Deadline: 12 November 2020
The National Gallery of Zimbabwe has set itself as a center for national culture, which may inject various influences into the mainstreams of life and change the way people appreciate art and culture in their various societies through stone, metal and wooden sculptures, paintings, drawings, print works and installations. The Gallery is responsible for circulating exhibitions throughout Zimbabwe and is a focal and distributing point for art in the country. Its core business is also to preserve, conserve, research and publish the artworks collections for the education of present and future generations of Zimbabwe. The Gallery provides education through the National Gallery Visual Arts Studios (NGVAS) and also holds educational workshops, films and lectures within the Gallery as a way of promoting and educating the public about visual arts. The Gallery offers the corporate community and other civic organizations the opportunity to hire artworks from the Permanent Collection for decoration of their premises. These institutions can also hire space for private functions, exhibitions and shows. Interested people are welcome to use the Thomas Meikles Library to provide research and interest facilities.
Position summary
The position of Curator is a full-time job, as a member of the senior staff and, with the Executive Director and Curatorial team, provides artistic direction and coordination to the National Gallery of Zimbabwe’s programs. It requires enthusiasm and a passion for art in Zimbabwe. The NGZ Curator is responsible for the oversight of designated travelling exhibitions and for the conception, execution, quality, and scholarship of a number of internally generated exhibitions and their accompanying catalogues. NGZ Curator is expected to be an active and visible member of the National, Regional and International art community, and to participate in the overall institutional advancement of the Gallery.
Job description
The Curator is responsible for: general scholarship and research into contemporary art; for advancing the institution’s mission; for executing and developing support for its programs; meeting the goals of its strategic plan; heading and working closely with Senior Management.
Exhibitions: The Curator plays a significant role in the formulation of the overall direction of the Gallery’s artistic efforts and long-range exhibition schedule; prepares exhibition proposals 1-2 years in advance of exhibition dates for review and approval by the Director; originates three to four exhibitions of varying content each year with an accompanying scholarly catalogue; works to secure touring venues for exhibitions and oversees their implementation. Co-ordinates with the Curator of Education and Public Programs to plan exhibitions; works with the Conservation and Collections Manager, ensures that the highest level of professional care is given to works of art entrusted to the Gallery; works with the Executive Director and Exhibitions Office to track exhibition budgets and expenditures; fosters and actively participates in dialogue with colleagues, sharing professional opinions, and advancing ideas and knowledge related to contemporary art within and without the Gallery; maintains a visible role in the community including the maintenance of relationships with artists, galleries, collectors, donors, and members of the general public.
Public Information and Electronic Media: The Curator contributes to Gallery publications and communication efforts as requested; provides information regarding exhibitions and programs for website and social media content; collaborates with Communications and Marketing Department to prepare exhibition-related materials for public relations and marketing efforts; contributes to the development of communications and marketing strategies and materials to serve audiences and to enhance the Gallery’s image, identity, public and community outreach and donor prospects.
Development, Donor Relations, and Institutional Advancement: Under the supervision of the Executive Director, the Curator takes an active role in the identification of possible funding sources, and in grant preparation and reporting.
External Relations: Represents the Gallery to the public at large; attends exhibition previews and related events around Zimbabwe and internationally if possible and carries out any other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
The Curator of Contemporary Art must have: a Bachelor’s degree in Curatorship, Museum Studies, Fine Arts, or Art History; a Master’s degree in the above studies will be an added advantage; 5 years minimum prior experience in the curatorial and contemporary arts sector; Experience working in a government setting will be an added advantage; good knowledge of Zimbabwe and African contemporary art; good oral and written communication skills; self- motivation; initiative and ability to work as a team; excellent problem solving, analytical, IT and numerical abilities; A highly target driven self-starter and have proven leadership capacity and experience.
To apply
To apply for this position please send your CV and cover letter to hr@nationalgallery.co.zw or The Executive Director, National Gallery of Zimbabwe, 20 Julius Nyerere Way, P O Box CY848, Causeway, Harare. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.