Assistant / Curator (Singapore Studies and Art History)

National University of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Assistant/Curator to enhance its vibrant NUS Museum collection. This role involves curating exhibitions, engaging with the community, and conducting research on Singapore's rich art and cultural history. Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in Art History or related fields, with excellent organizational and communication skills. Join a dynamic team dedicated to making art accessible and fostering a deeper understanding of Singapore's heritage. This position promises a rewarding experience in a collaborative environment, perfect for those eager to contribute to cultural dialogues and public engagement.

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of experience in Singapore art and cultural history.
• Independent researcher with strong writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and mount exhibitions related to Singapore collections.
• Engage public through educational programs and exhibition tours.

Skills

Research Skills

Writing Skills

Public Speaking

Organizational Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

BA or MA in Art History

Cultural Studies

Arts Management

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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 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

Employee Referral Eligible:

Job requisition ID : 28360