Associate Curator
The Museum Of Contemporary Art Detroit
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MOCAD’s Associate Curator is a passionate advocate for contemporary art that provokes and engages a diverse public. The Associate Curator is a key team member of MOCAD’s Curatorial Department, which encompasses exhibitions and artist-driven initiatives. The position works closely with the Artistic Director, Exhibitions + Facilities Manager, and other Associate Curator to execute a robust curatorial program at the museum. They are a key member of the Museum’s team, actively participating in articulating the organization’s vision and mission, while working collaboratively with MOCAD’s other Associate Curator. The Associate Curator also works closely with the Exhibitions + Facilities Manager to forge collaborations across collectors, galleries, institutions, and the broader art world, building support for MOCAD’s artistic program.
Responsibilities
Tasks and Responsibilities
Exhibitions
Maintain a thorough knowledge of contemporary art practice through visits to exhibitions, artists’ studios, conferences and discussions; maintain good contact with the profession and to keep abreast of critical debates and developments in museums and the arts, both within the United States and internationally.
Work with the Artistic Director to deliver a robust curatorial program that encourages a theme based approach to knowledge sharing.
Work closely with the Exhibitions + Facilities team to ensure the plans exhibits aligns with MOCAD’s budget and timelines. Work with the same steam to develop floor plans for said presentations.
Be present and readily available for the installation of any assigned exhibitions
Research, author and edit exhibition-related printed matter, including wall vinyl, labels, gallery guides, catalogs and exhibition invitations.
Seek and develop opportunities for collaboration and partnership working with third parties to maximize resources where possible.
Work at all exhibition openings and other MOCAD events as needed in assigned roles.
Public Programs
Contribute to the conceptualization of public programs aimed at engaging new and diverse audiences for MOCAD through a mix of exhibitions and education offerings that develop audience understanding of contemporary art.
Work closely with the Community Engagement team including youth programs and Teen Council to deliver said programs as needed.
Advise on Exhibition related MOCAD store murchandise pertaining to the exhibitions.
Special Events + Fundraising
Actively work with the Artistic Director, COO and Director of Development to support any fundraising efforts for the museum including grant, private donor or corporate sponsorships.
Collaborate with the Exhibitions Manager in the solicitation of artwork for MOCADs annual gala auction.
Participate in public events as curator including moderating artist talks, attending events on behalf of MOCAD, and serving on panels.
Administration
In collaboration with the Artistic Director, Exhibitions + Facilities Manager and Exhibitions and Facilities Coordinator, to collaborate on the tracking of exhibitions related budgets.
Communicate expectations to artists as it relates to exhibition administration. This includes communicating with artists regarding deadlines and supporting the exhibitions teams with necessary information to facilitate the creation and distribution of artist/curator contracts, loan and commissioning agreements.
Maintain clear and organized records related to research, artists, exhibitions, curatorial writing, catalogs, and anything related to the curatorial department.
Requirements
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Fine Arts, Arts Education or related studies, Master’s degree preferred.
A minimum of 5 years of curatorial experience in a museum, arts non-profit or art gallery.
Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities, with a “get it done” personality.
Demonstrated portfolio of working with underrepresented artists
A demonstrated understanding of progressive D.E.I.A strategies
Adept at cultivating new resources in support of exhibitions and public projects;
Demonstrated ability working with artists and colleagues including engaging with donors and trustees;
In-depth knowledge of and enthusiasm for global contemporary visual art, artists, museums and exhibitions, including a strong and diverse network of professional contacts in the field.
Ability to represent the museum with the highest level of integrity and professionalism, advocate for and adhere to museum policies, and contribute to and support management decisions in a positive, professional manner
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work on a team.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with approachable communication qualities.
Experience with general administrative duties.
Working knowledge of Apple OSX, MS Office Suite (Word and Excel), Adobe Creative Suite
(Photoshop), and File Maker Pro (or similar database program). Basic knowledge of PhotoShop and InDesign are very useful.