Senior Curator - Contemporary Art

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical coverage

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is representing a prestigious Kimberley-based museum in Northern Cape, seeking a Senior Curator with a specialization in Contemporary Art to lead the development, management, and interpretation of the contemporary art program.

The role requires deep art-historical knowledge, a strong publication record, and the ability to engage diverse audiences through exhibitions and educational programming. Masters or PhD in a related field and extensive curatorial experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Art History, Curatorial Studies or related field with Contemporary Art focus.
• 8+ years of curatorial experience in museums or galleries, contemporary art preferred.
• Strong publication record and excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute curatorial plans for contemporary art exhibitions.
• Oversee acquisition, care, and interpretation of the collection.
• Publish exhibition catalogs and articles; develop public programs and tours.
• Cultivate relationships with artists, collectors, galleries, and arts professionals.
• Manage budgets, grants, and fundraising efforts.

Skills

Curatorial expertise

Research & publication

Grant writing

Education

Master's or PhD in Art History/Curatorial Studies

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious art museum located in Kimberley, Northern Cape , is seeking an accomplished and knowledgeable Senior Curator with a specialization in Contemporary Art. This vital role involves the development, management, and interpretation of the museum's contemporary art collection and exhibitions. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of art history, critical discourse in contemporary art, and a proven ability to engage diverse audiences. You will be responsible for researching, acquiring, and presenting artworks, as well as developing engaging exhibition narratives and educational programming. This is a unique opportunity for a passionate art historian and curator to make a significant contribution to the cultural landscape of the Northern Cape . We are seeking an individual with strong scholarly credentials, excellent communication skills, and a vision for making contemporary art accessible and relevant.

Key Responsibilities

Research, develop, and execute curatorial plans for exhibitions of contemporary art. Oversee the acquisition, care, and interpretation of the museum's contemporary art collection. Conduct scholarly research and publish exhibition catalogues, articles, and other curatorial materials. Develop and deliver engaging public programs, lectures, and tours related to exhibitions. Cultivate relationships with artists, collectors, galleries, and other arts professionals. Manage exhibition budgets and secure funding through grants and donations. Liaise with education, conservation, and registration departments to ensure the highest standards of collection care and exhibition presentation. Represent the museum at conferences, symposia, and other professional events. Stay abreast of current trends and developments in contemporary art and museum practices. Contribute to the overall strategic direction of the museum.

Requirements

A Master's degree or PhD in Art History, Curatorial Studies, or a related field, with a specialization in Contemporary Art. A minimum of 8 years of curatorial experience in a museum or gallery setting, with a focus on contemporary art. Demonstrated success in organizing and executing major exhibitions. Strong research, writing, and publication record. Excellent knowledge of art historical scholarship and critical theory related to contemporary art. Experience in collection management and object-based research. Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team. Grant writing and fundraising experience is a strong asset. Familiarity with digital curatorial practices and audience engagement strategies.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with extensive experience, and a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical coverage and a substantial retirement fund. This role presents a remarkable opportunity to shape the interpretation and presentation of contemporary art within a respected institution in Kimberley . You will work alongside a dedicated team of arts professionals and contribute to the cultural enrichment of the Northern Cape . The position offers ample opportunities for professional development, including travel for research and conference attendance, within a supportive and stimulating environment.