, and engages students across disciplines.

The Cantor Arts Center is especially interested in a curator who has knowledge of the historical arts of Asia, as well as knowledge of the contemporary art of the region, someone who can build bridges between old and new, as well as Asian art and the art of other continents. The curator will offer new perspectives on the historic collection, while also addressing and integrating contemporary Asian art into the museum’s program.

The curator actively will pursue and recommend both historic and contemporary Asian art acquisitions, as well as foster relationships with donors and other supporters of the department.

The Maveety Curator works closely with the museum’s curators in a collaborative environment that encourages the development of innovative programs, exhibitions, and acquisitions. As a thoughtful member of the curatorial team, the curator will bring in-depth knowledge of art history and museum practice to assist in implementing an exciting vision for the museum. He or she will be driven by interests in particular artists, mediums, regions, and ideas; rigorous art historical scholarship; dynamic museum programing; and campus and public engagement.

The curator will be expected to propose and realize major exhibition projects within his or her field of expertise. These projects may take cues from the Cantor’s permanent collection, be built from loans from other institutions and collections, or a combination of these two sources. Major publications, conceived as meaningful contributions to the field on the issues addressed in the exhibition, will accompany these projects. The curator also will help to conceive and implement academic and public programs.

About us:

Cantor Arts Center boasts a proud and venerable history. Conceived with the founding of Stanford University in 1891, the museum opened in 1894, serving the University and the broader community. The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake damaged the museum, necessitating its closure to the public. In 1995 groundbreaking for a major new wing and restoration of the historic building began in earnest with the revitalized museum opening in 1999 as the Iris and B. Gerald Canto Center for the Visual Arts. The Cantor offers approximately 50,000 square feet exhibition space, as well as classrooms and other study spaces for students and faculty.

Collections include art from Europe and America, both historical and contemporary; Asia, primarily Japan and China; Africa; Oceania; historical works from Mexico, Central America, and South America; and the Stanford Family Collection.

CORE DUTIES*:

• Conceive, research, develop and collaborate with museum and faculty colleagues to organize and present compelling installations of the permanent collection, as well as ambitious traveling exhibitions of varying scope; develop related programming, including lectures, symposia and other educational programs.
• Research, write, and oversee production of related publications, brochures, guides, catalogs and books.
• Develop collections by selectively acquiring important objects through purchase and gift; cultivate prospective donors and develop relationships with field’s significant art dealers.
• Solicit and evaluate proposals for exhibitions organized by other institutions and coordinate their presentation at the Cantor.
• Work with the exhibitions team to coordinate project budgets, assisting in the development, preparation, and oversight of exhibition budgets.
• Monitor and manage the stewardship needs of donors in adherence to the university’s stewardship standards.
• Maintains and updates records of identification, classification, description and interpretation of objects in the permanent collection; conducting research, cataloguing and publication of the permanent collection; and preparing interpretative and informational labels and brochures.
• Develops and maintains safe storage facilities, working with collections management, registrars, and conservation. Assists in fundraising and public relations efforts related to department activities.
• Develops a cooperative and productive relationship between the Center and the local, national, and international art community.
• Teach museum and other university courses, as well as supervise undergraduates, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows engaged in Cantor-based projects.
• Makes museum resources available to both Stanford and outside scholars.
• Participates in conferences and symposia within area of scholarly expertise, as well as lectures in academic and public forums.

Education & Experience:

Ph.D. in the History of Art or related field is strongly preferred, in combination with 5 to 7 years of museum experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Fluency in at least one Asian language; second Asian language desired.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as demonstrated public speaking and presentation skills.
• Established record of scholarly achievement.
• Proven ability to effectively and efficiently manage multiple priorities, with competing deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships both internally and externally.
• Proven experience working with collectors and all aspects of donor cultivation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Frequently perform desk based computer tasks, seated work and use light/ fine grasping.
• Occasionally stand, walk, and write by hand, lift, carry, push pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.

* – Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May work extended or non-standard hours, weekends and holidays based on business needs.
• Occasional local and overnight travel may be required.
• May work in areas with exposure to dust, paint, chemicals and other toxins.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.

The job description can be found here https://stanford.taleo.net/careersection/jobdetail.ftl?job=77681&lang=en#.WmgXASK8HTQ.mailto, as well as on the American Alliance of Museums, College Art Association, and Association of Academic Museums and Galleries sites. Please submit a cover letter describing experience, as well as a c.v. as described.

Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu