Curator/Associate Curator of Contemporary Art

The Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida seeks a Curator/Associate Curator of Contemporary Art to strengthen the development, research, presentation, interpretation, renown, and growth of the Museum’s collection of global contemporary art representing all media. The title of Curator or Associate Curator and its corresponding compensation will depend upon education and curatorial experience. In addition to specializing in contemporary art, theory or practice, the ideal candidate will possess at least one year of curatorial or research experience in the history of art by Latinx, African, African-American, African-diasporic, or Indigenous artists. The preferred candidate for the Curator/Associate Curator of Contemporary Art is an accomplished professional in contemporary art with a record of scholarship, publications, acquisitions, exhibitions, and collaborative programming. The candidate may be an emerging or already established curator.

The Harn’s Curator/Associate Curator of Contemporary Art leads the development, management, and interpretation of the museum’s contemporary art collection encompassing more than 2,000 objects of international art in all media. Global in perspective, the collection focuses on relevant issues and ideas in contemporary art practice. Thematic currents in the collection include an emphasis on social and political conditions, a concentration on materials and process, and conceptual modes of practice. The contemporary collection is presented in thematic exhibitions in an expansive 6,500 square-foot gallery within the Mary Ann Harn Cofrin Pavilion and the adjacent Bob and Nancy Magoon Garden. Major examples of outdoor contemporary sculpture are installed on the Harn grounds and the adjacent Cultural Plaza. Working in partnership with the Chief Curator and Director, the Curator/Associate Curator of Contemporary Art takes the lead on the outdoor sculpture program at the Harn. Dynamic connections and synergies also exist with the Harn’s Asian, photography, and modern collections providing many opportunities for collaboration across curatorial departments in terms of acquisitions, exhibitions, and programs.

The University of Florida provides many rich opportunities for scholarly interaction with fellow Harn curators and professional colleagues. This candidate will possess the ability to and interest in collaborating on interdisciplinary exhibitions and related projects with other units across campus.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Developing the contemporary art collection through gifts and purchases in consultation with the Director and Chief Curator; supervising the cataloguing and management of the contemporary art collection in consultation with the Registrar.
• Interpretation of the permanent collection of contemporary art through exhibitions and publications in a variety of formats such as catalogue essays, wall texts, articles for the museum’s magazine, and website.
• Collaboration on interdisciplinary exhibitions, related programs and publications with Harn colleagues and with diverse groups of colleagues, faculty, and students across campus as well as with other museums nationally and internationally.
• In collaboration with the Museum Director and Associate Director of Development, cultivation and stewardship of donor relationships and conception/development of grants projects to support exhibitions and programs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Master’s Degree in art history or related field, or Bachelor’s degree in art, art history, museum studies, or a related field and four years of museum curatorial experience or any equivalent combination of experience, training, or education.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• PhD or Master’s degree in art history or related field, with a specialization in contemporary art, theory, or practice; three to five years of museum curatorial experience.
• Accomplished professional in contemporary art or visual culture with a record of scholarship, publications, acquisitions, exhibitions, public speaking, and collaborative programming.
• At least one year of specialized curatorial or research experience in the history of art by Latinx, African, African-American, African-diasporic, or Indigenous artists is highly desirable.
• Commitment to working within a university setting and with diverse audiences and communities.
• Ability to collaborate with university faculty, students and interns, museum staff, professional colleagues, and museum supporters to achieve institutional goals.
• Knowledge of critical theories and histories of decolonization, race, class, ability, gender and sexuality in the production, reception, and institutionalization of art.
• Demonstrated investment in creating and fostering diversity and inclusivity through record of museum curatorial practice.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Strong public speaking and written presentation skills.
• Eagerness to work collaboratively and in an innovative manner.
• Experience in donor cultivation and grant development.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 30, 2024

For more information and to apply directly online go to: https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/532717/curatorassociate-curator-of-contemporary-art

The reference number for this vacancy is 532717

Salary: $53,000 – $87,000 commensurate with experience.