Curator of Exhibitions and Programs | Austin, TX

Job description: Mexic-Arte Museum Curator of Exhibitions and Programs

MISSION: The Mexic‐Arte Museum is dedicated to enriching the community through education programs, exhibitions, and the collection, preservation, and interpretation of Mexican, Latinx, and Latin American art and culture for visitors of all ages.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Reports to the Executive Director

POSITION OBJECTIVE: Full-time salaried position with Mexic-Arte Museum. The Curator of Mexican, Latinx, and Latin American art is integral to mission of the Museum with primary responsibility for the preparation and overseeing of temporary exhibitions, and the presentation, and interpretation of the Museum’s permanent collection, which encompasses all aspects of the field and all media from ancient to contemporary. This person contributes to expanding the understanding and appreciation of Mexican, Latinx and Latin American art through scholarship that supports exhibitions, education and publications, and informs the public, students and scholars.

The Curator responsibilities also include overseeing the exhibition design, grant writing, managing and curating of the Changarrito project, institutional special events, text for promotion (press releases, website, etc.) on exhibits, internship management, and other duties as needed.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Exhibitions:

•Contributes to the development of new exhibitions, research on the permanent collections, labels, section text, extended labels, and the production and supervision of grant applications related to prospective exhibition programming

• Maintains and develops scholarly expertise and contacts • Prepares exhibition narratives

• Corresponds with borrowers/lenders regarding packing and shipping requirements

• Oversees project management and the completion of all final designs, construction and fabrication of models and installation of exhibits

• Engages in all aspects of exhibit research, development, design, creation, prototyping and evaluation

• Organizes collection-related programs including lectures and tours

• Writes catalogues and promotional materials related to all temporary exhibitions

Public Programs

Oversees and coordinates public programs.

Permanent Collection:

•Exhibits expertise in the knowledge of the Museum’s permanent collection featuring the Serie Project Archive and Taller de la Grafica portfolios

•Integrates the Museum’s permanent collection into temporary exhibitions and programs

Original Commissions and Acquisitions:

• Acting in accordance with the policy of the museum, curator makes recommendations to the Director for the acquisition of works of art for the collection. Acquisitions—whether through purchase, gift, or bequest—should be guided by the mission of the Museum as well as by the curator’s and Director’s expertise.

Special Event Programming:

•Oversees artistic contributions to Mix & Mash, Viva la Vida and the Annual Gala del Mexic-Arte via unique commissions, fundraising, and presentation of archival images, distribution and education of Latino visual art for the general public through diverse and innovative programming, installations, or alternative presentations

•Coordinate lectures, panels, curator’s tours, and provide private donor tours

Grant Writing/Fundraising:

• Identifies, defines, and develops funding sources to support existing and planned program activities in addition to coordinating the development, writing, and submission of grant proposals to third-party entities.

Changarrito:

•Curates annual Changarrito schedule consisting of a contemporary artist residency program

• Coordinates with artist to receive associated biographical information for evites, facebook event, and other promotional material

El Mero Muro Program:

· Works with the Executive Director and Public Relations Associate in the selection of artists for the El Mero Muro Program.

Social Media:

· Creates, obtains and edits video content related to exhibition as needed for the Mexic-Arte Museum’s web site and social media platforms.

Website:

· Provides text for the calendar, news, and exhibition portion of the Mexic-Arte Museum official website

Press/Promotion:

· Drafts original content for evites, newsletters, and associated program advertising

· Acts as institutional representative for press interviews as needed for exhibits

· Crafts written materials, including message points, press releases and press kit materials.

Internship management:

· Posts internship calls on associated educational databases.

· Communicates with potential internship applicants and assign associated departments to intern candidates for interviews, reviews, and placement.

Work/Location Schedule:

· Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Fridays.

· May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekend day.

· Work schedule and location is subject to change based on needs and programs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

M.A. or Ph.D. in art history with concentration on Mexican, Latinx and/or Latin American art plus at least 1-3 years experience in a museum or equivalent. An ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. A record of exhibitions and publications. Mastery of current scholarship in his/her field. Ability to both lead and participate in project teams and committees. Fluency in written and spoken Spanish is preferred.

Requirements:

Reliable transportation and valid driver license preferred. Must be punctual, professional, and flexible in assisting in tasks outside of those listed above based on need. Self-starter, routinely takes initiative. Belief in the Museum’s mission is necessary. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Googlesheets, Powerpoint necessary; experience in Adobe Creative Suite and collection database systems.

Benefits: Health insurance assistance; parking; Paid time off, including federal holidays

Please provide a CV, cover letter, writing samples and exhibition design samples via a portfolio of hi-res images with explanatory text for each sample. Please send resume, cover letter to Sylvia Orozco, Executive Director at: sylviao@mexic-Artemuseum.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

COVID-19 considerations: Staff wear masks in office.