Assistant Curator / Curator

National Heritage Board; Singapore; On-site; SGD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A national cultural institution in Singapore is looking for a Curatorial Specialist to research and curate exhibitions focused on the nation’s post-independence history. The ideal candidate will have a background in History or Humanities, at least 3 years of relevant experience, and strong research and storytelling abilities. High proficiency in English and Chinese is essential due to the requirement to engage with Chinese-language materials. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a significant national project.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in related curatorial and research work.
• Proven excellence in research, analytical, writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to think creatively and imaginatively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on Singapore’s post-independence history.
• Curate content for exhibitions and galleries.
• Engage stakeholders on storytelling and curatorial frame.
• Collaborate with various parties on curatorial projects.
• Acquire relevant artefacts for the National Collection.

Skills

Research skills

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Presentation skills

Chinese language proficiency

Creative thinking

Stakeholder management

Education

Background in History or Humanities

Job description

What The Role Is

At the Founders’ Memorial, we are creating a brand-new garden-museum experience for Singaporeans, by Singaporeans. A national landmark at the heart of our garden city, uncovering the story of how independent Singapore came to be, and bringing Singaporeans together to reflect and talk about the heritage of our founding leaders – what it means for us today and for the future. A home for Singapore’s founding values to live on and find new life in its people.

Can you identify with the values that guided our founding leaders and generation that have shaped Singapore to what it is today? Are you keen to tell stories about the courage and resilience exhibited by our founding leaders and generation in our nation-building years (1950s to 1970s)? Do you often think about the challenges and trade-offs that our country must negotiate in the past, present and future? If your answer is "yes", join us at the Founders' Memorial!

You will be part of a passionate team that is responsible for researching, telling the stories and curating the permanent and temporary galleries, as well as indoor and outdoor installations, of a brand-new institution that seeks to evoke reflection on Singapore’s founding values and inspire contribution to Singapore’s future.

What You Will Be Working On

• Conduct research on primary and secondary material pertaining to Singapore’s post-independence history, including but not limited to English- and Chinese-language oral history interviews and archival records
• Conceptualise and curate content for the Founders’ Memorial’s galleries, pilot exhibitions, and other curatorial-related projects, including digital projects, indoor and outdoor installations, citizen engagement, seminars, publications, amongst others
• Present, convince and engage stakeholders on the Founders’ Memorial’s curatorial frame and storytelling approach
• Work collaboratively with exhibition designers, collection managers, conservators, artists, curators, programme managers, public service agencies and other related parties on curatorial projects and the development of collections
• Identify and acquire relevant artefacts for the National Collection

What We Are Looking For

• Background in History or the Humanities or other disciplines relevant to Singapore’s post-independence history and nation building policies
• Preferably at least 3 years of experience in related curatorial and research work, with keen knowledge and passion for Singapore’s post-independence history and heritage, and its relevance to the present and future
• Proven excellence in research, analytical, writing and presentation skills
• Ability to think creatively and imaginatively, with strengths in synthesising information from different sources and storytelling
• Ability to communicate well, convince stakeholders, and facilitate interviews and engagement sessions
• Resourcefulness, and strength in knowledge, research, project and stakeholder management
• Able to work independently and as part of a core team
• Background in museum or exhibition curation
• Experience in public service will be viewed favourably
• Effectively bilingual in English with high proficiency in written and spoken Chinese as this position requires one to conduct research on Chinese-language materials and conduct oral history interviews in Chinese
• This position is only open to Singaporeans