Curator of Textiles and Fashion

Honolulu Museum of Art

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Under the general direction of the Director of Curatorial Affairs, the Curator Textiles and Fashion directs the development, care and use of the textile and fashion collection and storage. The collection consists of nearly 6,000 objects, from over 70 countries with a heavy emphasis on Asian textiles, particularly Indonesia, Japan, China, India as well as significant holdings from Hawaii and the Pacific. These range from accessories, furnishings, costumes and fashion, from archaeological fragments to contemporary art. The Curator of Textiles and Fashion is a member of the Curatorial team who serves as a liaison between the museum and external agencies, collectors, donors, artists and community members to foster interest in the museum collection and enable mission-aligned access to our stellar textile holdings through exhibitions, research, and programs. Our ambitious program covers the depth and breadth of art – from major thematic exhibitions and surveys of established artists, solo contemporary art exhibitions and artistic projects, to presentations of new work by emerging artists. With a renewed commitment to expanding the art historical narratives commonplace in museums, Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA) is actively presenting perspectives from around the world through the display of art with a particular focus on the contemporary world.

Responsibilities
  • Develops concepts for and implements exhibitions

  • Writes gallery text, object labels, publication essays, and exhibition catalogue content

  • Responsible for maintaining and building textile collection through acquisitions and deaccessions

  • Collaborates with multiple departments including Collections, Installation, Development, Communications, Doris Duke Theatre team, and Leaning and Engagement

  • Develops and maintains budget for the textile program

  • Must oversee compliance with state and federal law for textiles pertaining to issues of NAGPRA and international repatriation

  • Supervises volunteers and student interns

  • Participates in both short and long-term planning for department and museum

  • Facilitates research internally and with external scholars and practitioners

  • Conducts staff and docent training

  • Maintains professional memberships and alliances with other institutions and cultural organizations

  • Willing to share knowledge with the public through lectures, programs, and outreach

  • Prepares textiles for installation

  • Other duties as assigned.

Traits and characteristics:

Must be bright, creative, collaborative, diplomatic, analytical, of the highest integrity, and possess sound judgement and humility.

Working Conditions and Atmosphere:

Works with minimum supervision. Work will often be performed with short deadlines and situations sensitive to the Museum. Regular office hours are required. Due to the nature of the responsibilities, evening and weekend work is sometimes required, and at times may be on an emergency basis.

Work involves climbing ladders, handling up to 30 pounds or standing or walking for more than four hours per day. Must be able to withstand cool temperatures in office and in storage. Work may be performed in office, museum or field environment. Some travel required.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

  • B.A., B.F.A. in art history, fine art, fashion, textile studies, or related field with equivalent work experience in a museum with the focus on textiles and fashion

  • Specialized knowledge of textiles and fashion history, both historic and contemporary

  • Excellent research and writing skills for both scholarly and public audiences

  • Textile handling, packing, and storage experience

  • Mastery of basic computer programs including word, and excel; and aptitude to navigate TMS, HoMA’s collection database

  • Ability to achieve and sustain best curatorial practices

  • Posses strong verbal and written communication skills

  • Must be able to perform textile related duties, such as sewing, weaving, washing, ironing and steaming

  • Committed to engaging a diverse audience and developing community around program

Desired Qualifications:

  • M.A., M.F.A. in art history, fine art, fashion, textile studies, or related field or equivalent work experience in a museum with the focus on textiles and fashion

  • Experience in museum environment or arts nonprofit organization

  • Previous work creating dynamic permanent, temporary, and traveling exhibitions for diverse audiences

  • Best practice knowledge for textile and fashion conservation and preservation

  • Familiar with collection acquisition practices and procedures

  • Demonstrated ability to work with donors, scholars, community members, and school groups

How to Apply

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibilities and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work duties and requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

The Honolulu Museum of Art maintains a policy of nondiscrimination in all employment practices and decisions, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, including gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, arrest and court record, citizenship, credit history, military service, victim of domestic or sexual abuse status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law. This applies to both Honolulu Museum of Art employees and applicants for employment with the Museum. Any form of harassment of any employee because of any protected status is also prohibited.

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Posted on May 16