Curator of performing arts

The Whitney Musuem seeks a curator of performing arts, reporting to the Chief Curator and Deputy Director for Programs.

Responsibilities:

• Curate and advise on an ongoing program of music, dance, theatrical, and other performance events, including selecting the performers as well as arranging all technical aspects in consultation with various museum departments (see “Relationships” below)
• Ensure the continued integration of the performing arts within the overall artistic direction of the Whitney Museum and to advance performing arts within a visual art context both nationally and internationally
• Oversee the administration of the performance program and its attendant activities, functioning as liaison with Whitney departments as well as the public, other institutions and organizations, and scholarly communities
• Spearhead the transitional period leading up to the Whitney’s new building, including overseeing potential collaborations with local organizations such as the High Line, the Kitchen, and Dia to use vacant commercial spaces and outdoor public plazas in the Meatpacking District as “laboratories” to programmatically test out the range of opportunities offered by the new building
• Prepare the Museum’s performance-related intellectual assets (library, archives, etc.) for the new building with the aim of bringing the Museum’s “gray matter” to the fore for the benefit of artists, scholars, academic institutions, curators, and the public
• Work with the Publications and Graphic Design departments to produce scholarly texts, brochures, invitations, etc.
• Develop and write interpretative materials in consultation with the Education department
• Routinely attend performing arts festivals and programs of sister organizations to remain current with and conduct research into current practice in the museum and performing arts field
• Attend regular curatorial meetings and participate in the routine business of the department; represent the curatorial department on various committees and undertake special projects as requested by the chief curator
• Generate and manage program-specific and administrative budgets

Relationships:

• Supervise the curatorial assistant, performing arts
• Internal relationships: regular contact with all departments, including Exhibitions and Collections Management, Education, Development, Publications, Graphic Design, Legal, Visitor Services, Engineering, Security, and Facilities
• External relationships: regular contact with artists; patrons and various constituent groups for fundraising and cultivation; members of the press; and colleagues at other institutions.

Requirements:

• M.A. in art history or strong knowledge of twentieth century and contemporary art preferred
• At least five years of experience as a curator/producer working in the performing and visual arts, showing evidence of both curatorial abilities as well as administrative and managerial skills; significant writing experience is essential; scholarship in the field of modern and contemporary art and a track record of programming and publications

If interested in any positions, please send resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to hr@whitney.org or HR Department, Whitney Museum of American Art, 945 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10021. No calls, please.

Please do not send catalogues or original materials. The Museum cannot assume responsibility for any original materials which are submitted.

Website:  http://whitney.org/About/JobPostings