Associate Curator/Curator

Position Summary The Des Moines Art Center is searching for a dynamic curator to fill the role of Associate Curator or Curator. The Curator/Associate Curator is an essential facet of the Curatorial team, working both collaboratively and independently to create exciting, original exhibitions, both loan-heavy and permanent collection-based. In consultation with the Senior Curator and Executive Director, they will recommend artworks for acquisition; research the permanent collection; and develop innovative public programs in relation to exhibitions and permanent collection installations and promote events and projects. This is one opportunity in the Curatorial team to be a Curator or an Associate Curator determined by qualifications.
Reporting/Contacts This position reports to the Senior Curator, works closely with the full Curatorial team, and has frequent contact with the Executive Director. They also partner directly with their peers and managers in Registration, Installations, Education & Interpretation, Communications and Marketing, Development, the Studios at the Art Center, and beyond, including with donors, trustees, community partners and members of the public.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities Develop and realize timely, exciting, original exhibitions in accordance with the Des Moines Art Center's mission and the museum's larger curatorial goals and strategic initiatives. This includes but is not limited to drafting budgets; managing deadlines and checklists; preparing and managing loan requests; and collaborating with graphic designers on exhibition and catalogue design. Research artists, the permanent collection, and upcoming exhibitions. This research often requires both domestic and international travel. Serves as a point person for exhibitions & collections with external collaborators and internal colleagues, and seeks to streamline communications and manage deliverables. Writes and edits all content for exhibition descriptions, curatorial texts (wall intros and object labels), catalogues, gallery guides, training documents, communications, and marketing materials. Works closely with the Registration and Installation teams on all aspects of artwork installation and exhibition design. Suggests acquisitions to the permanent collection and conducts research on these specific objects. Works with social media staff as needed to create exhibition and collection-related content. Attends conferences to monitor current trends and to serve as an ambassador for the Des Moines Art Center Gives lectures, tours, and other public speaking engagements. This position requires a personal cell phone for which the Art Center offers a reimbursement allowance per pay period. Acts in ways that reflect favorably on the Art Center and maintains professional standards in the quality of performance and demonstration of concern for the Art Center's collection, programs, and facilities. Adheres to Des Moines Art Center Code of Ethics, Employee Handbook and other organizational policies. Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Master's degree in art history or curatorial studies strongly preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered instead. Focus on modern and contemporary art, with a preference for a demonstrated specialty in a sub-field and in groups that have been historically underrepresented in museums Knowledge of museum procedures and exhibition preparation procedures. Five (5) or more years relevant experience in curatorial work, organizing exhibitions and/or researching and installing a museum collection. Projects should reflect a creative & innovative point of view, account for the most recent methodological developments in the field, engage diverse types of art and artists from a broad geographic field, and demonstrate a willingness to engage with pressing matters in the present. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are required. Excellent verbal and written communication skills Ability and desire to engage diverse audiences and different types of stakeholders, from artists to trustees. Must be consistently at work and on time; ensuring work responsibilities are covered when absent and arriving at meetings and appointments on time. Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process and makes timely decisions. Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives and supports everyone's efforts to succeed. Multi-lingual ability desired, especially in Arabic, Burmese, French, Karen languages, Marshallese, Spanish, Swahili, and/or Vietnamese. Decision Making Participate in day-to-day operational decision making under the guidance of Senior Curator
Special Considerations (Work Environment, Schedule, Required Travel, etc.) Work is performed largely in an office environment during normal business hours, however, evening and weekend hours may be required for lectures or events This position requires a percentage of travel (10%) for the purposes of exhibition research, conferences, or courier work. This position offers a hybrid work schedule working both in the office and remotely. Physical Factors Work is mostly sedentary.
Disclaimer Note: Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent. The incumbent is required to follow instructions and perform the duties requested by their supervisor. Equal Opportunity Employment Statement The Art Center is dedicated to equal employment & advancement opportunities. It is the Art Center's policy to hire & promote qualified individuals based on their interest, aptitude, and qualifications, and without regard to age; creed; disability or genetic information; ethnicity, national origin, race, or skin color; gender, gender expression, gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation; religion; veteran status; or any other protected group under applicable Federal, State, or Local law.
We are looking for people from all professional disciplines to join our team. Wek now that successful candidates will meet many of the requirements listed within a job description but may not have all qualifications. If you see a position that describes your skills and knowledge, we encourage you to apply. We know that successful candidates will meet many of the requirements listed
About the Des Moines Art Center Now celebrating its 75th anniversary, the Des Moines Art Center is a vibrant, American Association of Museums accredited institution located in the capital city of Iowa that welcomes over 270,000 visitors annually from across the country and around the globe. Its historic campus consists of three buildings designed by major architects of the 20th century-Eliel Saarinen, I. M. Pei, and Richard Meier. The Art Center is home to one of the strongest collections of 20th-and 21st-century art in the region, and it hosts a series of ground-breaking exhibitions and lectures each year featuring artists known regionally, nationally, and internationally. Focused on excellence and global in scope, the Art Center's collection includes exceptional works by Francis Bacon, Helen Frankenthaler, Edward Hopper, Yayoi Kusama, Henri Matisse, Wangechi Mutu, Georgia O'Keeffe, Henry Ossawa Tanner, Ebony Patterson, and Ai Wei Wei, among thousands of others.
The experimental spirit of the art for which the Art Center cares is reflected in its creative offerings, including a celebrated education program that prioritizes access and collaboration, an art school with studio classes for all ages, and the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, situated on 4.4 acres in downtown Des Moines. The Art Center is committed to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, which are incorporated into every facet of its mission, identity, programs, and operations. Accessibility is central to the Art Center's values. The Art Center is proud to be one of the only cultural organizations in the community with a universal free admission policy, in place since 1998, which ensures that all visitors are able to participate in exhibitions and related educational programming.