Chief Curator
2 months ago
Institution Overview:
Founded in 1843, the College of the Holy Cross stands as a premier liberal arts institution in the United States, located in Worcester, Massachusetts. This highly selective, four-year undergraduate college serves approximately 3,000 students and is recognized for its rigorous and personalized education grounded in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition.
The College values the diverse skills, perspectives, and talents that each member contributes to its academic community. Working at Holy Cross means engaging in the growth and development of students, faculty, and staff alike. The commitment to diversity is a cornerstone of the Holy Cross educational experience, fostering a community characterized by freedom, mutual respect, and civility.
We invite candidates from all backgrounds who resonate with our values of diversity and inclusiveness to consider this opportunity.
Position Overview:
Reporting directly to the Provost and Dean of the College, the Chief Curator of the Cantor Art Gallery will oversee all facets of the gallery's fine art exhibition program and its year-round operations. This includes the selection, curation, development, and scheduling of exhibitions and related programming that actively engages students, faculty, staff, and the broader Worcester community.
The Chief Curator will play a pivotal leadership role, collaborating with faculty to co-curate exhibitions that align with the academic curriculum.
In addition to managing the operational and administrative functions of the Cantor Art Gallery, the Chief Curator will be responsible for the stewardship of the gallery's permanent collection, which encompasses over 2,000 objects.
Furthermore, the Chief Curator will design events and educational programs that enhance the College's pedagogical objectives, offering students and visitors the chance to engage with a diverse array of contemporary and historical art, while learning about various artists, art movements, and culturally significant topics.
Key Responsibilities:
Exhibitions:
Curate and collaborate with faculty and independent curators to create original and diverse exhibitions that challenge and engage the academic and creative lives of the College community and the Worcester area. Develop a multi-year exhibition schedule for the Cantor Art Gallery and the Cantor Foundation Resource Gallery.
Engage with faculty across disciplines and guest curators to facilitate special exhibitions, and coordinate the annual senior visual arts majors' thesis exhibition.
Manage the installation of all exhibitions, including design, layout, transportation, and handling of artworks.
Oversee gallery publications, including announcements and exhibition catalogs.
Collections Management:
Administer the Cantor Art Gallery's Permanent Collection, maintaining a digital inventory and ensuring the ongoing care and conservation of displayed works. Coordinate the lending of artworks to other institutions and manage the acquisition of new pieces for the collection.
Leadership and Operations:
Develop and implement educational programming, workshops, tours, and outreach activities for the College and local community. Supervise gallery staff and manage the gallery's budget, seeking grants and external funding as necessary.
Establish and maintain professional relationships with arts organizations, collectors, and other galleries, ensuring the safety and security of exhibitions and collections.
Qualifications:
Applicants should possess an MA or MFA in studio art, art history, arts administration, museum studies, or a related field; a PhD is preferred. A minimum of 3-5 years of curatorial and administrative experience is required, along with a demonstrated ability to engage diverse groups through programming and outreach.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential, as is an understanding of the significance of liberal arts education. Candidates should have proven project and staff management experience, as well as budget and finance management skills.
Applicants must be able to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
Additional Information:
This is a full-time, exempt position. The College of the Holy Cross is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and adheres to all relevant laws regarding Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action in the workplace.