Curator, Chazen Museum of Art, University of Wisconsin—Madison
The Chazen Museum of Art, University of Wisconsin–Madison seeks an industrious curator at the Associate or full Curator level enthusiastic to immerse themselves in the dynamic academic community of a prestigious, public R1 university. This individual will play an important role in developing the museum’s holdings and exhibition program in collaboration with the Chief Curator and fellow Curator of Works on Paper. The curator will join the museum’s staff at a pivotal and exciting moment as its staff implements a long-planned and much-anticipated reinstallation of its core collection and looks forward to strategically developing the collection to respond to the evolving needs of its multifaceted audience. They will mentor undergraduate and graduate students and influence the next generation of museum workers.
Under the supervision of the Chief Curator, and in keeping with institutional goals, the (Associate) Curator is responsible for the oversight, development (through strategic accessioning and deaccessioning), and interpretation of the Chazen Museum’s broad non-works on paper holdings. These holdings consist of approximately 10,000 artworks including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, glass artwork, furniture, and multi-media works that span global cultures and time periods. With access to a diverse teaching staff on campus, there is ample opportunity for collaboration and consultation with experts in practically any field who bring helpful advice and fresh perspectives.
Established strengths include a deep and remarkable collection of contemporary figurative ceramics from the Hootkin Collection beloved by the Chazen’s audience and a growing representation of studio glass established on the legacy of UW–Madison faculty member Harvey Littleton and supported by the Collection of Simona and Jerome Chazen. Another major collection highlight is the Lane Collection of twentieth-century American and European sculpture and drawings by sculptors, including multiple works by David Smith, Louise Nevelson, Alexander Calder, Alexander Archipenko, Hans Arp, Lee Bontecou, and Christo and Jean-Claude, as well as key holdings by Isamu Noguchi and René Magritte. Alongside North American and European artwork are approximately 250 African artworks, recently augmented by the Straus Family Foundation supported Contemporary African Art Initiative and 2,000 Asian artworks. Other subcollections include a small group of Gandharan sculpture, Soviet social realist paintings and religious icons from the Davies Collection, and CoBrA paintings from the Hollaender Collection.
The (Associate) Curator will be responsible for organizing and overseeing temporary exhibitions often drawn from the material within their purview, contributing to gallery installations, supporting the preservation of artworks within their purview, and facilitating scholarship around the collections they oversee in a variety of ways (such as answering scholarly inquiries, consulting with faculty and scholars, being available to researchers, shepherding student research, conducting their own research, and sharing said research with the field and the public through various avenues). They will work collaboratively with members of the Chazen’s collections and engagement teams, as well as with faculty members and students, to make the artworks in their purview accessible to the community at large. The incumbent will regularly and effectively communicate with donors, potential donors, community members, fellow staff, and colleagues in the field, establishing a positive rapport and developing and maintaining fruitful relationships that reflect the priorities of the institution. They will hire, oversee, and mentor undergraduate student workers and graduate student project assistants.
Upon joining the staff, the (Associate) Curator will be expected to propose and begin planning for an upcoming exhibition, and work with the Chief Curator to form a collections plan for acquiring objects under their purview. Within 18 months of their arrival, the (Associate) Curator will also complete the assessment of and acquisition proposal for an extensive collection of nineteenth-century mold-made British ceramics—a recent bequest by the late Professor Frank Horlbeck that will make the Chazen one of the finest American institutions for the study of this material.
Occasional travel and attendance of or participation in events organized by the Chazen or UW–Madison more broadly is expected; some of this activity may occur in the evening or over a weekend and as a salaried employee, this time is not eligible to be comped. Only candidates with a Master’s degree in hand will be considered, with a minimum of three years’ experience at the Associate Curator level and five years’ experience at the full Curator level. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate excellent oral and written communications skills (and the ability to adapt both to various audiences), exemplary time management and organizational skills, experience evaluating and assessing artworks, experience curating art exhibitions, and a broad knowledge of both contemporary historic artistic production across mediums and enthusiasm to work across a variety of areas outside one’s specialty. Competitive candidates will also be able to demonstrate a record of original research and publication; familiarity making purchases from dealers and galleries; an established network of curators, scholars, and dealers; a history of strong working relationships with colleagues; comfortability managing multiple projects in a high-volume, fast-paced environment; and the ability to complete assignments by regular deadlines.
Salary for competitive candidates meeting the job requirements, and dependent on experience and qualifications, is $68,000-71,400 at the Associate Curator level and $75,600-80,850 at the Curator level.
About the Chazen Museum:
The Chazen Museum of Art makes its home between two lakes on the beautiful campus of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Within walking distance of the state capitol, it sits squarely in the heart of a vibrant college town. Featuring one of the best views on campus, an art-filled bridge connects the historic Elvehjem building, built in 1970, with the Chazen building, built in 2011. This connection represents both a physical and intellectual joining of human art history and the most dynamic artistic explorers of today.
With a permanent collection of more than 25,000 objects, from vessels of ancient Greece to prints by Kara Walker, the Chazen is one of the largest museums in the state of Wisconsin. Two expansive buildings encompass 163,000+ square feet, making it an integral cultural force within the Big Ten. More than 180,000 visitors come through the Chazen’s doors each year to enjoy the permanent collection and special exhibitions. Admission is free for all and includes programs for students, families and community members, all provided with the museum’s unique brand of Wisconsin hospitality.
This position is vital in supporting the mission of the Chazen Museum of Art:
We collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit works of art and present related educational programs in support of the teaching, research, and public service mission of the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
We do this because the visual arts enrich individual human experience and because knowledge of art is essential to understanding diverse cultures, past and present.
Minimum $68,000 ANNUAL (12 months), salary will be commensurate with experience. Full benefits provided to include health insurance and paid leave. Standard work schedule of 8:30-5:00, M-F, with some flexibility possible. This position is exempt and work during evenings and weekends may be required.
The Chazen Museum supports and encourages paid professional development opportunities such as conference or workshop attendance. The University of Wisconsin–Madison campus offers ample recreation, cultural and educational opportunities. The museum is easily accessible and is located on many bus lines and bike paths.
Please see the full announcement, qualifications, position description and application instructions at:
https://jobs.wisc.edu/jobs/curator-madison-wisconsin-united-states