Art Institute of Chicago

Curatorial Assistant

CHICAGO, ILPosted 30+ days ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from the Art Institute of Chicago

  • Job overview

    The Curatorial Assistant at the Art Institute of Chicago supports the development and execution of a major Cy Twombly exhibition, playing a key role in research, coordination, and communication to ensure the exhibition's success.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The assistant conducts research, manages databases, coordinates with internal departments and external partners, drafts texts for catalogues and interpretive materials, tracks correspondence and deadlines, assists with grant applications, and supports educational programming and exhibition tours.

  • Compensation and benefits

    The position offers a competitive benefits package including PTO, health insurance, and retirement plans, classified as Special Projects Staff at Grade Level 5, with a hiring range provided by the museum.

  • Experience and skills

    Candidates must have a Master's degree or equivalent in art history or related field, proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google suites, strong project management skills, excellent writing and communication abilities, and familiarity with the department's specialty; foreign language skills are preferred.

  • Career development

    The role offers opportunities to join research travel and produce new scholarship, providing professional growth within the museum's exhibition team over a three-year term.

  • Work environment and culture

    The Art Institute of Chicago fosters an inclusive, equitable, and collaborative culture valuing diversity, innovation, and hospitality, committed to antiracist principles and open exchange of ideas.

  • Company information

    The Art Institute of Chicago is a renowned museum dedicated to collecting, caring for, and interpreting art across cultures and time, with a focus on inclusivity and dynamic reconsideration of art's context.

  • Team overview

    The assistant will join the Modern and Contemporary Art department, working closely with five curators and collaborating with various museum departments and external institutions.

  • Job location and travel

    The position is based at the Art Institute of Chicago, with occasional evening, weekend, and potential national and international travel required.

  • Unique job features

    This term-limited position uniquely involves working on a large-scale, high-profile Cy Twombly exhibition, offering involvement in research, scholarship, and collaboration with a co-organizing institution.

Company overview

The Art Institute of Chicago is a renowned cultural institution that houses an extensive collection of artworks, ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces. It generates revenue through ticket sales, memberships, donations, and special exhibitions. Founded in 1879, it has a rich history of educational programs and community engagement, making it a significant player in the art world. The museum is also known for its research and conservation efforts, contributing to the preservation and understanding of art globally.

How to land this job

  • Tailor your resume to highlight your expertise in art history, especially your familiarity with Modern and Contemporary Art, and your experience in research, documentation, and exhibition support.

  • Emphasize your project management skills, attention to detail, and ability to coordinate with multiple departments and external partners, as these are critical for managing a large-scale exhibition like the Cy Twombly survey.

  • Apply through multiple platforms including the Art Institute of Chicago's official careers page and LinkedIn to maximize your chances of being noticed by recruiters.

  • Connect on LinkedIn with current curators, exhibition coordinators, or staff in the Modern and Contemporary Art department at the Art Institute of Chicago; start conversations by referencing recent exhibitions or expressing genuine interest in their work with Cy Twombly or similar artists.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'curatorial assistant,' 'exhibition development,' 'project management,' 'research,' 'documentation,' and 'collection management' to ensure it passes automated screenings.

  • Use Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate applying through multiple channels, tailor your resume for ATS, and identify LinkedIn contacts to network with, allowing you to focus your time on preparing for interviews and deepening your art historical knowledge.

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