This post is expired. Click here to search for more listings.
The Nelson-Atkins in Kansas City, recognized nationally and internationally as one of America’s finest art museums, is seeking a Curator of Japanese Art to join its curatorial team.
The museum, which strives to be where the power of art engages the spirit of community, opens its doors free of charge to people of all backgrounds. The museum is an institution that both challenges and comforts, that both inspires and soothes, and it is a destination for inspiration, reflection and connecting with others.
The Curator, Japanese Art is responsible for research, exhibition, documentation, preservation, and growth of the Japanese art collection. The Curator is responsible for the permanent collection, gallery installations, and generating original exhibitions related to their expertise and collection area, and serves as a member of a larger team for curatorial, exhibition-related, and educational museum projects.
Responsibilities
Assists and advises the Director and CEO and Director of Curatorial Affairs on matters concerning the collections, their documentation, care, and disposition and exhibitions of Japanese art in all media. Researches, publishes, interprets and installs collection in novel ways. Collaborates with internal departments, donors, lenders, and artists to ensure a rich and vital program.
Conceptualizes and organizes exhibitions and collections installations in all media that place the collection in cultural and historical context; writes label copy and works with Interpretation team on installations, exhibitions and other interpretative strategies; plans programming with Public Programs, Membership and other departments; and collaborates with the Development division on donor relations. In consultation with these teams, organizes all aspects of exhibitions, including generating loans, securing venues for travel, and organizing installations.
Works to develop collections with area, national and international collectors to strengthen the museum’s collection through gifts and purchases. Liaises with artists, galleries, and lenders to commission work or secure loans for exhibitions.
Catalogues and conducts research on the Japanese collection —collaborating with other curatorial departments including Photography, American Art, Native American Art, European Painting and Sculpture, East Asian Art, South and Southeast Asian Art, African Art, and Architecture, Design and Decorative Arts as well as Registration department; updates document files and insurance valuation. Works with Conservation department on the care of works. Answers or directs inquiries and requests for information on collections.
Follows the art market and maintains dealer relations for new acquisitions; conducts research for possible purchases and/or gifts. Presents proposed acquisitions and deaccessions to the Director and CEO and Director of Curatorial Affairs. Supports the Director in promoting relationships with donors and collectors.
Conducts tours and lectures on the permanent collections and installations for the general public, museum docents, donors, and the media.
Requirements
Master’s Degree in Art History or related field required, PhD preferred. Demonstrated area of specialty in Japanese art.
Understanding of curatorial practices and methodology.
Knowledge and understanding of museum ethics and principles.
Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
Ability to operate in a team-based working environment.
Commitment to diversity and to serving the needs of a diverse community.
Museum experience building and working with collections.
Record of creating, organizing, installing, and writing essays and labels for special exhibitions respectful of all deadlines.
Experience producing projects in a timely manner, respecting budgets.
Demonstrated record of scholarship and leadership in acquisitions, exhibitions, and publications.
Ability and willingness to deal with a wide range of audiences and donors/stakeholders.
How to Apply
Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access and Success (IDEAS)
The Nelson Gallery Foundation is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of inclusion, diversity, equity, access and success. Our employees and volunteers are among our most valuable assets. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities, and talent that our employees and volunteers invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation and achievement as well.
We embrace and encourage our employees’ and volunteers’ differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make us unique.
NON-DISCRIMINATION
We firmly support the principle and philosophy of equal opportunity for all individuals, regardless of age, race, gender, creed, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected category pursuant to applicable federal, state or local law.
Tags
Posted on May 15