The Curatorial Research Associate reports to the Chief Curatorial Operations & Research Officer (CCORO) and works closely with the Senior Curator of Contemporary Art and the Senior Curator of Chinese Art. The role is primarily responsible for conducting art-related research and administrative duties relating to the Contemporary Collection and Chinese Art Collection. This work largely supports the Curators as they develop collection rotations and exhibitions with an overall exhibition schedule of 10 – 15 shows per year that range in scale and span the Museum’s five collecting areas: Chinese, Contemporary, Early European, Modern, and Photography.
Under the supervision of the CCORO, the Associate will work at the direction of the Contemporary Curator and Chinese Curator on their efforts to organize approximately 4 – 6 exhibitions at any given time. The Associate will also be responsible for compiling and organizing relevant archival exhibition materials in the Museum’s physical and digital archives, following its presentation at the Norton. Within the department, there are two Curatorial Research Associate positions that work in tandem with the Curatorial Operations Assistant to support and further enhance art-related efforts across the Museum.
Exhibitions, Research, and Administration
- Through assigned exhibitions, and under the direction of a Curator, maintains exhibition checklists, tracking any necessary changes and making edits to account for accurate details.
- Responsible for the administrative support and management of the organization of digital and physical archival files for assigned exhibitions, including final checklist, didactic texts, and exhibition layouts. Additional administrative support will also be required for research related to the two collecting areas and donor relations, when applicable.
- Provides research support to Curators for major special exhibition projects and, when necessary, produces written content (labels, web copy, brochure details, etc.) for these projects. In coordination with the Copy Editor & Project Manager, this role also conducts fact-checking and proofreading of written content (didactics and other supportive texts) developed across the Museum’s departments and coordinates the translation of those exhibition didactics.
- When needed, provides support for the development of exhibition catalogues or museum publications including project management, research, proofing essays and object entries
- Leads VIP, docent, and staff tours on special exhibitions and produces lectures and presentations related to curated exhibitions
- When tasked, organizes, develops, and curates original, visionary exhibitions and programs that highlight the Museum’s holdings and potentially special loans. This includes conducting rigorous research to develop a thematic concept, writing exhibition didactics, and working with the CCORO, the Director of Exhibition Design & Installation, Director of Creative Services, and the Registrars to finalize the checklist, exhibition layout and design, exhibition design identity, and if applicable, identifying any conservation needs for the selected artworks.
Collections, Research, and Administration
- Through assigned permanent collection projects, and under the direction of a Curator, undertakes scholarly research on works of art which can include establishing provenance, fact-checking key details, and contributing to an artwork’s object files. All findings should be submitted to the Registrars should new identifying details about the work arise.
- Supports Curators in researching proposed acquisitions for Works of Art Committee meetings
- Assists Curator’s research efforts in the development of collection labels and, at times, Norton publications, with a focus on interpretating the collection for a broader audience
- Communicates and coordinates with the Registrars to respond to internal and external object-related requests in a timely manner
- Following the completion of a Collection rotation, documents the checklists, labels, and any relevant installation photography with the Registrars for the Museum’s archives
Cross-Department Collaboration
- Acts as the principle point of contact for verifying details related to key exhibitions and the permanent collections
- Works closely with members of the Communications department to develop website, and social media content to the promote the permanent Collection and upcoming exhibitions. This includes attending monthly Content Group meetings to discuss the social media calendar
- Under the direction of the CCORO and Curator, collaborates with Development staff to contextualize curatorial research to produce written materials for fundraising efforts
- As needed, participates, and assists with Curatorial Council stewardship events
- On occasion, will work with the CCORO and Curator of Contemporary Art to manage the Artist in Residence program and assist with logistics to support the artist as needed
- After the close of an exhibition, works with the Development Officer for Institutional Giving to produce Exhibition Closing Reports which include exhibition materials such as exhibition checklists, press clippings, and installation photographs, to fulfill contractual obligations with partnering institutions and create an exhibition package for the Museum’s archives.
Administrative Support
- Works with Curatorial Operations Assistant to maintain an accurate log of gift and acquisition proposals
- Attends the weekly Operations Meeting with the Curatorial Operations Assistant, to represent the Curatorial Department, and, if necessary, reports back on any potential action items or necessary scheduling issues.
- On occasion, travels for research, conferences, professional development, and as a museum courier
