Associate Curator

Description:

The Henry Art Gallery was founded as Washington State’s first art museum in 1926, on the principle that art stimulates inquiry, fosters knowledge, and builds healthy communities. Located on the campus of the University of Washington (UW), Seattle, the Henry is internationally recognized as a pioneer in the research and presentation of contemporary art. Learn about our mission and vision: henryart.org/about.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Associate Curator works closely with the Senior Curator to develop and administer the exhibitions program, collaborating with Henry colleagues, artists, lenders, institutions, and other partners. The Associate Curator supports, conceives, and organizes projects that highlight a range of artistic practices and ideas, and contribute to the field of contemporary art. The Associate Curator is a core member of the curatorial team, joining the majority of curatorial meetings to brainstorm programmatic approaches that amplify central artistic ideas and connect audiences with the most compelling art of our time.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY

The Henry acknowledges the historical structures and social dynamics that have continuously oppressed communities of color and we acknowledge our part in institutional racism. We also acknowledge that we are situated on the land of the Coast Salish peoples.

We are actively committed to racial equity and to building a strong foundation of inclusivity and awareness in all we do. We value discourse that brings forward voices and positions that have been – and continue to be – oppressed. We do not tolerate hate speech or actions.

We recognize that we are in the process of embodying these values across our exhibitions, programs, and operations; this is our ongoing work.

The Henry Art Gallery is a part of the University of Washington. For more information about race and equity at the UW, see washington.edu/raceequity.

SCHEDULE: Tuesday – Friday, 36 hours per week (90% or .9 FTE)

REPORTS TO: Senior Curator

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions (90%)

Assists the Senior Curator in the development and implementation of a dynamic multi-year exhibitions program.
Conceives and stewards through to completion select exhibitions that may take form as single-artist or group thematic exhibitions, including collection-based projects that engage the Henry’s historic collection through a contemporary lens, and may involve the participation of contemporary artist or guest curator interlocutors.
Conducts scholarly research on artists and artworks as needed for exhibitions and curatorial activities.
Drafts and edits written materials such as wall texts for exhibitions and online content.
Participates in the production of select exhibition brochures and catalogues, and authors original content.
Works closely with the exhibitions management, registration, and design/production teams to support the implementation of exhibitions, publications, and related projects.
Participates in the integrated structure of the curatorial department, brainstorming and collaborating across the curatorial and collections teams to develop exhibition and collection-related public, academic, and educational programs. This includes the cultivation of community partnerships on and off-campus, and working with department colleagues to support the learning of work-study students and interns, when applicable.
Administers the organization and presentation of select traveling exhibitions from other institutions, supports guest curators, and cultivates collegial relationships and opportunities for co-developed projects with peer institutions and partner organizations.
Participates in the strategic growth of the Henry’s collection by identifying potential acquisitions by gift, and making recommendations for acquisitions by purchase. Presents proposed acquisitions to the Collections Committee, as opportunities arise.
Contributes to the ongoing administration activities of the curatorial department and the museum at large through involvement with departmental and interdepartmental committees.
Collaborates with the communications team to develop marketing and external communications that promote exhibitions and department activities, and reviews material as needed.
Supports development staff on grant proposals, and participates in donor events as needed.
Makes informal and formal presentations on exhibitions and related museum programming to internal and external stakeholders.
Serves as a liaison to the Seattle arts and the UW communities and as an ambassador to the national and international arts community.
Represents the Henry at external events and functions.

Other (10%)

Remains current on curatorial and scholarly topics—regionally, nationally, and internationally—related to the mission and goals of the Henry.
Travels for research related to the curatorial program and supporting the mission of the Henry.
Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

BA in Art History, Curatorial Studies, Arts Administration or equivalent.
Demonstrated research capabilities and curatorial experience organizing culturally resonant exhibitions, with two+ years of curatorial experience in exhibitions.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge of contemporary art and culture, with an art historical perspective, preferred.
Understanding of best museum practices.
Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to coordinate many current and long-range projects simultaneously.
Ability to take initiative and prioritize tasks; excellent time management and problem prevention and solving skills.
Ability to represent the museum with a high level of integrity and professionalism.
Ability to work with close attention to detail and to maintain confidentiality.
Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated commitment to collaboration with internal colleagues and external stakeholders.
Demonstrated commitment to principles of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Wide network of contacts within current creative/intellectual communities locally and nationally.
Experience working with a collection.
Experience producing art publications.