Curator Of Modern And Contemporary Art

Description:

The Toledo Museum of Art is seeking a dynamic Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art to support the stewardship of the Museum’s important collection and in shaping and leading the modern and contemporary art program within this growing area of the Museum’s collection, now and into the future. The Museum is strongly committed to a curatorial program that blends scholarship and connoisseurship with equity and inclusion in paradigm-shifting ways for the twenty-first century Museum.
The Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art is best suited to a candidate with curatorial experience, a network within the museum field, academia, as well as with the art market, and a general knowledge about Modern and Contemporary art acquisition process, exhibitions, and innovative gallery displays and presentations, and that includes both generalist and specialist knowledge of Modern and Contemporary art. The ideal candidate will have the ability and desire to thoughtfully integrate ideas about Modern and Contemporary works into the framework of the larger TMA collection and possess a genuine desire to engage and enrich a broad range of audiences.
This position seeks to include a diverse array of narratives and perspectives; embraces modern and contemporary art and artists from around the world; actively seeks engagement internally with colleagues and externally with visitors, Museum support groups and donors; is energized by involvement with the community of Toledo; is eager to foster relationships with artists, collectors and institutions and will take on a public-facing role; is innovative, reliable, communicates well with others and is deadline driven.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Curatorial: Implement the modern and contemporary art program, providing creative direction and curatorial expertise to ensure continued stewardship and care for this aspect of the collection.
Works to support the Museum’s ambitious program of Modern and Contemporary acquisitions, exhibitions and innovative gallery displays and presentations.
Expected to deliver programs and projects supporting the Museum’s strategic plan, including the objective of broadening the narrative of art history and is responsive to initiatives from Administration and Development.
May supervise the Research Associate for Modern and Contemporary Art.
Exhibition Development: Conceptualize, plan, and execute compelling exhibitions, both solo and group shows, that reflect a diverse range of artistic practices, themes, and mediums within the modern and contemporary art landscape.
Contributes to the planning and implementation of the reinstallation of the entire museum collection scheduled to open in spring 2027, including initiating and/or executing contemporary art commissions for reinstallation.
Collection Development: Identify and acquire significant artworks that enhance the institution's modern and contemporary art collection, considering the historical and cultural relevance, artistic merit, and potential for public engagement.
Consults with private collectors for loans or gifts to the Museum.
Makes recommendations regarding loans to and from the Museum and works with the Registrar and Conservation Departments to ensure the appropriateness, safety, and condition of all loans.
Research and Scholarship: Conduct in-depth research on artists, art movements, and critical issues in modern and contemporary art, contributing to the institution's knowledge base and developing scholarly publications.
Conducts quality art historical research primarily focused on the permanent collection, acquisitions for the permanent collection, exhibitions and artist projects.
Pursues original research in the field, writing catalogs, articles and other materials for Museum publications. Collaborates cross-departmentally as needed.
Catalogues the collection of modern and contemporary art.
Assists in periodic surveys or inventories of the collection.
Collaborations and Partnerships: Cultivate relationships with artists, collectors, galleries, museums, and other cultural institutions to facilitate collaborations, loans, and acquisitions. Act as a representative of the institution within the art community locally, nationally, and internationally.
Acts as an advisor and curatorial liaison between the curatorial team and various artists in residence (GAPP, Digital Artist Residency, Community Gallery, etc.).
Participates and collaborates on the arrangements related to visiting scholars/artists/curators, including, but not limited to Museum-hosted symposiums and curatorial-driven events.
Presents gallery talks, docent lectures, and public lectures on relevant exhibitions and aspects of the permanent collection and field inquiries from the public.
Cultivates collectors for possible donations of art objects.
Works with the Development Office to develop fundraising support for acquisitions and exhibitions as appropriate.
Public Engagement: Develop engaging educational programs, lectures, and public events related to modern and contemporary art, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for diverse audiences.
Participates in the professional and intellectual discourse related to the Museum’s art collection as well as the museum profession; provides services to the disciplines through participation as an active member of professional organizations.
Provides tours of the Modern and Contemporary collection and speaking with visitors, donors and Museum support groups about curatorial initiatives and activities as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned or required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Master’s degree in art history in modern and contemporary or related field such as curatorial studies is required; Ph.D. in art history or related field is preferred.
At least 5-7 years of curatorial and collections experience; 4 years working in a museum setting.
Specialized knowledge of modern and contemporary art, including direct curatorial experience.
Strong analytical skills.
Experience working in a museum and a proven track record of realizing complex projects.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with diverse audiences and stakeholders, in small and large groups, in writing and with interpersonal communication skills, proficiency in a foreign language preferred. Ability to speak publicly and represent the Museum in a professional manner.
Visitor Engagement – deep interest in and experience with customer service and visitor engagement; actively seeks information to understand and anticipate visitor expectations, and needs. Builds rapport and cooperative relationships; considers how actions or plans will affect customers; responds quickly to meet customer needs and resolve problems.
Innovation – An unrestrained approach to problem-solving that generates new solutions and applies existing knowledge/practices in new ways; should constantly be seeking ways to improve the Museums processes and offerings.
Initiative – The vision and ability to make substantial changes at the Museum; takes prompt action to accomplish objectives; taking action to achieve goals beyond what is required; being proactive.
Adaptability – Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and occasional overnight travel; maintain effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment; adjust effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures.