The Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) is located on the campus of the University of Utah, and holds a collection of almost 19,000 objects and art works from Greek and Roman antiquities to global contemporary art. Founded in 1914, the UMFA is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is the state of Utah’s official art museum charged with creating exhibitions and public programs that serve a wide variety of audiences.
Job Requirements
The Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art is responsible for overseeing the management and growth of the UMFA’s collection of 20th and 21st century art, and for organizing exhibitions of modern and contemporary art at the UMFA, including the museum’s new salt gallery, a project space for emerging global contemporary art.
Responsibilities:
1.Develop and implement a cohesive vision and strategy for the UMFA’s existing collection of modern and contemporary works of art to benefit both the University community and the broader public.
2.Build the collection by making recommendations for acquisition of modern and contemporary art made possible by endowments for the purchase of 20th and 21st century art, and participate in the development of a museum-wide collecting strategy.
3.Develop and curate rigorous exhibitions (both large and small) of modern and contemporary art using works of art from the UMFA’s collection as well as loaned objects.
4.Curate the Museum’s salt series of semi-annual contemporary exhibitions featuring the work of global, emerging artists.
5.Work with colleagues in the field and at the Museum to schedule exhibition tours, to secure loaned exhibitions, and to develop collaborative exhibition projects as well as an overarching exhibition program for the Museum.
6.Assist in the development and production of interpretive strategies and materials as they relate to exhibition projects and permanent installations of the collections.
7.Collaborate with the Director of Education and other Museum staff in the creation and management of interpretive materials, publicity materials, and public programs for a variety of audiences.
8.Lecture on and lead tours of the Museum’s exhibitions and collections, and participate in other program activities related to the modern and contemporary art collection.
9.Train docents and volunteers in specific content areas and museum best practices.
10.Encourage and facilitate the use of UMFA resources and collaborative programming with University of Utah faculty and students.
11.Conduct or oversee original research, and interpret the UMFA’s modern and contemporary collection.
12.Assist faculty, students, scholars, docents, and members of the community in research of the UMFA’s collections and exhibitions.
13.Work with Museum staff to develop fundraising strategies for the modern and contemporary art collection and actively participate in the solicitation process including identifying, and cultivating donors and collectors.
14.Interact as needed with the Museum’s Board of Directors and Collections & Program Committee and work with development staff to oversee a donor group (the Young Benefactors) aimed at supporting the UMFA’s modern and contemporary collection and exhibition program.
15.Collaborate with collections staff to develop and implement preservation and conservation strategies of the highest professional standards for the UMFA collection.
16.Perform administrative duties related to the functions of the position, including the management of budgets for exhibitions and programs.
•M.A. in Art History required. PhD in Art History, or related field, strongly preferred.
•A minimum of four years relevant museum experience with a substantial record of exhibition-making, publications, public presentations, and service to the field.
•In-depth knowledge of American and International modern and contemporary art and participation in the national and international art and curatorial community.
•Familiarity with museum best practices and current trends in the field.
•A passionate advocate for artists.
•Teaching experience at the University level is a plus.
•Excellent working relationships with colleagues in the field, including collectors, artists, gallerists, critics, and scholars.
•Proven history of excellent scholarship, as well as excellent writing, communication, interpersonal, management and administrative skills.
•Proven ability to manage budgets.
•Collaborative, collegial, creative, and resourceful approach to work.
•Demonstrated integrity in all professional matters.
•Enjoys working with students, docents, college interns, volunteers, and general audiences.
The Curator should support the UMFA’s commitment to cultural diversity, and be committed to innovative approaches to exhibition-making and collaborative partnerships with other departments and organizations across campus, with organizations in the community, and with colleagues and other institutions regionally and nationally.
All applicants must submit an application through the University of Utah’s online job application program. Applications should include a cover letter, current resume or CV, a list of three professional references, and examples (PDFs) of exhibition catalogues, scholarly writing, and other publications.
Please, no telephone calls.
Applications accepted until position is filled.
The University of Utah is an equal opportunity employer.
Defined tags for this entry:
job,
utah
