Reports to the Director
Status: Full Time
The Farnsworth Art Museum is accepting applications to fill the role of Chief Curator. This is a full-time position and a member of the senior team with responsibility for managing all aspects of the Museum’s curatorial enterprise.
FAM seeks an individual who is creative, innovative and can lead the exhibition and collection activities of this renowned museum located in the coastal city of Rockland Maine. The successful candidate is a visionary who understands the role of art museums in the 21st century where multiple voices, histories and perspectives are recognized and advanced. Additionally, the Museum seeks a colleague who values the importance of developing programs in a participatory and dynamic team environment and will further the Farnsworth Art Museum’s commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion through its exhibitions and related programming.
The Farnsworth mission is celebrating Maine’s role in American art. For centuries artists have been drawn to the state for its beauty, inspiration and its people. The Farnsworth seeks a scholar with a distinguished record of publications and exhibitions rooted in American art and has an appreciation for the important role Maine continues to play in the ongoing narrative of American art. The Museum has a nationally recognized collection of 15,000 objects which continues to grow.
Along with its outstanding collection, the Museum manages two historic sites and library. During the past two years we have joined forces with a talented team of architects to reimagine our campus through a comprehensive master planning process. The plan celebrates a reimagined campus that thoughtfully considers our bold aspirations now and for the second half of the 21st Century by adding a host of visitor amenities, galleries, collection storage, as well as an expanded celebration of three generations of Wyeth art.
The Chief Curator serves as a public facing member of the Farnsworth and is expected to represent the Museum with professional organizations, the community, the region and nation.
Responsibilities include:
- Develop and manage a rolling five-year exhibition plan in consultation with Director and senior management team
- Organize at least one major exhibition each year and supervise curatorial team to present a dynamic annual schedule of exhibitions
- Present exhibition proposals to the Director for review and discussion
- Conduct and supervise research on the collection
- Develop a traveling exhibition program to promote the Farnsworth at the national level
- Periodically publish research in museum or outside publications
- Review and recommend loans to and from the museum
- Research and recommend new acquisitions and deaccessions to the Collections Committee
- In partnership with the Director of Operations, oversee the protection and physical management of the collection including two historic sites and loaned works of art.
- Actively participate in museum events including openings, galas and education programs
- Collaborate with Director of Learning and Engagement on labels, didactics and other related publications and initiatives
- Provide a vision for the future of FAM Library
- Oversee two historic sites and staff assigned to manage them
- Supervise the work of the Curator(s) in the development of exhibitions and research and interpretation of the permanent collection
- Supervise the work of the Registrars in developing and maintaining records, files and collection data
- Work closely with the Chief Advancement Officer to identify and participate in donor cultivation and assist in the development of grant applications
- Maintain ongoing connection to the communications department to ensure messaging and branding of exhibitions are aligned with the institutional vision and updates to exhibition schedules are relayed in a prompt manner
- Conduct studio visits and maintain active, professional relationships with artists, galleries and institutional colleagues
- Participate in regional and national conferences to stay current on research and best practices within the curatorial field
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Minimum of M.A. in Art History
- Seven to ten years previous art museum experience in increasing levels of responsibility in curatorial work
- Distinguished track record of exhibitions and publications
- Experience in conducting original research
- Excellent administrative and supervisory skills
- Experience in working in cross departmental teams
Related Skills:
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills; self- starter and great team player. Exceptional public speaking and writing ability and experience with project management.
The Farnsworth Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer and all applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to building a culturally diverse staff and encourage all qualified professionals to apply.
Apply for the position here below: