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Curatorial Assistant, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

New York, NY

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
SKILLS
Academic Writing, Administrative Skills, Art History, Computer Skills, Credit and Collections, Data Collection, Database Administration, Database Management Software/Systems (DBMS), Detail Oriented, Follow Through, Leasing, Lift/Move 25 Pounds, Loans, Manage Agenda, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Word, Multitasking, Organizational Skills, Plan Meetings, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Process Management, Publications, Reporting Skills, Research Administration, Research Skills, Risk, Schedule Development, Seminars, Solomon, Time Management, Travel Industry, Willing to Travel, Writing Skills
LOCATION
New York, NY
POSTED
30+ days ago
We are Guggenheim, a global constellation of museums unlike any other in the world. Four museums on three continents, united by the power of groundbreaking art to connect us to ourselves and to each other. Since our founding in 1937, the Guggenheim has introduced, celebrated and brought to the public the newest voices and visions in modern and contemporary art. When Solomon R. Guggenheim and Hilla Rebay set out to share the joy they first experienced in discovering experimental art, they initiated the creative risk-taking that is today synonymous with “Guggenheim” throughout the world. Across the globe, each Guggenheim stands not just as a backdrop for visionary art but as masterpieces in and of themselves to experience.

The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is located in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District, a museum of modern and contemporary art with a mission to contribute to and stimulate expansive perspectives on the history of art. Presenting an international collection with a specific focus on West Asia, North Africa, and South Asia (WANASA), Guggenheim Abu Dhabi fosters a deeper understanding of how different local, regional, and international forces have shaped the interconnected histories and cultures of our time. 

SUMMARY OF POSITION:
Working independently, under the guidance of the Senior Curator of Collections, the Curatorial Assistant will take an active role in supporting the day-to-day directives of their supervisors.

SKILL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
  • Background in modern and contemporary art with demonstrated expertise in global art history.
  • Strong Interest and ability in curatorial research.
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills, with strong attention to detail.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
  • Ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment a must.
  • Ability to be proactive, use independent judgment and initiative.
  • Computer skills and advanced proficiency with database software including collection management databases (The Museum System (TMS) and E-mu preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, SharePoint, Word, and Excel).
  • Demonstrated experience of working cross-culturally.
  • Willingness to travel in the region and internationally.
  • Proficiency in a West Asian or South Asian language and one European language is preferred.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Manage administration of curatorial research and activities.
  • Support research, organization and implementation of acquisitions and collection initiatives.
  • Manage maintenance of collection database and project archiving.

Curatorial Research and Administration:
  • Assist with the research, development and successful delivery of the acquisitions, commissions, exhibitions, and publications program.
  • Maintain research database on artists and works of interest for acquisitions and special programs.
  • Assist the curators in the preparation of PowerPoint presentations.
  • Assist the curators in curatorial activities including curatorial seminars, research trips, studio visits.
  • In collaboration with Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT) curatorial and collections management team, support the research, editorial process, and delivery of final object captions for the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Collection for the permanent record.
  • Manage schedules and agendas for curatorial meetings.

Acquisitions and Inaugural Collection Display:
  • Assist curators in all aspects of the acquisitions process, including conducting preliminary research, obtaining information from galleries and artists, writing scholarly curatorial reports on artists and works, preparing for acquisition committee meetings, and follow-through on acquisition intake as needed.
  • Manage the editorial process and production of the Curatorial Report publication for Guggenheim Abu Dhabi acquisitions.
  • Support checklist development and exhibition implementation for inaugural collection display. 
  • Prepare and maintain PowerPoint and other presentations relating to acquisitions and the collection.

Collection Administration:
  • In collaboration with DCT curatorial and collections management team, manage and maintain curatorial data in computerized collections management system (TMS and/or Emu).
  • In collaboration with DCT curatorial and collections management team, manage and confirm label copy for all collection works for exhibitions, loans, publications, and educational materials.
  • Participate in regular collection management and planning meetings.

Departmental:
  • Participate and support preparation of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi curatorial meetings and Guggenheim curatorial departmental meetings.
  • Build relationships with UAE and regional art community.
  • Oversee selection and training and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi project interns.
  • Provide administrative support for senior curatorial staff.

WORK DEMANDS and ENVIRONMENT:
  • Ability to travel within the metropolitan area as required to perform the above duties at any of the Guggenheim’s owned or leased properties and regular international travel.
  • Virtual meetings with international teams across various time zones
  • Occasionally work may be conducted outdoors, exposure to varied weather conditions.
  • Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays on occasion.
  • Ability to lift at least 25 lbs.

EDUCATION:
  • M.A. in Art History preferred or the equivalent

REPORTS TO:  Senior Curator of Collections, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project

LOCATION:  One Liberty Plaza New York, NY 10006. With regular travel to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

WORK SCHEDULE: Hybrid eligible, and hours vary based on position. This is a fixed-term / up to 2 years assignment.

POSITION TYPE:  Full-time, Non-Exempt, This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Local 2110 UAW. 

SALARY RANGE:  $63, 654 Annually

The Guggenheim is dedicating itself to creating paths that lead to a more inclusive and diverse institution.  We encourage inquiries from applicants who will reflect the plurality of our culture and our global audience.  The Guggenheim does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin or disability status.


 

About the Company

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The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum