Assistant / Curator (NUS Museum)

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A top research university in Singapore seeks an Assistant/Curator for the NUS Museum. This role focuses on curating collections, engaging with the community through educational programs, and developing exhibitions. Candidates should have a BA or MA in a relevant field and 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in Singapore art and cultural history. Strong research, organizational skills, and proficiency in English are needed. This position also requires flexibility to work evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of relevant experience focusing on Singapore art and cultural history.
• Prior experience as researcher/archiver is an advantage.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualise and mount exhibitions related to various curatorial projects.
• Engage public and campus communities through educational programs.
• Develop workshops and training programs related to Singapore Studies.
• Participate in acquisition and valuation processes.
• Develop research and archival materials relevant to the collection.

Skills

Art History knowledge

Research and writing skills

Organizational skills

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

BA or MA in Art History, History, Cultural Studies, Global Studies, Arts Management or equivalent

Job description

Overview

The National University of Singapore is the national research university of Singapore. Founded in 1905 as the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States Government Medical School, NUS is the oldest higher education institution in Singapore.

Job Description

With over 8,000 artworks from Singapore, the region, India and China, the NUS Museum collection forms an important resource for the University. The origins of NUS Museum can be traced to the formation of its predecessor institution, the University of Malaya, in 1955. Augmented by the Lee Kong Chian Collection of Chinese Art from the Nanyang University, the NUS Museum collection reflects the post-colonial political context around Malaya and Singapore, and its cultural development. A significant donation of Ng Eng Teng's personal archive and collection from 1998 - 2000 is reflective of the years of nation building and development. A Straits Chinese collection was begun in 2005 with the donation from the late Ms Agnes Tan Kim Lwi to the University, which allowed the University to acquire a historic townhouse at 157 Neil Road (today the NUS Baba House).

Working closely with the Curatorial Lead to develop lines of curatorial enquiries connecting NUS Museum's Singapore collection (including the Ng Eng Teng Collection and the Straits Chinese Collection) with the Museum's other collections and exhibitions, the Assistant/Curator (Singapore Studies and Art History) will contribute to collections development including acquisitions, systematic cataloguing of collections, and related research and archival activities, and create academic and public access to the Museum and its collections via exhibitions, publications and other programmes.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Working across the collections and Museum units, to conceptualise and mount exhibitions in connection to the various curatorial projects of the Museum.
• Engage with campus and student communities and the public, through exhibition tours, educational programmes such as talks and workshops, volunteer events & others.
• Together with the Museum's Engagement team, develop workshops/training programme related to Singapore Studies.
• Participate in acquisition and valuation processes as curator in-charge of Singapore related materials and public sculptures.
• Develop research and archival materials pertinent to the collection.
• Write, edit and publish exhibition catalogues and other publications including websites.
• Develop public programs such as public talks, workshops and events in collaboration with the outreach team.
• Any other administrative duties, such as committee and secretarial functions, as assigned by Curatorial Lead and the University Curator.

Qualifications

• BA or MA in Art History, History, Cultural Studies, Global Studies, Arts Management or equivalent.
• Possess at least 3 to 5 years of relevant experience, with a focus on Singapore art and cultural history.
• Prior experience as researcher/archiver is an advantage; independent, with skills in research and writing.
• Good organisational and inter-personal skills, and able to multitask and work under pressure. Pleasant, affable disposition, resourceful and resilient in work situations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent spoken and written English.
• Comfortable with public speaking.
• Meticulous with a keen attention for details.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Able to work evenings and weekends to support events.

More Information

Location: Kent Ridge Campus

Organization: NUS Museum

Department: NUS Museum