Anne Lunder Leland Fellowship in Curatorial Practice

Job Description
Department:
Lunder Whistler Studies
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Employee Type:
Job Summary:The Anne Lunder Leland Fellowship in Curatorial Practice at the Colby College Museum of Art will support a one-year appointment to the Museum, with the possibility of a renewable second year. The position works with all members of Museum staff, with a focus in the curatorial area.

Founded in 1959, the Colby College Museum of Art comprises five wings, more than 10,000 works of art, and more than 38,000 square feet of exhibition space, the largest in the state of Maine. A 2017 gift by Peter and Paula Lunder has added more than 1,100 artworks to the collection by artists from Albrecht Dürer to Julie Mehretu. Works in the collection strengthen the Museum’s mission to offer Colby students new perspectives on their classroom studies and expand their understanding of diverse subjects through art. The gift has also established the Lunder Institute for American Art to advance critical and creative research in American art and related fields. The Lunder Institute is integrated into the academic mission of the College and the Museum and creates unique opportunities for multi-disciplinary scholarship, creative work, and mentorship among visiting scholars, artists, faculty, and students.

A major focus of the Lunder Institute is to make connections between American and global art, inspiring a dialogue between places and cultures and making the Museum an internationally recognized destination for the collection, study, and exhibition of American art. The Colby Museum is also deeply committed to strengthening diversity and inclusion across all strategic and programmatic areas of the Museum to include a multiplicity of perspectives and backgrounds represented on our staff and Board of Governors, outreach to diverse audiences, inclusive and diverse exhibitions and programs, and a broad-based, expansive collection. The Museum seeks to further strengthen its identity as a preeminent academic museum through national and international partnerships and through world-class exhibitions. In addition, the Museum serves as a key contributor to the revitalization of downtown Waterville through its membership in Waterville Creates! and its active participation in the programmatic initiatives of Colby College.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Provide curatorial support for the Colby Museum’s exhibitions and permanent collection, as well as related programs
• Assist with all aspects of exhibition realization, especially Museum graphics and exhibition labels, but also and not limited to loan requests, checklists, and interpretative materials
• Support the organization and management of the Museum’s exhibitions, publications, and new acquisitions
• Work collaboratively with all areas of the Museum’s curatorial, education, and collection departments
• Field inquiries regarding the collection
• In collaboration with an advisory team, facilitate the Museum’s digital publication, The Lantern, including developing content, liaising with contributors, and managing the WordPress interface
• Act as the curatorial representative to the Student Advisory Board
• Participate in the Museum’s social media planning and content development
• Conduct ongoing collections and exhibitions research as required with the possibility of contributing to Museum publications
• Update new information to the Museum object files in conjunction with the Museum’s Registrars
• Perform additional duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience
• Relevant coursework in art history and demonstrable administrative experience preferred
• Highly motivated, flexible, and comfortable with diverse audiences
• Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills with a high level of motivation
• Excellent research skills and attention to detail
• Experience in a professional environment, able to work collaboratively within a team and a diverse organization
• Able to work independently as well as in a team, exercise judgment, establish priorities, and manage projects with minimal supervision and to adjust as new projects are assigned
• Ability to effectively collaborate with staff, students, and faculty
• Experience with the Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, and WordPress

KEY RELATIONSHIPS :

This position reports to a member of the curatorial department and has significant interactions with key members of the Museum staff as well as faculty, staff, students, alumni, Museum guests, and outside vendors.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

General open office and campus environment. Position involves sitting, although frequent movement is necessary. Computer usage involving repetitive hand/wrist motion is also necessary.

TO APPLY :

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the "Apply" button on the Colby Careers website. Please submit a letter of interest, resume, and the contact information of three professional references. Materials should be addressed to:

Anne Lunder Leland Fellowship in Curatorial Practice - Search Committee
Office of Human Resources
Colby College
5500 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, ME 04901-8855