Curator of Art

Under general direction, a Curator of Art performs specialized, professional work involving the care, selection, presentation, and interpretation of works of Art; supervises installation; performs research; meets with gallery owners, boards, and the public concerning art acquisition, care, and exhibition.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This classification is populated with multiple incumbents. The Curator of Art positions differ from the Program Specialist in that the former require specialized training in art, art history, or a related field, rather than the more general studies of public, business, or personnel administration. The Curator of Art is distinguished from the Curator of Education in that the former focuses on the selection, care, and presentation of the art work itself, while the latter's duties center on development, coordination, and direction of Art museum educational and public relations programs.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
General direction is provided by the Director, Crocker Museum. Administrative supervision is provided by the Director Convention, Culture and Leisure. Responsibilities include the direct and indirect supervision of professional, technical, and clerical staff.TYPICAL DUTIES
- Develops plans for and supervises the art installations in at least one of the museum's primary collections; designs exhibits including overall conception, and coordinates and supervises the physical installation of works of Art, including object placement; supervises the care and preservation of works of Art.
- Researches, identifies, classifies, and writes didactic material relating to exhibitions including object lists, labels, copy for membership newsletter, gallery guides, and/or other materials; conducts research in connection with identifying and describing objects in the collections.
- Plans and organizes loan exhibitions; meets with artists, gallery owners, art related and board groups, and members of the public to discuss potential exhibitions, view collections, solicit potential gifts, and make recommendations for acquisition.
- Provides lectures, tours and training to the Board, public and docents; answers inquiries from the public; prepares correspondence and reports.
- Prepares budget recommendations and cost estimates for specialized programs; reviews and approves expenditures.
- Trains, supervises, and coordinates activities of subordinate personnel and volunteers.
- Performs other or related duties as required.Knowledge of:
- Art museums and their role in the educational and cultural life of the community.
- Organization and practices in a modern art museum.
- Art, art history; thorough knowledge of Western Art.
- Techniques in presentation, selection, evaluation, preservation, and conservation of works of Art.
- Principles and techniques of budgeting and purchasing.
- Principles of organization, administration, supervision, and performance evaluation.
- Aesthetics of Art and functioning of the art market.
Skill in:
- Effective oral and written presentation.
- Soliciting donations of Art and funds.
- Use of computers and computer applications and software.
Ability to:
- Initiate, plan, coordinate, supervise, and evaluate various activities of an art museum.
- Conduct research on artistic questions.
- Discover potential exhibitions.
- Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive reports and correspondence.
- Prepare budget recommendations.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Crocker Art Museum Association, Co-Trustees, community groups, artists and employees.
- Supervise, train, and evaluate subordinates.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Four years of professional curator experience in an art gallery or museum with at least two of the four years serving in a supervisory capacity.
Education:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in art, art history, or a related field. A Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in art, art history, or a related field is preferred.
Substitution:
Education beyond the four-year degree may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for up to two years of the required experience.
PROOF OF EDUCATION
Should education be used to qualify for this position, then proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.
An applicant with a college degree obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credentials evaluation service. Evaluation of education records will be due at time of appointment.
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Driver's License:
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.Employment Type: Full-Time Career