Hybrid Associate Curator, Asian Art & Collections

RISD - Rhode Island School of Design; United States; Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

RISD Museum invites applications for the Curator/Associate Curator of Asian Art. The roleDevelops the collection, guides exhibitions, and contributes to teaching and public programs in alignment with RISD’s strategic plan.

We seek an experienced curator with a strong publication record, a focus on Asian art (Japanese works on paper preferred), and a proven ability to cultivate donors and build collaborations across departments. Hybrid schedule and annual exhibitions are expected.

Qualifications

• Record of scholarly publications and/or exhibitions.
• Master’s or equivalent combination of education and experience required; Ph.D. preferred.
• Specialization in Asian art, with emphasis on historical objects and periods.
• Expertise in Japanese art, particularly works on paper, strongly preferred.
• Fluency in a language relevant to the area of specialization is required; fluency in Japanese strongly preferred.
• Strong connoisseurship skills; familiarity with conservation and collection care.
• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative, teamwork approach.
• Flexibility.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop the collection.
• Maintain knowledge of the art market, including availability and value of objects.
• Cultivate donors and potential donors; maintain dealer contacts.
• Recommend purchases, gifts, deaccessions, and methods of deaccessioning.
• Care for the collection; supervise inventories and cataloguing.
• Coordinate conservation standards with Registrar; oversee housing, storage and installation.

Skills

Connoisseurship

Public speaking

Collaboration

Japanese language

Education

Master’s degree in art history or related field

Ph.D. preferred

Job description

RISD Museum invites applications for the Curator/Associate Curator of Asian Art. The roleDevelops the collection, guides exhibitions, and contributes to teaching and public programs in alignment with RISD’s strategic plan.

We seek an experienced curator with a strong publication record, a focus on Asian art (Japanese works on paper preferred), and a proven ability to cultivate donors and build collaborations across departments. Hybrid schedule and annual exhibitions are expected.