The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art invites all people to explore the art in its care, and through its vast collections, the depths, and complexities of human experiences.
We strive to create a sense of belonging, where staff and volunteers can do meaningful work connecting people to art. We create an informed, invested group of staff and volunteers through shared values and open, direct, and respectful communication. We embrace IDEAS (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Sustainability) in every aspect of our ideals and aspirations, as we believe these values to be paramount to success.
Each staff member and volunteer will embody the institution’s commitments and agrees to exhibit behaviors that align with them. We hold one another to these expectations so that, together, we may know, own, energize and sustain our culture and the institution for generations to come.
Curator, Native American Art
Reporting to the Deputy Director, Curatorial Affairs, the Curator, Native American Art, is responsible for research, exhibition, documentation, preservation, and growth of the Native American art collection. The Curator is responsible for the permanent collection, gallery installations, and generating original exhibitions related to their expertise and collection area and serves as a member of a larger cross-institutional teams including, but not limited to, curatorial, exhibition-related, outreach, development, and educational museum projects.
**Preference in filling this role will be given to qualified, Native American candidates enrolled in a federally recognized tribe.**
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Collection: Assists and advises the Director and CEO and Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs on matters concerning the collection, their documentation, care, and disposition and exhibitions of Native American art in all media.
- Special Exhibitions: Conceptualizes and organizes exhibitions and collections installations in all media that place the collection in cultural and historical contexts. Acts as venue/presenting curator for incoming traveling exhibitions related to collections area.
- Collection Acquisition: Works to develop collections with area, national and international collectors to strengthen the museum’s collection through gifts and purchases. Liaises with artists, galleries, and lenders to commission work or secure loans for exhibitions. Follows the art market and maintains dealer relations for new acquisitions; conducts research for possible purchases and/or gifts. Presents proposed acquisitions and deaccessions to the Director and CEO and Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs.
- Research: Catalogues and conducts research on Native American art collections—collaborating with other curatorial departments including African Art; American Art; Architecture, Design and Decorative Arts; Contemporary Art; East Asian Art; European Arts; Modern Art; Photography; and South and Southeast Asian Art, as well as Registration department; updates document files and insurance valuation. Works with Conservation department on the care of works.
- Donor Relationships: Supports the Director and Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs, as well as Development Department in promoting relationships with donors and collectors.
- Tours/Lectures: Conducts tours and lectures on the permanent collections and installations for the public, museum docents, donors, the media, and community groups.
