Job Information
Museum of Fine Arts Boston Joyce Linde Associate Curator of Folk and Self-Taught Art in Boston, Massachusetts
Position Summary:
At a transformational moment for our Art of the Americas program, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, seeks an energetic and dynamic curator and scholar to become the Joyce Linde Associate Curator of Folk and Self-Taught Art.
Reporting to the Chair of the Art of the Americas, the Joyce Linde Associate Curator will partner with curatorial colleagues in the Art of the Americas and across the museum to help integrate the MFA’s renowned collection of Folk and Self-Taught art into the Art of the Americas wing, and into other exhibitions and galleries across the MFA. Drawing on the extensive resources of the MFA’s recently-endowed Folk Art initiative, which seeks to reimagine the folk art collections for 21st century audiences, and offers support for exhibitions, public programs and community engagement, digital initiatives and travel and research, the Associate curator will participate in the department’s exhibition program, upcoming reinstallations and other special projects.
A creative thinker with a truly collaborative spirit, the ideal candidate will explore the MFA’s deep collections and galvanize colleagues across the department and around the museum in thinking anew about the categories of folk and self-taught art, and in envisioning new ways to integrate our collections into the MFA’s galleries, and to make them accessible, relevant and important to the lives of our visitors today. The Associate curator will bring a national perspective but also demonstrate a commitment to building relationships with communities in Boston and around New England.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston has an impressive collection of American folk art, broadly defined, with notable strength in works made in the northeastern United States in the 18th and 19th centuries. Highlights include important paintings by Erastus Salisbury Field, William Matthew Prior, and Rufus Porter, nearly 350 works on paper from the Karolik collection, a significant collection of American quilts, and select examples of painted furniture and sculptural forms. Opportunities for growth include historical American art that enhances and complements the Karolik collection with a focus on artists of diverse ethnic, racial, socio-economic, and geographical background.
Essential Functions:
As directed by the Department Chair, develop, plan and organize installations and rotations in the permanent collections galleries. Propose exhibition ideas and strategies and execute approved exhibitions. Direct and oversee related activities, including presentation in galleries, preparation of publications catalogs, brochures, labels, text, and other interpretive materials.
With guidance from the Chair, collaborate with the Development department to cultivate and steward relationships with important collectors and donors and to seek and act upon opportunities that connect new and existing donors with the Museum. In consultation with the Chair create and attend innovative and thoughtful programming and travel opportunities as part of the Department’s Curators Circle that appeal to members and draw new supporters. Assist Chair or senior curatorial staff and work closely with the Development Department in grant application process, fundraising, publicity, research activities as necessary.
In collaboration with the Chair, and the Director of Collections, discover, research, recommend and present objects for acquisition within the Museum’s collections strategies. Refine collection through proposal of regular and thoughtful de-accessioning. Keep abreast of commercial market, private collecting, local collectors as well as other important museum trends.
As necessary and with approval of the Chair, collaborate with Development in the process of grant applications. Work with Communications staff in marketing and public relations endeavors to support exhibition projects or initiatives.
Make recommendations and consult with Chair on matters related to scholarly research and the publishing of exhibitions and collection catalogs or articles. Share expertise, and maintain extensive contacts with colleagues, scholars, artists, dealers, general public, consultants and other departments, as appropriate.
Work closely with Conservation and Collections Management, Exhibitions Strategy and Gallery Displays, Facilities, Protective Services, contractors and others partaking in art installations, to ensure proper conditions and protocols are maintained for objects on view and in storage.
Collaborate with departmental and Museum-wide colleagues to research and document the collection in the Museum’s collections database “The Museum System” (TMS). Evaluate and arrange for loans of objects to and from the collection. Identify objects and consult with Provenance Curator, conservation and scientific staff to establish the history and authenticity of art objects. Support in evaluating and coordinating internally the loans of objects to and from the collection.
In collaboration with Public Programs, bring the collection to life through delivering talks on the permanent collection and special projects or exhibitions. Travel and serve as an art courier, attend conferences, seminars; visit other Museums, maintain professional affiliations in appropriate organizations.
Perform other associated duties as responsibilities necessitate.
Requirements and Characteristics:
MA or PhD in Art History
5 to 7 years of curatorial experience
In-depth scholarly research and publishing in area(s) of specialty
An excellent writer and presenter with ability to attract and engage different audiences
Experience with museum databases. Knowledge of “The Museum System” (TMS) is ideal
Committed to community and audience development and involvement
A highly collaborative mindset and track record as a thought partner
Strong project management skills
Must stay abreast of latest museum practices and trends
Clear commitment to IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, access), through projects and collaborations, that fosters a culturally inclusive and welcoming environment
Salary and Schedule:
Full-time Salary, 35 hours per week
Salary Range: $81,000 - $83,000
This position is affiliated with the UAW union
The MFA is an equal opportunity employer. The community and audience we serve is diverse, and we wish to foster that diversity in our workplace. Toward that end, the MFA does not discriminate against individuals in hiring, employment or promotion on the basis of race, religion, color, sex/gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, handicap or disability, veteran or military status, political belief, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.