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ASSOC CURATOR, ART MUSEUM
Job Title: ASSOC CURATOR, ART MUSEUM
Job Code: 2832
FLSA: E
Job Level: 00
Revised Date: 08/01/2022
Job Family: JF 28
Occupational Summary
This is a unique position that will focus primarily on the Nasher's historical collections and requires expertise in European art circa 1300-1900, as well as some familiarity with contemporary art. In addition to helping coordinate and manage exhibitions and related programming, this individual must think creatively and collaboratively about how to realize critical, trans-historical connections in the galleries. The curator in this position is an integral member of the museum's curatorial team, reports to the Chief Curator, and also works closely with other departments including Academic Initiatives, Education, Marketing and Engagement, and Registrar.
Work Performed
Produce installations from the permanent collection and act as coordinating curator for exhibitions originating elsewhere and those guest curated by Duke faculty. Where relevant, create budgets, travel to other venues, liaise with exhibition curators and other museum and gallery professionals, review contracts, negotiate loans, create floor plans, contribute to grant applications, seek out travel venues for Nasher shows, and give presentations.
Undertake major object-based art historical research in libraries, special collections, and online resources related both to the exhibition program and to the collections. Provide updated information for curatorial files and TMS. Facilitate and support research on the collection by faculty, students, and outside researchers.
Work with an inter-departmental team to review and ensure ongoing ethical stewardship and best practices with regard to institutional collecting. Research objects with potential Nazi-Era provenance issues in the permanent collection and proposed acquisitions. Post objects on NEPIP and Art Loss Register. Coordinate with Registrars to post relevant works on eMuseum site. Perform general provenance research on the permanent collection, maintaining records for object files. Publish and/or publicly share findings when possible.
Write and edit gallery text for own exhibitions, including labels, introductory texts, and relevant didactic materials. Continuously reconsider, research, and rewrite texts for the permanent collection as they relate to new initiatives, installations, and the museum's evolving priorities. Edit curatorial content, including web text and labels, for all exhibitions and provide feedback on text by other departments (ex: Education, Academic Initiatives).
Develop and coordinate exhibition programming. Work closely with scholars, community members, and living artists. Facilitate visits, introduce speakers, and assist at relevant programs/events with Nasher staff.
Work with Education, Development, and Engagement staff to produce materials to promote, publicize, and interpret exhibitions and public programs.
Work with curatorial and other departments to identify deaccessioning priorities. Research and propose lists for deaccession according to best practices.
Seek out and facilitate acquisitions and donations to the permanent collection, particularly works that bridge the Nasher's historical and contemporary collections.
Attend Board of Advisors meetings and present relevant proposed acquisitions and exhibitions. Write board meeting materials, including justifications.
Work with Exhibitions and Publications Manager and curators on relevant aspects of catalogues related to own or coordinated exhibitions.
Work with Registrars and curators to consider works in permanent collection needing conservation. Manage and oversee conservation projects from start to finish.
Supervise departmental interns and occasionally contribute to Concentration in Museum Theory and Practice through guest lecturing or co-teaching.
Required Qualifications at this Level
Education/Training
Master's degree in art history or related field required.
Experience
Requires five years related museum experience.
Skills
See job description for requirements.
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
