Senior Curator

Appalachian State University•Boone, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Turchin Center, a unit of the Office of Arts Engagement & Cultural Resources, serves as Appalachian State University’s visual arts center. The center serves as a hub for the arts in western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee and southwestern Virginia, and is named for university benefactors Robert and Lillian Turchin. Featuring two wings of exhibition and support space and the Arnold P. Rosen Family Education Wing, the center is located on King Street in the heart of downtown Boone. The center’s exhibitions focus on a blend of contemporary and historically important artwork and feature works from local, regional, national and international artists. The center’s multi-faceted education and outreach programs provide opportunities for residents of all ages and backgrounds to experience the power and excitement of the visual arts. The Turchin Center presents rotating exhibitions in 6 galleries. The Senior Curator is responsible for the planning and execution of the exhibitions, works in close collaboration with all other functional areas of the TCVA team and is responsible for planning and managing the exhibition budget. The position’s instructional focus relates to exhibition content, and is administered by activities such as lectures, workshops, artist residencies and educational materials.

Requirements

5 years of curatorial experience in a gallery, museum or professional arts organization setting, with a documented record of significant exhibitions with an advanced degree in visual arts, art history, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience through a related bachelor’s degree with 10 years or more of curatorial experience
Extensive knowledge of international contemporary art, art history, and theory
Hands-on experience managing gallery spaces
Knowledge of physical requirements of exhibitions
Demonstrated experience in contemporary curatorial practice
Track record of building institutional and community collaborations and partnerships
Exceptional public speaking, writing, and editing skills
Superior interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work well with colleagues, other employees, faculty members, artists, donors, and community supporters
Strong organizational and planning skills
Excellent leadership and management skills, including the ability to thrive in a team-oriented, collaborative work setting
Supervisory experience, with the ability to bring out the best in staff through effective leadership and mentorship; a strong desire to build a cooperative and enthusiastic team
Knowledge of trends in the field and commitment to keeping informed about developments in museum best practices
History of robust public engagement, community outreach, and educational programming
Ability to create and manage project budgets
Familiarity and experience with current computer programs and technology
Track record as a self-starter and problem-solver who is creative, hard-working, tactful, detail-oriented, innovative and capable of working under the pressure of multiple deadlines

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a college/university museum/higher education environment
Experience teaching and/or coordinating programming in an academic setting
Demonstrated ability to develop and present exhibitions, collections, and interpretive programs that engage a wide range of audiences, reflect high curatorial standards, and contribute meaningfully to the institution’s mission and public impact
Interest in actively seeking out opportunities to support and develop public art and community art-making activities on campus
National network of colleagues and resources related to exhibition planning

Responsibilities

Undertaking research and planning activities which serve as the basis for meaningful instructional, educational, public service and community-building activities encompassed by the center’s programming.
Networking and relationship-building with artists, arts organizations, museum and gallery professionals across the nation and beyond.
Fostering strong connections with academic units across the university.
Managing/coordinating the artist submissions review process (including a proactive approach to generating a wide array of submissions).
Collaborating with the TCVA Collections Manager to coordinate exhibitions of works from the center’s Permanent Collection.
Seeking out and embracing community interests and needs, and creatively exploring curatorial opportunities to meet those needs.
Maintaining a commitment to annual programs historically supported by the center (including but not limited to the Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition, Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition, International Exhibition, and the Department of Art Faculty Exhibition).
Managing/coordinating the selection process for exhibitions, in collaboration with the Curatorial Team, drawing upon an interactive process which encourages active participation and involvement by other functional areas.
Effectively communicating the exhibition schedule to the entire TCVA staff, while inspiring conversation/dialog that creates positive energy and engagement by the staff in the execution of each selected exhibition.
Developing installation design plans for each exhibition; overseeing the installation and de-installation process.
Developing budgets that align with planned exhibition needs and budgetary parameters.
Developing a framework and structure for educational activities, in order to ensure meaningful curriculum connections for the university classroom and K-12 classes as well as educational resources for the community at large.
Collecting necessary information (artist statements, bios, exhibition images, etc.) while developing creative and engaging communication strategies that build on the unique character of each exhibition.
Serving as the center’s primary liaison with exhibiting artists.
Ensuring completion of contracts/loan agreements.
Working with TCVA Preparator to oversee the delivery/shipment of work.
Working with artists to secure travel arrangements.
Assuming primary responsibility for management of the exhibitions budget.
Working with the Curatorial Team to ensure the highest level of professional care and stewardship is devoted to works of art.
Preparing regular reports to TCVA executive director, staff and advisory council.
Providing information and guidance to the TCVA team regarding museum best practices.
Working with other areas of the university to ensure compliance with requirements relating to such areas as inventory management, insurance procedures, etc.
Representing the center at selected events, if requested.
Meeting with staff from other functional areas to guide the formation of programs that connect exhibition programs and themes to each of their respective areas: Marketing, Visitor Services, Education and Outreach, Development/Donor and External Relations; Budget and Administrative.