JOB PURPOSE:
Under the supervision of the Director and Chief Curator facilitates the use of the UW Art Museum’s collections for academic and teaching purposes. The Curator initiates, plans, and leads university class visits in the galleries, print study room, studio, and collections storage as appropriate. The Curator coordinates academic projects, such as faculty and student research collaborations and symposia, and plans, researches, and installs two exhibitions annually in the Pat Guthrie Special Exhibitions Teaching Gallery. The Curator may supervise interns or teaching artists, perform other associated research, lead art making classes, and/or administrative tasks.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Teaching
- Research upcoming courses and contact faculty about bringing relevant classes to the museum. Meet with them to discuss visit goals. Create lesson plans.
- Research and prepare for classes as necessary and design written/digital supplemental materials and activities, which may include artmaking.
- Use inquiry model and object-based teaching and learning as a foundation to facilitate university class visits to the museum.
- After being thoroughly trained in art handling, assist the Collections Manager with pulling/putting away objects from storage for class visits. Collaborate with the Collection Manager to schedule classes that plan to use artwork that is not on view.
- Create and lead workshops for university faculty and graduate students on inquiry-based, object-based research and teaching techniques.
- With guidance from the Collections Manager, supervise individuals visiting storage or the print study room for research and assignments, such as faculty, visiting scholars, and graduate and undergraduate students.
- Teach courses according to specialty and advise students in Museum Studies minor as needed.
Curation
- Curate a spring and fall semester Teaching Gallery exhibition in partnership with up to 4 faculty.
- Work closely with faculty and students using the Teaching Gallery for classes or projects.
- Coordinate other faculty and class art installations as needed.
- Participate in curation of exhibitions related to the museum’s permanent collection and exhibition evaluation.
Research and Creative Activities
- Become well-informed and seek out information on initiatives across the university and interdisciplinary collaborations within academic departments and institutes including, but not limited to, the Science Initiative, Engineering, Health Sciences, Energy Resources, and Honors.
- Initiate conversations and pursue collaborations that foster the use of the museum as a laboratory for learning.
Service
- Manage the use and schedule of the Art Museum’s Resource Room and Print Study Room.
- Participate in designing and organizing programs related to exhibitions that will appeal to and engage the University community and program assessment.
- Serve as the primary UWAM Faculty Senate representative.
Professional Development
- Attend and present innovative programs and museum resources at campus workshops and at relevant conferences.
Requirements
This position provides vital support to campus customers and requires the successful candidate be available to work on campus.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- MA in art history or related humanities field
- 1 year experience in a museum or university setting
- 1 year experience working with and interpreting art or historical objects
- Valid driver’s license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) that is compliant with the University Vehicle Use Policy.
The position requires a strong orientation toward collaborative and interdisciplinary work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, and the ability to work both autonomously and collectively as needed. Foreign language helpful.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- PhD in Art History or related humanities field, ABD accepted
- 2-3 years in museums, academic, or instructional settings including working with faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students
- 1 year teaching at the college level including acting as a teaching assistant, museum teacher or interpreter, or instructor of record
- 1 year of museum or gallery experience working with and interpreting art or historical objects
- Strong visual literacy and critical thinking skills.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
- Highly developed organizational capabilities and ability to work autonomously and collectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent writing and research skills.
- Demonstrated deep commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and collaboration with a cross-disciplinary approach to original works of art.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Complete the online application and upload the following for a complete application: cover letter, resume or C.V. and contact information for four work-related references. This position will remain open until filled. Complete applications received by 11/5/2023 will receive full consideration.
