Visual Art Curator (Full Time, Onsite)

MASS MoCA is an internationally recognized institution known for placing artists at the center of the museum’s extensive programming and exhibitions with cross-disciplinary producing, and supporting leading artistic practices in contemporary forms through creative development residencies, commissioning, publishing, exhibitions and long-term engagement with artists to realize their ideas and work.  Importantly, as a non-collecting museum, MASS MoCA focuses on the creation of new work in all art forms and across disciplines that generates commissions, exhibitions and public programs in addition to festivals, performing arts presentations and new explorations between artists who are often devising and developing projects over years that are “Made With MASS MoCA.” The Visual Art Curator plays a pivotal role in shaping the museum’s artistic platform through research, selection, and organization of solo and group exhibitions that showcase the work of contemporary artists, foster critical dialogue, and engage our community with the latest developments in contemporary art.

The Curator aids in the creation of a diverse, balanced exhibition schedule; conceives and curates original, innovative exhibitions including large-scale commissions; oversees the development of publications and exhibition tours; maintains and strengthens MASS MoCA’s regional and national professional networks; and communicates and collaborates with other departments. As a significant content creator for MASS MoCA, the Curator aligns exhibitions and programs with organizational goals, strategies, and mission – keeping artistic integrity at the forefront of their working practices and scholarship. MASS MoCA embraces diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion to contribute to an open environment for the communities we serve. The Curator works closely with all of the curatorial and art fabrications team including the administrative staff, guest curators, and professionals engaged through key initiatives developed by MASS MoCA’s Director.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conceives and organizes exhibitions, alternating spaces in coordination with the Director of Curatorial Affairs, MASS MoCA Curators and guest curators.
• Oversees the design, development, installation, and execution of exhibitions with the Director of Curatorial Affairs, Director of Exhibitions, and related departments including Public Programs, Communications and Content, Visitor Experience, and Advancement.
• Produces artworks/commissions for both long and short term exhibitions some of which will include periods of research and development residencies; working with the Director of Exhibitions to shepherd the planning and production process with artists, vendors, in house art fabrication, and outside fabricators as needed.
• Generates and maintains exhibition checklists with support from the Curatorial Assistant.
• Drafts artist contracts and letters of agreement and generates loan request letters and loan forms working with the Curatorial Assistant and Senior Manager of Registration.
• Works with Director of Curatorial Affairs and Director of Exhibitions on budgeting and budget execution for exhibitions.
• Works with Curatorial Assistant to coordinate with artists, studios, and galleries regarding travel, installation, fundraising, and materials needs.
• Develops, researches, and writes interpretive materials for exhibitions-wall texts, labels, gallery guides, etc.
• Edits and authors catalogues and other publications and acts as liaison with designers, authors, editors, and publishers/distributors.
• Conducts studio visits with emerging and established artists (exploratory visits, and in the service of upcoming exhibitions).
• Maintains knowledge of the contemporary art scene and represents the institution in the field by visiting exhibitions at other museums and galleries, reading recent publications, meeting with curators at other institutions, and actively seeking out opportunities to collaborate with other arts institutions and curators, including jurying, lecturing, and student critiques.
• Collaborates with Public Programs, Performing Arts, and other staff and outside partners as necessary on the conceptual development and execution of related programming.
• Acts as liaison and point person for various long term partners assigned to and distributed among curatorial staff.
• Works with the Communications and Content department to develop publicity materials for exhibition including images and texts for website and press releases.
• Fosters relationships with press/journalists and gives interviews/tours to press for current and upcoming exhibitions in collaboration with the Communications and Content staff.
• Works closely with the Advancement department in seeking funding for exhibitions by providing information, including written texts and images, for applications, grants, and other external funding and by helping to identify potential funders and corresponding with/courting individual donors.
• Develops and maintains relationships with collectors and donors as well as board members.
• Collaborates with the Advancement department on annual benefit by procuring donated artworks for auction.
• Works with Advancement on the planning and hosting of patron trips and member events.
• Maintain and build national relationships with colleagues, foundations and other such organizations strategic to the artistic and financial health of MM.
• Provides exhibition information to the Public Programs, Communications and Content, and Visitor Experience Departments and acts as a tour guide for exhibitions, and gallery teacher/museum attendant orientations as needed.
• Leads gallery tours for VIP groups including donors, artists, and board members.
• Develops and maintains relationships with local and regional art institutions, universities, and artists, serving as an inspirational liaison to the North Adams and regional communities.
• Participates in “all hands-on deck” institutional events, including Solid Sound and Fresh Grass music festivals.
• Acts as a liaison by fielding requests and questions from partner artists and institutions and corresponds with partner organizations related to their exhibitions and long term project responsibilities.
• Coordinates with the Curatorial Assistant to provide information about exhibitions for use in print, electronic media, and press releases.
• Oversees and mentors one graduate student every two years for an internship spanning two academic years that culminates in an exhibition facilitated in collaboration with the Curator, Director of Exhibitions and relevant departments.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Masters degree in Art, Art History, Museum Studies, or Curatorial Studies (or equivalent experience). Please use your cover letter and resume to convey this experience and why you feel it is relevant to the position.
• Minimum five year’s work experience in a museum or arts organization.
• Ability to work nights and weekends as needed for events, tours, and donor relations.
• The most competitive candidate will have a thorough understanding of curatorial standards for international living contemporary artists across all media.
• Must have a history of writing and/or publication.
• Experience working on grants, fundraising, and donor relations.
• Strong experience with Google Drive, and the Microsoft suite.
• The ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing with colleagues, collaborators, and artists.
• A high level of professional consideration for the artists and art in our care.
• Deep understanding of and commitment to DEAI work within the context of art museums and exhibitions.
• This position may require extended hours, including occasional nights and weekends. The schedule will be determined by the Director of Curatorial Affairs
• This position is based on site at MASS MoCA’s North Adams campus; regular in-person attendance is required.
• This job description is intended to describe the general nature of the role and the work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. The Curator may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities, as needed.

As defined by the National Labor Relations Act, this position is part of the bargaining unit for UAW Local 2110.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Exempt position. Starting salary $65,000 per year.
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Long term disability insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Dependent Care Account (DCA)
• Medical deductible reimbursement
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Roth 401(k) option
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Emergency Assistance Fund (LemonAid)
• Retirement planning support
• Professional development reimbursement
• Educational leave
• Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums (ROAM)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Student loan repayment assistance
• Discounts at Gift Shop and R&D Store
• Staff appreciation social events year-round

Application Process:

Interested candidates should apply online with a resume and cover letter. The application also includes a few brief questions to help us better understand your experience and interest in the role. Incomplete applications—including those missing the requested documents—may not be fully considered. Link to apply: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/3363203/Mass-Museum-of-Contemporary-Art/Visual-Art-Curator-Full-Time-Onsite

About MASS MoCA

MASS MoCA is a vibrant non-collecting art museum with approximately 300,000 square feet of exhibition space. Half of that space is dedicated to rotating 10-month exhibitions of which we present 4 to 6 large-scale exhibitions per year, along with smaller projects. The additional space is dedicated to long-term exhibitions in conjunction with artists, estates, and collections that run from 10 months to 25 years. MASS MoCA frequently works directly with artists on the fabrication of new commissions and large scale site specific installations.

In May 2024, MASS MoCA celebrated its 25th Anniversary under its new Director, Kristy Edmunds, not only as a contemporary art museum and performing arts venue, but also as a creative campus with a regional, national and global impact. MASS MoCA is one of the world’s liveliest centers for making and enjoying today’s most evocative art. With vast galleries and a stunning collection of indoor and outdoor performing arts venues, MASS MoCA is able to embrace all forms of art: music, sculpture, dance, film, painting, photography, theater, and new, boundary-crossing works of art that defy easy classification. From its beginnings as the major textile mill Arnold Print Works in the mid-19th century, to its days as the Sprague Electric Company in the mid-20th century, to its current iteration as a globally renowned contemporary art museum and fabrication center, the 24-acre MASS MoCA campus has a rich history of serving as the economic engine of the city of North Adams and the surrounding region.