Curator
Institution Type: | Nonprofit |
Location: | Ontario, Canada |
Position: | Curator |
Purpose of Position
Reporting to the Director or designate, the Curator will be responsible for curating the permanent collection, as well as curating one or more special exhibitions annually. Curatorial work on the collections will include scholarly research, conceptualization of the installations, active membership in teams working with exhibition designers, graphic designers and multi-media artists, publication of exhibition catalogues and labels aimed at both scholarly and popular levels, research into the materials aspects of works of art, assessment of condition in the preparation of works of art for exhibition, overseeing the photography of the collection, and the active preparation of a dynamic, online collections database. The Curator will curate one or more original or loaned shows annually as part of the exhibitions team. The Curator will also offer advice and expertise associated with acquisitions and the loan of works of art between the AKM and other institutions.
The Curator will liaise with the Education and Scholarly Programs Department in the preparation of collection tours, public educational events, AKM’s catalogues and scholarly symposia, and with the Exhibitions Department on exhibition planning and implementation. The Curator will be expected to disseminate their work in both AKM publications and other scholarly and popular vehicles.
As a member of the AKM’s curatorial team, the Curator will play a crucial role in the development and implementation of a genuinely 21st century museum in Toronto with a major global role.
Key Responsibilities
Curation of Collections
- Research works of art in the collections, including provenance
- Interpret works of art on exhibition in an engaging manner
- Think rigorously and communicate sensitively about the conception and reception of museum exhibitions
- Conceptualize and plan the installation of the permanent collection
- Install and rotate works of art in the collection
- Refresh and upgrade installations as needed
- Coordinate and consult with the conservation specialists on matters relating to the materiality, storage and display of the collection
- Participate in decisions regarding the acquisition of works of art
Temporary Exhibitions
- Take a leading role in the conceptualization, design, realization and installation of temporary exhibitions
- Participate actively on exhibition teams whose members offer a variety of different perspectives
- Foster productive cooperative relationship with curators in other art and academic institutions in Canada and globally
- Serve as a courier for works of art from the AKM when loaned to outside exhibitions
Outreach
- Participate in public educational programmes referencing permanent and temporary exhibitions
- Teach museum visitors and patrons about the Arts of the Islamic Civilizations through a variety of public mechanisms
- Actively create and maintain online database catalogue records
- Write essays and catalogue entries for exhibition catalogues
- Prepare and present academic papers regarding works of art in the collection, as well as your own research
- Play an active role in professional bodies such as the Historians of Islamic Art and Architecture (HIAA) and the College Art Association (CAA).
Qualifications & Experience:
- A PhD or equivalent in Islamic art history. A focus on Medieval Islamic Art or contemporary Art of Muslim Civilizations is preferred
- Relevant experience in either an academic or museum environment. Experience as a museum curator is preferred
- Demonstrated record of publishing and teaching in the field of Islamic art
- Demonstrated ability to communicate well to a wide range of public audiences
- Good knowledge of languages, among them English, French, German, and especially Arabic
- Demonstrated willingness to take the initiative on museum projects
- A deep passion for art history and its role in art museums
- A clear perspective on the contribution of Islamic art to world civilization
- A strong network of academic colleagues in the field of Islamic art
- Exceptional communication skills, oral and written
- Strong work ethics, professional and personal integrity
- A creative and dynamic thinker
- A team player
- An affinity with the underlining goals and philosophy of the Aga Khan Development Network
- Goal directed, results oriented
- Expressed interest in the mandate of the Museum
Contact: |
To Apply Please send your cover letter and resume to akm.hr@akdn.org on or before February 5, 2016. The Museum thanks all those who apply, however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please note that the Museum is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Upon request, suitable accommodations are available under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act for applicants invited to an interview. |
Website: | http://www.agakhanmuseum.org |
Primary Category: | None |
Secondary Categories: | Islamic History / Studies |
Posting Date: | 01/06/2016 |
Closing Date | 06/06/2016 |