The Associate Curator of Art contributes to the advancement of the permanent collection and the development of exhibits with their related programming. They have demonstrated subject-matter expertise in American, European, Native American, or Contemporary art. This role is responsible for helping to advance the Museum’s curatorial goals through original research, strategic acquisitions, interpretation, donor cultivation, and scholarly publications, while ensuring continued alignment with the institution’s mission and values.
Position Duties and Responsibilities:
Collections:
- Conduct and publish original scholarly research on the collection and prospective acquisitions.
- Evaluate and recommend strategic acquisitions that strengthen and diversify the collection, including gifts and purchases, in consultation with the Chief Curator of Art and the Executive Director.
- Carry out additional research on the collection to estimate dates and establish provenance of artworks.
- Collaborate with museum educators and Chief Curator of Art on the interpretation of the collection to the public, docents, and volunteers.
- Support Museum efforts to cultivate strong relationships with collectors, donors, and art dealers.
Exhibitions:
- Assist in the development and execution of special exhibitions.
- Independently curate and manage selected exhibits on a regular basis.
- Contribute to the writing and creation of exhibition materials such as interpretive texts, catalogues, and interactives.
- Aid in docent and staff training related to special exhibits and the permanent collection.
- Present lectures, gallery talks, and educational programming for both general and specialized audiences.
- Work collaboratively with other museum staff on educational programs, outreach, and publicity.
Additional Duties:
- Manage the annual Bull-Bransom Award for excellence in children’s illustration.
- Manage the curatorial intern program, including overseeing the selection process, supervision, outline of projects, and workflow organization.
- Respond to inquiries made to the curatorial department about artists and works of art in the collection.
- Participate in fundraising and cultivation efforts as needed.
- Contribute content to institutional publications in print and digital platforms.
Commitment to the Mission, Vision, and Values of the National Museum of Wildlife Art (NMWA):
Vision: Inspire connections with wildlife and nature.
Mission: Impart knowledge and generate wonder through art and education.
Values: Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Transparency, Accountability, Financial Responsibility.
