Curator of Latin American Art – Blanton Museum of Art (UT Austin)
Required Application Materials
A Resume is required in order to apply
A Letter of Interest is required in order to apply.
A List of 3 References is required in order to apply.
Additional Information
Purpose
The curator is responsible for overseeing the Blanton Museum of Art’s collection of Latin American art, which is considered to be among the foremost public collections of modern and contemporary Latin American art in the U.S.
Essential Functions
Work with colleagues internally and externally to develop projects that meaningfully contribute to the overall mission of the museum and the university’s strength in Latin American studies. The curator will join a team of staff members dedicated to making the Blanton a welcoming center and vital cultural resource for Austin and the UT community and to inspiring visitors to see beyond their world and discover something thought provoking and unexpected. Organize exhibitions and installations of Latin American art using collection, loaned objects, and new commissions. Work with colleagues in field and at museum to develop exhibition tours; to solicit, evaluate, and secure externally-generated exhibitions and loans; to develop co-produced exhibition projects; and to develop an overarching exhibition program. Work collaboratively with staff and external curators and scholars to organize exhibitions and programs outside of expertise. Enhance the museum’s role as a vital research center in the field and create meaningful dialogues for the Latin American art collection in a global context. Conduct and oversee publication projects and original research drawing on UT’s unparalleled resources in Latin American studies. Interpret collection. Supervise and assist with projects for guest curators, visiting scholars, student researchers, and interns. Contribute to publications outside museum as pertinent to collection. Develop vision and strategy for Latin American art collection, which includes 1,800 modern and contemporary paintings, prints, drawings, and sculptures representing 600 artists from Mexico, South and Central America, and the Caribbean. Explore opportunities to build collection within and beyond current strengths, make recommendations for and secure acquisitions. Participate in developing museum-wide collection strategy. Make recommendations regarding preservation and conservation strategies. Assist in the development and production of interpretive strategies and materials as they relate to the collection and exhibition projects. Collaborate with director of education and academic affairs and other museum staff in the creation of program content and participate in program activities as related to the Latin American art collection and exhibitions. With the manager of docent and university programs, train docents and gallery assistants in specific content areas and museum practices. Encourage and facilitate use of Blanton resources in teaching among university faculty and staff in a wide range of disciplines. Work with members of the academic community as a lecturer, facilitator, and museum professional to increase awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of visual art. Supervise and assist graduate student interns with an interest in curatorial careers. Work with staff to develop fundraising strategies for Latin American art program and actively participate in solicitation process, including cultivating donors and collectors, drafting content for proposals, and other fundraising activities. Travel to cultivate donors, collectors, and prospective supporters. Perform administrative duties related to position, including maintaining records, internal and external reporting, and managing budgets for exhibitions and programs. Supervise interns.
Marginal/Incidental functions
Other related functions as assigned.
Required qualifications
Masters Degree in Art History. In-depth knowledge of Latin American art, especially modern and contemporary. Fluency in Spanish. Excellent working relationships with colleagues in the field, including collectors, gallerists, critics, and scholars. At least seven years museum experience with a substantial record of publications, public presentations, and service to the field, and active and visible participation in the national or international art community. Proven history of excellent scholarship, as well as writing, communication, interpersonal, and management skills. Experience successfully fundraising and securing gifts of works of art. Proven ability to manage budgets, identify and cultivate donors. Passionate advocacy of artists. Collaborative, collegial, creative, and resourceful in work. Demonstrated integrity in all professional matters. Enjoys working with students, docents, volunteers, and general audience. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
PhD. Fluency in Portuguese.
Working conditions
May work around standard office conditions Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation Will require travel. Will work some evenings and holidays.
Security sensitive; conviction verification conducted on applicant selected.
The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas ( TRS ), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program ( ORP ) instead of TRS , subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.
The University of Texas at Austin is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, citizenship status, Vietnam era or special disabled veteran’s status, or sexual orientation. Under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, disability accommodations will be provided, as needed.
If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification form, I-9. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.
UT Austin is a Tobacco-free Campus
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