Inspired by current exhibitions and community issues and interests, programming at the Henry is designed to excite and challenge the imagination, encouraging all ages to engage thoughtfully and creatively in inquiry, dialogue, and debate with contemporary art practices. The Art Liaison Program Manager is responsible for managing a cornerstone program initiated in 2020 to strengthen the Henry’s commitment to amplifying diverse voices and ideas by communicating that art is not solely for the “experts”; everyone’s life and learning can be enriched through contemporary art.
A core component of the Art Liaison Program Manager’s role is to mentor six University of Washington student interns training as art liaisons in a program that spans the academic year, guiding their weekly salon discussions and preparing them to offer independent and interactive community engagements related to museum exhibitions and other community arts efforts. Tandem to this mentoring role, the Manager will initiate or build upon existing relationships with community partners (including those on the University of Washington campuses) on the basis of the Art Liaison Program, generating new and collaborative approaches to developing Seattle arts ecologies.
In brief: The Art Liaison Program Manager will work closely with the Henry’s Curatorial, Communications, and Museum Services staff in facilitating the program; teach the affiliated salon-style course (Art 496); and participate in other tasks related to the program (outreach, scheduling, liaison supervision, program and exhibition tour development, professional development, and some administration). The weekly salon meeting is scheduled for Thursdays, 4-6:50.
STATUS: Regular part-time (annually September–June), FLSA non-exempt, non-benefitted
STARTING RATE: $25 per hour
SCHEDULE: 15 hours per week, September 6, 2022 - June 30, 2023. Liaison salon is scheduled Thursdays 4 - 6:50 PM on site at the Henry Art Gallery. Additional work hours determined in consultation with the Associate Curator of Public and Youth Programs. Some hours may be completed remotely. See essential functions for additional schedule requirements.
REPORTS TO: Associate Curator of Public and Youth Programs
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Teaching curriculum for the liaison program based upon core ideas and program precedents related to equity, antiracist museum practices, and accessible visitor experience
Collaborating with curators to identify key questions and issues related to current and upcoming exhibitions
Maintaining active communication with liaisons training in the program, offering support during salon sessions scheduled advising hours, and as related to public engagements
Coordinating with Programs and Communications staff to develop, initiate, and publicize and develop outreach for liaison engagements
Collaborating with Henry staff to initiate dialogue with community (including school and organizational) partners on the basis of the program and considering next steps for developing collaborative and cross-institutional engagements
Attending regular check-in meetings with the Associate Curator of Public and Youth Programs
Continually improving and refining design of the program
Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required
Masters’ Degree in Education, Museology, Art, or other relevant discipline and at least one year of museum or arts education teaching experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience can meet this requirement
Experience in arts interpretation and pedagogy
Proven ability to foster a dynamic and lively classroom environment
Experience working with students with diverse backgrounds
Excellent interpersonal skills
Attention to detail and ability to design an engaging, exciting, challenging curriculum
Ability to meet deadlines; proven ability to work well under pressure, with efficiency and excellence
Desire and initiative to continuously expand personal knowledge and skills
Self-directed with the ability to take initiative and anticipate actions needed; ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment and to be a team player in an active museum environment
Experience in program administration
Desired
Experience teaching within museum/university contexts
Deep and broad engagement in contemporary ideas and culture in keeping with the Henry’s mission
Proven understanding of contemporary art across disciplines
Knowledge of current local arts and cultural organizations, events and programs
Please send cover letter and resume in one document (pdf preferred) to opportunities@henryart.org. No phone calls, please.
Applications received by July 18, 2022 will be considered first. Initial review and interviews will begin July 19.
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.
Diverse perspectives make us stronger. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are encouraged to apply.