Who We Are
We are looking for an experienced, creative, and collaborative curator with deep expertise in Modern and Contemporary art across media in the United States, and with relationships among artists, gallerists, collectors, scholars and professional colleagues. We offer an opportunity to build on our record of success in our collecting strategy, ambitious exhibition-making, artistic commissions, and research. Reporting to the Chief Curator, you will travel widely and maintain long-standing relationships with donors and collectors, while building new ones nationally and regionally in Michigan and especially Detroit.
The University of Michigan Museum of Art is in the midst of a dynamic and creative transformation. With a renewed focus on anti-racism and social justice, nationally important exhibitions and research, and an expansion of strategic institutional and artistic partnerships, we are building an international profile far beyond the boundaries of our campus. For more information about us, visit https://umma.umich.edu/.
Occasional evening and weekend work required. There are no direct reports to this position; there are opportunities to manage interns and work-study students. The working location will be a hybrid of remote and on-site at UMMA. This opportunity is subject to the LEO-GLAM, a union of Librarians, Archivists, and Curators at the University of Michigan.
For questions about this role, contact talent.acquisition@umich.edu. The appointment is anticipated to begin January 2024, or at the candidate's earliest convenience. This is a full rank position at 100% effort.
Responsibilities*
- Shape our program in Modern and Contemporary art (defined as the period post-1917) through fostering dynamic connections with artists, collectors, art dealers, museum patrons, and members of the University community, and through innovative exhibitions and judicious additions to the collection.
- Participate in developing our overall exhibition and publication program by collaborating with colleagues in creative and resourceful ways.
- Create collection strategies, recommend works for purchase, and prepare and manage budgets for areas of collections activity and temporary exhibitions.
- Conduct new research into collections and loans to the museum, making them available to larger audiences in the form of exhibitions, tours, publications, public talks, and conferences.
- Collaborate with staff in other departments, including Public Experience and Learning, to develop an ambitious and coherent program to promote understanding of Modern and Contemporary art for diverse audiences.
- Engage and build relationships with the community including artists, arts organizations, and cultural institutions on local, regional, national and international levels.
- Collaborate with the Chief Registrar on contracts, the negotiation of loan agreements and artist commissions.
- Partner with our fundraising department on grant applications and manage donor relationships.
- Be an active and visible member of the local, regional, national and international arts community, and as an outward-facing presence in the art world.
- Bring a spirit of openness and collaboration to your work and embrace the interdisciplinary scope of our mission.
Required Qualifications*
- Master's degree in art history, museum studies, humanities, or a related field.
- 7+ years of progressively responsible full-time curatorial experience.
- Interest in the strengths of UMMA's collection (such as a focus on Detroit, contemporary African or Asian artists).
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Demonstrated experience working with diverse constituencies, including artists, collectors, donors, and the general public.
- Attention to detail and superb written and verbal communication skills.
- Expert proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google collaboration tools and applied experience using databases to manage collections and report on progress.
- Proven record of exhibitions, publications, public presentations and service to the field, with active participation in the national or international art community.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.