Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

The Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania seeks a creative, self-motivated, and intellectually curious individual to join the curatorial team as an Associate Curator / Curator in service of ICA's mission to connect with diverse publics through the support of artists and ideas that explore, contextualize, and resonate with the socio-political conditions of our time.

Reporting to the Chief Curator and working closely with the Director of Curatorial Affairs, the Associate Curator / Curator is a key member of the curatorial team who works closely alongside colleagues across departments in ICA's dynamic and collaborative environment. In addition to generating original scholarship in the form of exhibitions (spanning group, thematic, and solo formats), programs, websites, and publications, the Associate Curator / Curator will propose projects that embrace different formats, platforms, perspectives, disciplines, and temporalities.

The ICA is a non-collecting laboratory of artistic experimentation that privileges polyvocality, collaboration, and interdisciplinarity. This work takes the form of exhibitions, commissions, performance, publications, and special projects that champion underrecognized artists and ideas.

The institution’s mission is bolstered by its position as a center within the University of Pennsylvania. Working within a leading research university provides multiple opportunities to be in dialogue and to collaborate with colleagues and students across campus. ICA’s location in University City also mandates that its work connect with its immediate neighbors in West Philadelphia while staying in dialogue with the concerns of a broader, international art community.

The successful candidate is a generous colleague and a good communicator. They have a passion for creative curatorial projects that prioritizes ICA's drive to make diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging a focus and understand it as key to advancing ICA’s history of advocating for artists, research, and dialogues that encourage an exchange of ideas on art and society. They will be expected to center this work at every stage of the process––from incubation to realization––and to consider how their projects engage multiple perspectives and communities, as well as their immediate colleagues within the ICA.

The Associate Curator / Curator manages all aspects of curatorial project development including but not limited to: exhibition research, writing, exhibition credits, rights and reproductions, exhibition checklists, publications, and administrative duties, and they will work closely with ICA’s Curatorial Project Manager and Administrative Coordinator on payments, budgets, and distribution of materials. The Associate Curator / Curator represents ICA within the wider community and contributes to ICA Development, Marketing, Public Engagement & Research, and Curatorial projects/events as determined by the Curatorial Department.

Responsibilities

Provide ICA with curatorial expertise within a collaborative and mission-focused environment that prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Actively engage in original research and development of curatorial works spanning group, thematic, and solo exhibitions, as well as curatorial projects that are not limited to but include a focus on emergent artistic and cultural practices, bring to light overlooked artists and ideas, and explore issues that contextualize and resonate with the socio-political conditions of our time. Conduct studio visits and develop relationships with artists and thinkers. 25%

Conceive of original exhibitions including new research and proposal of artists and ideas, budgeting, and correspondence. Produce essays, exhibition checklists, develop audience-facing didactics, gallery tours, correspondence, manage publications, and other interpretive materials. Work collaboratively across teams, including working closely with Development on grant narratives and funding strategies; contributing to programming in tandem with Public Engagement and Research; and working with Marketing on outreach initiatives including press releases, ICA's online presence, and social media. Contribute to IDEA@ICA, a staff-led group focused on ensuring inclusion, diversity, equity, and access are centered in everything we do. 25%

Manage workflow and maintain aspects of their developed exhibitions and any related programs and publications. Duties include: coordination of budgeting with Director of Curatorial Affairs, maintenance of timelines and contributors with Chief Curator, liaise with outside vendors and suppliers, and miscellaneous administrative responsibilities. Works closely with ICA Curatorial Project Manager and Administrative Coordinator on payments and distribution of materials. Contribute productively to cross-department program meetings. Communicate across departments as exhibitions develop to maintain flow of communication and resource sharing. Mentor fellows, work-study students, and student board as applicable. 25%

Represent ICA within the University and the art community; attend ICA Development, Marketing, Public Engagement & Research, and Curatorial events including ICA co-produced events as necessary and attend outside art openings, programs, conferences, lectures, and meetings. Actively visit graduate departments, galleries, and nonprofit arts organizations. Participate in local and global art communities, and present new ideas from the field to the curatorial team. Develop original lectures for external venues. Contribute to identifying traveling exhibitions and venues for ICA exhibitions. 20%

Other duties and responsibilities as assigned. 5%

Qualifications:

Associate Curator

Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts, Art History or related field is required, Master's Degree in Fine Arts or Art History is preferred, and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

A passion for ICA’s mission and belief in art as a powerful engine for positive social change.

A passion for supporting underrepresented artists and emerging ideas in contemporary culture.

Art-related experience in a gallery, presenting organization, or museum setting is essential.

Experience conducting original research to develop curatorial projects spanning group, thematic, and solo formats.

Must have excellent communication, writing, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.

Must possess exceptional organizational skills, be detailed oriented and the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.

An interest in working collaboratively, mentoring staff, and contributing to a strong and inclusive work culture.

Ability to work evening hours for events and some weekends required.

Knowledge of art publishing production a plus.

Knowledge of Filemaker Pro, Adobe Suite, Powerpoint, and Excel a plus.

Curator

All qualifications above and a track record of developing original research, realizingcuratorial projects spanning group, thematic, and solo formats, as well as writing, editing, and producing publications.

Application Requirement:

A Cover Letter and Resume/CV are required to be considered for this position. Please upload your Cover Letter where it asks you to upload your Resume/CV; multiple documents are allowed.

Associate Curator Budgeted Pay Range:

$60K -- $65K commensurate with education and experience

Curator Budgeted Pay Range:

$70K -- $75K commensurate with education and experience