Curator of Photographs | Fort Worth, TX
Curator of Photographs
Introduction
The Amon Carter Museum of American Art (the Carter) is one of the major repositories of American photography in the world, ranging from early daguerreotypes and salted paper prints to site-specific installations by contemporary artists. The collection includes the archives of photographers Laura Gilpin, Eliot Porter, and Karl Struss, among others, and complete sets of Richard Avedon’s In the American West and Alfred Stieglitz’s Camera Work. More recent acquisitions include a substantive body of photographs by Indigenous artists as well as works by artists such as Delilah Montoya, Edward Steichen, Stephanie Syjuco, and Kathy Vargas. The state-of-the-art conservation and preservation facilities, including industry-leading cold and cool storage facilities, coupled with the extraordinary work of the other departments in the Museum provide a unique place to grow and practice professionally.
Position Description
The Curator of Photographs will collaborate with the Director of Collections and Exhibitions, curators, and other exhibitions and collections staff to develop and implement an ambitious curatorial vision that advances the Carter’s mission, values, and strategic objectives.
The Curator of Photographs will take a leadership role in the care, interpretation, exhibition, stewardship, and growth of the Carter’s photography collection. The Curator will also be an advocate for community engagement, the Carter’s role as a center of new research and learning, and for enhancing the Carter’s position as a center for cultural life in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and beyond.
Responsibilities
- Lead the study, care, display, interpretation, record keeping, lending, and publication of the photography collection.
- Develop and collaboratively project manage exhibitions and rotations at all levels, from idea to completion through stages of conceptual outline, selection of objects, research, writing, interpretation, implementation, budget development and oversight, venue development, fundraising, and programming.
- Publish and present original research on the Museum’s photography collection and for its exhibition program in formats including exhibition catalogues, scholarly and public presentations, journal articles, the Museum’s website, and more.
- Establish strong ties with local communities and partners as well as with a wider network of artists, collectors, donors, patrons, galleries, universities, and arts organizations.
- Build the collection through gifts and purchases in collaboration with the curatorial team, the development department, and the Museum’s leadership team.
- Work in close partnership with the conservation department to regularly assess the conservation needs of the collection.
- Provide curatorial oversight of the care, handling, movement, and storage of the permanent collection and photographs loaned for exhibition and acquisition consideration.
- Collaborate with the education department to support the Carter’s interpretive program in permanent collection galleries and for exhibitions organized or booked by the Museum.
- Participate in programs related to the Museum’s photography collection and exhibitions including presentations, gallery tours, public programs, cultivation events, frontline staff and docent training, and other special events.
- Take a proactive role in the Museum’s culture of philanthropy.
- Team with communications/marketing to provide information on the collection, exhibitions, or other areas of American art to media outlets. Respond to inquiries from the public.
- Serve as a mentor for junior colleagues as well as for interns and fellows.
- Maintain professional affiliations in scholarly and professional organizations.
- Serve on Museum committees as requested.
Skills and Requirements
- Expertise in American photography.
- Substantial research record and publication history, including the development and completion of at least two major exhibitions and/or publications.
- Demonstrated commitment to positive collaboration with museum colleagues and to community engagement.
- Proven experience working closely with donors, collectors, trustees, and Museum members to assure long-term support for the Museum, its collection, curatorial programs, and community.
- History of successful grant writing abilities.
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
- A charismatic communicator, able to build enthusiasm for the Museum, its exhibitions, and its programs across diverse audiences.
- Strong professional network and growing reputation in the field.
Key Characteristics/Traits
- Collaborative
- Critical thinker and creative problem solver
- Ambitious
- Energetic
- Diplomatic
- Willingness to receive and provide constructive feedback
- Excellent time management
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Celebrates the success of others
- Emotionally mature
- A good sense of humor
- Flexibility and sensitivity to work with diverse personalities and situations
- Good negotiation and project management skills
- Flexible approach to work and evolving situations
Qualifications/Education
- Five to ten years previous curatorial-related experience in an art museum, developing and managing exhibitions and gallery rotations.
- MA in art history or American studies required (PhD preferred), with background in and broad knowledge in American photography.
Other Job Requirements
- Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
- Strong computer ability, including MS Office and collection management software.
- Successful completion of post-offer background and pre-employment drug screen. MVR also required.
Pay Range: $95,000 – $104,000 annually
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100 percent of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100 percent of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.
For timely consideration, please apply by Oct 4.