Curatorial Assistant, Painting and Sculpture (focus on African Modernism)

The Museum:

Founded in 1929 as an educational institution, The Museum of Modern Art is dedicated to being the foremost museum of modern and contemporary art in the world.  Through the leadership of its trustees and staff, the Museum manifests this commitment by establishing, preserving, and documenting a collection of the highest order that reflects the vitality, complexity, and unfolding patterns of modern and contemporary art; by presenting exhibitions and educational programs of unparalleled significance; by sustaining a library, archives, and conservation laboratory that are recognized as international centers of research; and by supporting scholarship and publications of preeminent intellectual merit.

Central to the Museum’s mission is the encouragement of an ever-deepening understanding and enjoyment of modern and contemporary art by the diverse local, national, and international audiences that it serves.

The Opportunity:

The Museum of Modern Art is currently accepting applications for a Curatorial Assistant in the Department of Painting and Sculpture with a focus on African Modernism.

The Museum of Modern Art is the repository of the world’s largest and most inclusive collection of modern painting and sculpture, comprising some 4,000 works dating from the late nineteenth century to the present day. The Painting and Sculpture Department produces a rigorous and innovative program of acquisitions, exhibitions and scholarship.

Assists senior curators in all areas of responsibilities, including administrative work in the context of curatorial functions such as research for exhibitions and publications, loans, acquisitions, collections records, bibliographic and biographical records and files, and general curatorial inquiries.

Responsibilities:

• Assists senior curators with all aspects of research, planning, organization, and realization of upcoming exhibitions.


• Writes, edits, and assists in the production of Museum publications and exhibition-related materials, including wall texts and extended object labels.


• Researches and catalogs the Museum collection and archives as they relate to the exhibition project. Answers related inquiries.


• Performs exhibition support functions, including bibliographic and checklist research, loan correspondence, publication research and production, website development, and public program planning.


• Assists in the maintenance of the collection and loans, and expedites arrangements for custodial, registration, conservation, and preparation work as required in the gallery, study and storage areas.


• Functions as a liaison with outside persons and organizations, and with other departments within the Museum.


• May assist in research and preparation for potential acquisitions for the collection, including biographical and bibliographical research, maintaining files, and communicating with dealers, galleries, collectors, and artists, as necessary.


• Keeps informed of current activity in the area of departmental interest through gallery and museum visits, publications, etc. and makes recommendations to senior staff.


• Conducts daily collection gallery inspections and daily inspection of works on view in temporary exhibitions and assists with follow-up arrangements in the event of damage, deterioration, etc.


• Answers inquiries and conducts gallery tours as necessary for visitors, etc.


• Performs any other duties reasonably related to the functions described above.

Requirements: 

• Master’s degree in art history with expertise in modern and contemporary art, specialized knowledge of the mid-century period in Africa, preferred, that will support the development of an upcoming exhibition centered around African modernism.


• One to two years’ experience working in a museum or supporting loan exhibitions and accompanying publications.


• Superior research, writing, and editing skills are essential.


• Proficiency in French language.


• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.


• Ability to successfully work as part of a team.


• Working knowledge of Google Suite and Microsoft Office Suite include MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.


• Familiarity with The Museum System (TMS) is helpful.

Reports to: The Steven and Lisa Tananbaum Curator, Department of Painting and Sculpture

Salary:   The salary for this position is $74,858 (gross) per annum

Application instructions: To apply, please visit MoMA Jobs.  Applicants should submit a resume and a statement of interest.  Applications without cover letters will not be considered. Curatorial writing samples are also encouraged.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement: Equal Employment Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at the Museum, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital and civil partnership/union status, alienage or citizenship status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, unemployment status, familial status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, caregiver status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history, or any other protected category as established by applicable law, including the New York City Human Rights Law (“NYCHRL”).

This is a unionized position at MoMA with covered employees represented by Local 2110, UAW, AFL-CIO.