Curator

HYPERSCAL SOLUTIONS PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

National Gallery Singapore is seeking a Curatorial Leader to curate exhibitions and lead research on Singapore and Southeast Asian art. The role requires guiding scholarly work and shaping exhibitions that reflect the Gallery's mission in a global context.

You will mentor junior curatorial staff, contribute to collecting, and collaborate with the Library, Archives and external partners to deliver programming and policy development that supports the Gallery's long-term strategy.

Qualifications

• Post-graduate degree in art history or related field.
• At least five years' relevant curatorial experience, preferably within the museum.
• Strong knowledge of Singapore and/or SEA art history.
• Excellent research, writing, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Fluency in English; additional SEA language abilities would be ideal.
• Ability to lead and motivate colleagues and contribute to the museum's strategy.
• Good project management and organisational skills.
• Teaching experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Curate exhibitions and projects in the capacity of a lead role.
• Conduct research and contribute to scholarship on Singapore and Southeast Asian art from the 19th century to present time.
• Develop areas of research specialisation to support institutional policies on collection development, publications and exhibition programming.
• Mentor and supervise junior curatorial colleagues in the planning and execution of exhibitions and programmes, as well as professional development.
• Build the national collection through artwork acquisitions.
• Curatorial Coordinator for Collections.
• To work closely with the Library and Archives to build the Gallery's archival materials.
• Contribute to relevant strategic planning and management matters, at both department and across departments in the museum.
• Lead, plan and execute exhibitions and programmes including conceptualisation, negotiations with external institutions, and co-ordination of general exhibition matters.
• Lead and work with other museum colleagues in presenting programmes such as lectures, talks and training sessions, as well as providing content for collaterals such as website and publicity materials.
• Build professional networks with the arts and cultural community, collectors, patrons, and partners.
• Manage, supervise, and administer projects, processes and procedures under his/her responsibility.
• Handle ad-hoc assignments as and when required, including writing policy papers and leading cross-functional work groups.

Skills

Research

Writing

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Education

Post-graduate degree in art history

Job description

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

National Gallery Singapore is a leading visual arts institution which oversees the world's largest public collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian modern art. Situated at the birthplace of modern Singapore, in the heart of the Civic District, the Gallery is housed in two national monuments - City Hall and former Supreme Court - that have been beautifully restored and transformed into this exciting 64,000 square metre venue. Reflecting Singapore's unique heritage and geographical location, the Gallery aims to be a progressive museum that creates dialogues between the art of Singapore, Southeast Asia and the world to foster and inspire a creative and inclusive society. This is reflected in our collaborative research, education, long-term and special exhibitions, and innovative programming. The Gallery also works with international museums such as Centre Pompidou, Muse d'Orsay, Tate Britain, National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT) and National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA), to jointly present Southeast Asian art in the global context, positioning Singapore as a key node in the global visual arts scene.

In 2020, the Gallery was the only museum in Southeast Asia that received a ranking in The Art Newspaper's annual global survey of attendance at art museums, taking 20th place. In 2018, the Gallery was also the first museum in Asia to receive the Children in Museums Award by the European Museum Academy and Hands On! International Association of Children in Museums. It also won the awards for "Best Theme Attraction" at TTG Travel Awards 2017, "Best Attraction Experience", "Breakthrough Contribution to Tourism" and "Best Customer Service (Attractions)" at the prestigious Singapore Tourism Awards in 2016 for its role in adding to the vibrancy of Singapore's tourism landscape.

OUR PEOPLE

At National Gallery Singapore, we develop cultural leaders who make the world better. Our people are united by a shared belief in the power and necessity of art, and work together to create meaningful experiences for our visitors.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Curate exhibitions and projects in the capacity of a lead role
• Conduct research and contribute to scholarship on Singapore and Southeast Asian (SEA) art from the 19th century to present time
• Develop areas of research specialisation to support institutional policies on collection development, publications and exhibition programming
• Mentor and supervise junior curatorial colleagues in the planning and execution of exhibitions and programmes, as well as professional development
• Build the national collection through artwork acquisitions
• Curatorial Coordinator for Collections
• To work closely with the Library and Archives to build the Gallery's archival materials
• Contribute to relevant strategic planning and management matters, at both department and across departments in the museum
• Lead, plan and execute exhibitions and programmes including conceptualisation, negotiations with external institutions, and co-ordination of general exhibition matters
• Lead and work with other museum colleagues in presenting programmes such as lectures, talks and training sessions, as well as providing content for collaterals such as website and publicity materials
• Build professional networks with the arts and cultural community, collectors, patrons, and partners
• Manage, supervise, and administer projects, processes and procedures under his/her responsibility
• Handle ad-hoc assignments as and when required, including writing policy papers and leading cross-functional work groups

QUALIFICATIONS

• A post-graduate degree in art history or related field
• At least five years' relevant curatorial experience, preferably within the museum field
• Keen interest in and strong knowledge of Singapore and/or SEA art history
• Excellent research, writing, communication and interpersonal skills
• Fluency in English. Additional SEA language abilities would be ideal
• Ability to lead and motivate colleagues
• Interest and ability to contribute to the museum's overall strategy and management
• Good project management and organisational skills
• Attentive to details and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Teaching experience a plus