Museum Curator - Exhibitions

Placements24; Queenstown (MD); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Research resources

Professional development

Collaborative team

Public engagement opportunities

Cultural heritage focus

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Museum Curator specializing in Exhibitions for an on-site role in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, ZA. The ideal candidate will lead the conceptualization, development, and execution of engaging exhibitions that connect audiences with cultural heritage.

You will manage research, interpretive content, loan negotiations, installation, and collaboration with designers, educators, and marketing teams while advancing the museum's mission and expanding its permanent

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Art History, Museum Studies, History, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of curatorial experience developing and managing exhibitions.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Experience with exhibition design and interpretation.
• Experience with artifact care and collections management.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Willingness to work full-time on-site.

Responsibilities

• Research, develop exhibition proposals and interpretive plans.
• Borrow artifacts and artworks, manage loan agreements.
• Oversee installation and deinstallation of exhibitions.
• Write interpretive text for labels, catalogues, and publications.
• Collaborate with designers, conservators, educators, and marketing teams.
• Conduct scholarly research on collections and themes.
• Engage the public through lectures and tours.
• Manage exhibition budgets and timelines.
• Stay current with curatorial practices and scholarship.
• Contribute to growth of the permanent collection.

Skills

Research skills

Writing skills

Project management

Exhibition design

Collections management

Interpersonal communication

Education

Master's/PhD in Art History or Museum Studies

Tools

Collections management databases

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing significant cultural heritage, is seeking an experienced and passionate Museum Curator specializing in Exhibitions.

This is a non-remote, on-site position located in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, ZA .

As a Curator, you will be responsible for the conceptualization, development, and execution of compelling exhibitions that engage diverse audiences and advance the museum's mission.

Your expertise in art history, collections management, and exhibition design will be crucial in bringing stories to life and interpreting historical and artistic artifacts for public display.

This role requires a deep commitment to scholarship, meticulous research, and a creative vision for presenting collections in an accessible and impactful manner.

Key Responsibilities

• Research, conceptualize, and develop exhibition proposals and interpretive plans.
• Select and borrow artifacts and artworks for exhibitions, managing loan agreements and conditions.
• Oversee the installation and deinstallation of exhibitions, ensuring proper handling and display of objects.
• Write interpretive text for exhibition labels, wall panels, catalogues, and other related publications.
• Collaborate with designers, conservators, educators, and marketing teams to ensure the successful realization of exhibitions.
• Conduct scholarly research related to the museum's collections and exhibition themes.
• Engage with the public through lectures, tours, and other outreach activities.
• Manage exhibition budgets and oversee related project timelines.
• Stay abreast of current curatorial practices, museum trends, and scholarship in relevant fields.
• Contribute to the growth and interpretation of the museum's permanent collection.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Art History, Museum Studies, History, or a related field relevant to the museum's collection.
• Minimum of 5 years of curatorial experience, with a proven track record in developing and managing exhibitions.
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Excellent knowledge of exhibition design principles and interpretation methods.
• Experience with collections management databases and best practices in artifact care.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners.
• Passion for history, art, and cultural heritage preservation.
• Ability to work full-time on-site in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, ZA .

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work in a historically significant institution.
• Direct involvement in shaping public engagement with art and history.
• Collaborate with a dedicated team of museum professionals.
• Access to extensive collections and research resources.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Contribute meaningfully to the cultural landscape of the region.