The Walker Art Center empowers people to experience the transformative possibilities of the art and ideas of our time and to imagine the world in new ways. In our over 125-year history, we have become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country and we are known for our innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts.

The CURATORIAL ASSISTANT is responsible for a range of curatorial and support tasks including assisting curators with exhibition research, planning, programs and events; managing contacts and correspondence; assisting with the coordination of catalogues, didactic materials, and exhibition documentation; writing and editing exhibition-related copy; and loan requests. In addition, the Curatorial Assistant may have the opportunity to periodically generate original programs and exhibitions, and will act as a liaison, on behalf of the institution, with artists, collectors, dealers, lenders, and staff involved in exhibition planning and production.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

Exhibition Support

• Provide curatorial assistance to curators in the planning and organization of exhibitions, including scholarly research and logistical support in the preparation of checklists; loan requests; image rights; exhibition catalogues; didactic materials; interpretive labels; grants and fundraising narratives; and other exhibition-related materials.
• Serve as curatorial liaison with artists and Walker staff about exhibition progress, sharing information, coordinating plans, and attending relevant meetings.
• Provide coordination and support to collection presentations and traveling exhibitions organized by other institutions; periodically serve as coordinating curator for borrowed exhibitions as assigned.
• Conduct periodic travel for general work in the field and research on exhibitions and acquisitions as assigned
• Participate in budget and planning processes and meetings related to exhibitions.
• Make presentations on exhibitions to staff and board.
• Present tours, lectures, tour guide training and other presentations related to exhibitions and the Permanent Collection to tour guides, donors, touring groups, professionals, and special guests.
• Periodically lead on an exhibition from conceptualization to realization, as assigned.

Acquisitions and Collections Support

• Participate in acquisition discussions with the Visual Arts curatorial team, Chief Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs and Executive Director. Make presentations of proposed acquisitions at Acquisitions Committee Meetings.
• Support curators by contributing research on incoming works of art and assisting with administrative details around the incoming acquisitions process.
• Support curator overseeing Permanent Collection on the administration of Acquisitions meetings and follow up.
• Assist in the details of the presentation of our collection online (including image coordination, planned projects, online collections records and related texts).
• Participate in meetings with Marketing and Social Media colleagues related to use of Permanent Collection works in Walker social media channels.

Departmental Support

• Assist, as needed, with coordination and hosting for artist/curator visits.
• Conduct general research on artists, as assigned.
• Contribute online content related to the Visual Arts program for the Walker’s Reader.
• Participate with regular attendance at local arts events, conduct studio visits with local artists.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum B.A. in art history, museum studies, or a related field, M.A. or equivalent experience preferred.
• Specialization in contemporary (post-1960) art, with evidence of superior achievement (such as grade point average, honors, or other designations) preferred. Passion for contemporary art and culture.
• Excellent research skills with the ability to conduct both directed and independent research.
• Strong written and verbal skills; demonstrated ability to write for general audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to be part of a team and work across multiple departments.
• Ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects in a demanding and fast-paced work environment; Flexibility in meeting shifting demands and priorities with proven ability to meet multiple deadlines.
• Well-organized, detail oriented, and proactive.
• Strong attention to detail, high level of accuracy, and strong problem solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with staff, trustees, artists, arts professionals, and the public.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Sketchup, and other standard computer programs.
• Availability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends as appropriate.
• Some experience in the field, either at a similar organization or through independent practice.
• Fluency in English. Foreign language skills (written and verbal) are desirable

Job Specifications

• This position is considered full-time, exempt. As an exempt position, it is not eligible for overtime pay. The minimum compensation for this role is $45,000 annually. The Walker offers a wide range of benefits for both part-time and full-time employees.
• plus $2,000 travel allocation per year for travel related to relocation and/or professional development activities.
• This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
• All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Vaccination Expectation

The Walker Art Center’s COVID vaccination policy requires staff to be fully vaccinated or to supply a negative test every 6 days. We will consider requests for reasonable accommodations based on disability or sincerely-held religious beliefs

Walker’s DEI commitment

The Walker is committed to being an employer with a staff who, at all job levels, reflects the rich diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We are dedicated to ensuring inclusion and equity in all our employment practices. We deeply value and welcome all the unique lived experiences in our applicants and encourage anyone meeting the minimum requirements to apply.

Recruitment Timeline - All positions are open until filled. However, our primary recruitment period will end July 3.

Application materials include (PDF or MS Word format only):

• A letter of interest
• Resume
• Lists of 3 references
• 2 writing samples— one of which should not exceed 2,000 words; and the second should be a general audience writing sample (e.g. wall text, label, and gallery guide)