Exhibitions and Public Programs Curator

McEvoy Foundation for the Arts

Organization

McEvoy Foundation for the Arts presents exhibitions, conversations, screenings, and public programs that engage and amplify the themes and ideas the McEvoy Family Collection.

Position

The exhibitions and public programs curator is an experienced professional who is responsible for developing, organizing, and implementing McEvoy Arts artistic program. This program invites talented independent artists, curators, writers, filmmakers and other creative professionals to present highly inventive and engaging exhibitions, lectures, film screenings, performances, and readings, and conversations that respond to the works in the McEvoy Family Collection.

The position manages all aspects of this program including identifying and procuring promising project proposals for review and selection by McEvoy Arts’ leadership; cultivating programmatic and audience-driven partnerships and envisioning new programmatic models; and working with curators and artists to organize impactful exhibitions and public programs that will engage and delight an expanding audience base.

The exhibition and public programs curator is a lead member of a small, but highly collaborative and productive management team. They guide and co-lead support staff, technical support, external vendors, and other production team members.

The curator is a collaborator who builds trust and respect within and outside of McEvoy Arts. She/he/they value and welcome diverse perspectives and voices in the development of exhibitions and public programs. The curator is versed and comfortable integrating multiple artistic mediums into their vision. She/he/they are able to think across sites and platforms in meaningful, cohesive, and unexpected ways. She/he/they understand that curatorial practice is a creative act and can be an art form in and of itself.

The exhibitions and public programs curators reports to the executive director.

Responsibilities

– Works closely with the executive director to ensure that the organization’s vision is realized.

– Organizes and implements a robust schedule of exhibitions and public programs for broad and diverse audiences with an understanding of and commitment to McEvoy Arts’ vision and brand.

– Effectively leads and manages the advance exhibition and public programs calendar.  Oversees, develops, and maintains advance schedule, budgets, short and long-term plans and production schedules, and evaluations of the artistic program.

– Brings strong and effective stakeholder engagement and communication skills to board, staff peers and support, talent, and vendor relations.

– With guest curators and artists, staff, vendors, partners, and curator of the McEvoy Family Collection, drives all administrative and production needs including invitations and bookings, loans and loan agreements, contracts and permissions, exhibition inventories and checklists, insurance and security, condition reports, installation and de-installation, equipment rentals, service and supply purchases, documentation and archive management, and shipping logistics.

– In consultation with staff and guest curators, organizes and authors well researched, coherent, and compelling writing for interpretative materials for public release such as event, artwork, and exhibition descriptions, labels, gallery guides, and check lists. Writes, speaks, and presents the artistic program to both internal and external audiences.

– Organizes and presents materials for artistic program review meetings to select exhibitions and public programs.

– Ensures the safety and care of artworks. Assumes responsibility for the safety, storage, and transit of objects on display while on loan. Trains gallery staff on exhibition maintenance, safety, and art work care.

– Cultivates partnerships and foster relationships with institutions and individuals that increase access to and participation in the artistic program.

– Represents McEvoy Arts in the media and public interviews and in conversations with numerous creative communities, partner organizations, peers, and funders.

Qualifications

– Ample record of exhibition development and production, from concept through implementation.

– Experience producing and managing high-impact artistic programs, including commissioning and producing new art works, within budget and on schedule. 

– Experience and understanding of best practices in a professional museum or artist-centered organization.

– Additional skills and experience to lead people and muster necessary resources to execute highly professional productions in a variety of creative media.

– Working knowledge and understanding of regional, national, and international artistic practices and trends.

– Bachelor degree in art history, studio art, film, museum, theater, or performance studies required. Masters or other advanced degree helpful.

– A commitment to public service and the engagement of a variety of social, economic, and cultural perspectives.

– Proven writing, presentation, public speaking, and interpersonal communication skills.

– Active participation in local, national, and international arts activities and programs.

– High level of attention to detail and accuracy.

– Experience guiding, training, and supervising staff, volunteers, and outside vendors. 

– Familiarity with AV recording, media-based artworks, and presenting equipment and software.

– Multi-lingual skills a plus.

Salary

Commensurate with experience and qualifications. Excellent employee benefits include insurance for medical, dental, and vision services; retirement plan, and paid vacation, holidays and sick time.

Application

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to jobs@mcevoyarts.org. Please include “Exhibitions and Public Programs Curator” in the subject header.  Applications accepted through June 15, 2022. Due to high volume of applicants, we will only respond to those who are strong candidates for the position. Position open until filled.

Criminal Background Check

Due to the sensitivity and requirements of our positions, you should expect to undergo and be cleared of an employment background/criminal check, if extended an offer for employment. You may also be asked to provide proof of educational degree(s), licenses or credentials pertinent to the position.

Equal Employment Opportunities

McEvoy Foundation for the Arts is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive reconsideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.