Description
The Associate Curator of Western American Art brings an innovative approach to researching, interpreting, and exhibiting art and imagery of the American West at the Eiteljorg Museum. This position will interrogate art and visual culture of the West within regional, national, and global contexts—exploring influences across borders. Through this role, the Associate Curator will examine a broad range of both historical and contemporary art and will expand cross-cultural perspectives of the western United States. As an integral member of the curatorial team, this position supports and collaborates with other departments in fulfilling the museum’s mission “to explore the intersection of the past and present through sharing stories of the diverse American West and Indigenous peoples of North America.”
Requirements
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Curate temporary and long-term exhibitions: work independently, in partnership with other curatorial staff, and in collaboration with outside consultants, artists, and/or curators, to conceive, create, and execute exhibitions by conducting research, developing concepts and narratives, compiling object checklists, assisting with loan requests, writing and editing interpretive text, and collaborating on exhibition evaluation, design, education, marketing, and publications.
- Research and recommend traveling exhibitions organized by external organizations.
- Represent the museum by delivering public programs, curatorial talks, guide training, and by attending external meetings and conferences.
- Advance the museum’s mission and goals through researching, identifying, and proposing acquisitions and deaccessions in support of the collecting plan. Develop relationships with artists, donors, collectors, and dealers to foster new acquisitions for the museum. Participate in acquisitions committee and collections council activities.
- Serve as primary staff liaison to donor patron support group, the Western Art Society, and as the primary staff contact for artists participating in the annual Quest for the West Art Show & Sale.
- Research and catalog Western Art collections in TMS database. Collaborate with the collections staff as needed on the care, storage, and movement of the collection. Develop and maintain subject files for Western Art department.
- Fulfill administrative responsibilities including budget and deadline management, reconciling credit card statements, record keeping, responding to public phone and email inquiries, and following up with supporters and stakeholders.
- Supervise volunteers, contractors, and interns as required.
Required Skills, Competencies, and Qualities:
- Demonstrated knowledge of the field of American art, history, and culture. Specific experience in curating Western American art and/or Latin American art is highly desirable.
- Excellent communication skills, including public speaking and writing for a variety of audiences.
- Demonstrated experience with writing, editing, and publications.
- Ability to work independently or collaboratively in a team to contribute to a positive working environment and cooperative atmosphere with co-workers.
- Exceptionally well organized and adaptable for projects large and small. Detail and deadline oriented.
- Familiar with computer software and systems including word processing, database programs, Power Point, Microsoft Outlook, and others. Working knowledge of museum databases is a plus.
Qualifications and Work Experience Requirements:
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a museum, cultural institution, educational setting, or related entity.
- Advanced degree in art history, museum studies, American studies, history of the American West, or related field; or equivalent knowledge and experience.
- Working proficiency with Spanish language is a plus.
Salary Range: $55,000.00 - $59,000.00
To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and résumé to personnel@eiteljorg.com.
Mission Statement: The Eiteljorg Museum explores the intersection of the arts, histories and cultures of the past and present by sharing the diverse stories of the American West and the Indigenous Peoples of North America.
Vision and Values: The Eiteljorg Museum is committed to being a welcoming environment where people feel a sense of belonging. We aim to build authentic connections through artistic expressions and educational programs, creating thought-provoking experiences that explore our past, present, and shared future. We amplify the voices of artists and champion their creative expression, representing the intersection of cultures and perspectives to create a place where transformation is possible. Our diverse story of human accomplishment, adversity, and perseverance is told with respect and sensitivity to all peoples and cultures. We uphold the values of integrity, respect, collaboration, and excellence as paramount to accomplishing our mission. Integrity involves stewarding our collection, resources, processes, and relationships with honesty and transparency. Respect is intentionally weaving diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion into every aspect of the Museum. Collaboration involves developing and sustaining authentic internal and external relationships that support common goals. Excellence is about creating exceptional experiences.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The Eiteljorg Museum is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and strive to support a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer.