This post is expired. Click here to search for more listings.
Lehmann Maupin Gallery (LMG) seeks a dynamic and forward-thinking individual with a profound knowledge of 21st-century global art history and current artistic trends, to join the team as its new Curatorial Director (CD). Reporting to the gallery co-founders, Rachel Lehmann and David Maupin, the CD will be an integral part of the senior leadership team responsible for advancing the Gallery’s strategic priorities for the artists the gallery represents. This is a unique opportunity for a bold, entrepreneurial leader to create and implement a tactical vision that impacts the career of LMG’s artists at every level and reinforces LMG as the leader in the field of contemporary art.
An effective advocate and champion of contemporary art, the ideal candidate will be eager to develop proficiency around the gallery’s artistic program, mission, and philosophy with the goal of leveraging their relationships within the museum and curatorial communities. From these relationships, the new CD will work to secure focused projects and opportunities that lead to enhanced visibility and recognition, successful museum acquisitions, exhibition inclusion, and scholarly projects for artists in LMG’s program. In line with LMG’s culture as an artistic incubator, the ideal candidate will encourage thought partnership and experimentation, challenging others to push creative bounds while adhering to strategic priorities.
The CD will be a charismatic team player and thought partner who possesses strong and persuasive communication and negotiation skills, gravitas, interpersonal savvy, and an outgoing demeanor. They will possess the skills and temperament to foster inter and cross-departmental synergy with their gallery colleagues and have a critical understanding and respect for the role each plays in achieving LMG’s overall goals. Furthermore, they will lead by example on issues of diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. They will align the LMG’s strategic priorities as well as its people, processes, and policies with the gallery’s organizational values and aspirations to create a culture where anti-racism and cross-culturalism permeate every aspect of the LMG’s work.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities
Curatorial Vision and Strategic Leadership
Represent LMG as curatorial liaison with global institutions and curators (museums and biennials); build the reputation of the gallery’s artists through collaboration with curatorial colleagues, and cultural organizations to secure museum exhibitions and acquisition, and publications
Build on current internal planning to further develop strategic loans, sales, and placement of artwork; develop an astute roadmap that clearly communicates how the CD’s role both aligns with and enhances overall plan in the short- and long term
Work with LMG artists and artist liaisons to identify a bold and inspired tactical approach for Museum acquisitions and exhibition inclusion that broadens the artist’s exposure and amplifies the reputation of their work
Develop and foster a bond with Gallery artists to secure their best work and identify opportunities to leverage their portfolios. Encourage and assist with their participation in art fairs, biennials, symposiums, contemporary-art prizes, and important artist fellowships and residencies.
Bring fresh eyes and an innovative perspective to exhibitions, program content and acquisitions and expand outreach to up and coming and established artists on local, national, and international levels.
Create and promote a positive, equitable, and inclusive work environment that encourages innovation and supports consistency throughout the organization’s strategy; lead by example in LMG’s endeavors to examine and contribute to equity goals in the Gallery’s hiring practices and workplace culture
CD will create engaging programming around gallery exhibitions such as Artist Talks and/or Performances
Requirements
Preferred Profile & Qualifications
The Curator will possess the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:
Possess and communicate a passion for art and scholarship; champion ongoing innovative exhibitions and programmatic content that is consistent with LMG’s mission, and values and surpasses expectations
Strong national and international network of global museum leaders and curators, artists, and other professional colleagues; maintains and pursues professional affiliations in scholarly organizations, professional societies, and relevant committees
Substantial experience and record of achievements developing and delivering exhibitions and acquisitions; a record of scholarly research and publications preferred
Exemplary people skills with a passion for networking; skillful at creating and nurturing influential relationships within the arts community
Authentic and personal commitment to elevating all voices, artworks, and perspectives and striving to support racial equity; demonstrated commitment to furthering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in museum collections, exhibitions, and spaces
Strong project management skills, with the ability to simultaneously focus on “big picture” goals and day-to-day research and administrative tasks; attentive to detail, and proven ability to complete work with accuracy and precision
Exceptional research, and verbal and written communication skills; other languages a plus
Experience in positions requiring independence and minimal supervision, and a high level of discretion and responsibility regarding administrative matters and project management
A multitasker who is nimble and open to experimentation yet able to make decisions; cool under pressure; resilient
Team player with a keen sense of initiative and a strong work ethic; high level of personal and professional integrity, and trustworthiness
Advanced degree in art history or equivalent experience required
Minimum of 7 years of experience in working in museums, galleries, and/or other curatorial capacities required
Must be willing to travel (artist studios, biennials, and museum visits)
Key Competencies
Action Oriented – Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
Builds Network – Effectively building formal and informal relationship networks inside and outside the organization.
Collaborates – Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
Interpersonal Savvy – Relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people.
Being Resilient – Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations.
Drives Results – Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
Strategic Mindset – Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies.
Fast Paced – Highly organized and flexible working in high-intensity environment