Associate Curator for Modern and Contemporary Collections, Specializing in Postwar African American Collections
Job Summary
Reporting to the Head of Modern and Contemporary Collections in the Getty Research Institute’s Curatorial Department, develops special collections and general library collections for research on 20th-21st century American art history, working in the context of present GRI collections as well as local holdings and other related collections on American art and artists. Within modern and contemporary, primary attention will be devoted to developing African American collections. Requires experience and demonstrated expertise in modern and contemporary history, with particular expertise in African Amerian art history; knowledge of recent research, publications, and exhibitions in both African American and in contemporary art is essential. Makes recommendations for single works and collections for acquisition: researching, examing, and drafting proposals; similarly, assesses donations and large collections for research value, authenticity, and condition (including proenance); drafts and negotiates contracts and appropriate permissions and licenses; works collegially, and often collaboratively, with curators in the department, archivists, librarians, bibliographers, and other colleagues at the GRI and across the Getty. Utilizes scholarly background and expertise interpreting the collections in the preparation of exhibitions, publications, lectures, online/digital resources, and public programs. Brings a network of relationships with artists, galleries, museums, and dealers. Responds to queries concerning the collections, assists with processing decisions, evaluates items requested for loan by other institutions, and recommends conservation treatments.
Major Job Responsibilities
- Applies advanced knowledge of art history and art education to complex curatorial assignments
- Performs complex scholarly research to support the institutional mission
- Organizes significant exhibitions, major publications, or major acquisitions
- Cultivates connections nationally and internationally with scholars and museum colleagues
- Actively participates in acquisitions and collection development
- Publishes and lectures in area of specialization
- Assesses conservation needs of the collections; participates in digitization; assesses loan requests
- Collaborates in and may lead research projects; shares collections and/or serves as a resource to scholars, visitors and staff
Qualifications
- M.A. or Ph.D. in art history or related area in the humanities
- 5 years related experience
- Skilled in all curatorial functions
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated ability to build long-term relationships, collaborate and direct teams across disciplines
- Competent with collection management and digital asset management tools
- Accomplished in art historical research and writing
- Ability to communicate and distill information for a specialized audience or the general public
- Ability to adapt written material for a variety of audiences online or in print
ACRAH 