Senior Exhibition Curator & Gallery Manager

Placements24; Stellenbosch Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a prestigious art gallery in Paarl, Western Cape, in sourcing a Senior Exhibition Curator & Gallery Manager. You will conceptualize exhibitions, oversee the collection, and direct daily gallery operations, shaping the institution's artistic vision.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's in Art History or related field, with 6+ years in curatorial and gallery leadership, proven exhibition outcomes, and strong networks.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Art History, Curatorial Studies, Museum Studies, or a closely related field.
• 6+ years in exhibition curation and gallery management.
• Proven track record of significant exhibitions and publications.
• Experience in collection management and art handling.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, research, and develop innovative exhibition programs that align with the gallery's mission and artistic scope.
• Manage all aspects of exhibition planning and execution, including artist liaison, loan agreements, installation, and deinstallation.
• Oversee the care, conservation, and documentation of the gallery's permanent collection.
• Develop and manage the gallery's annual budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
• Lead and supervise gallery staff, including registrars, educators, and administrative personnel.
• Cultivate relationships with artists, collectors, patrons, and other arts organizations.
• Develop and implement educational programming and public engagement initiatives related to exhibitions.
• Manage gallery operations, including security, facilities, and visitor services.
• Stay abreast of current trends in contemporary art, curatorial practice, and museum management.

Skills

Leadership

Curatorial research

Art history knowledge

Verbal communication

Education

Master's degree in Art History or related field

Tools

Museum databases

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious art gallery in the historic town of **Paarl, Western Cape**, is seeking an accomplished Senior Exhibition Curator & Gallery Manager. This pivotal role demands a sophisticated understanding of art history, a keen eye for curatorial vision, and robust management capabilities. You will be responsible for conceptualizing and executing compelling exhibitions, managing the gallery's collection, and overseeing daily operations. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in curating impactful exhibitions, a strong network within the art world, and the leadership skills necessary to manage gallery staff and resources effectively. This is a distinguished opportunity to shape the cultural landscape of **Paarl** and contribute significantly to the visual arts community.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, research, and develop innovative exhibition programs that align with the gallery's mission and artistic scope.
• Manage all aspects of exhibition planning and execution, including artist liaison, loan agreements, installation, and deinstallation.
• Oversee the care, conservation, and documentation of the gallery's permanent collection.
• Develop and manage the gallery's annual budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
• Lead and supervise gallery staff, including registrars, educators, and administrative personnel.
• Cultivate relationships with artists, collectors, patrons, and other arts organizations.
• Develop and implement educational programming and public engagement initiatives related to exhibitions.
• Manage gallery operations, including security, facilities, and visitor services.
• Stay abreast of current trends in contemporary art, curatorial practice, and museum management.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Art History, Curatorial Studies, Museum Studies, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in exhibition curation and gallery management.
• Demonstrated success in curating significant exhibitions, accompanied by a strong critical catalogue or publication record.
• Extensive knowledge of art history, with a specialization in relevant periods or movements.
• Proven experience in collection management, conservation principles, and art handling.
• Excellent leadership, management, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong research, writing, and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience in fundraising and donor relations is a significant advantage.
• Proficiency in museum collection databases and standard office software.

Benefits

This position offers a highly competitive salary and an attractive benefits package, including health insurance and opportunities for professional development. You will be part of a vibrant cultural institution in the beautiful **Paarl** region, contributing to its artistic legacy. Our client offers a stimulating work environment and the chance to engage with a diverse range of art and artists. This role requires full-time, on-site commitment to effectively manage the gallery and its operations.