Curator, Modern & Contemporary Art

Southern Vermont Arts Center

Southern Vermont Arts Center seeks a Curator at an exciting time of growth centered on sharing the story of Vermont art with all. The Curator, Modern & Contemporary Art will be a key leadership position responsible for setting the vision for SVAC’s modern and contemporary art collection, its representation of regional contemporary artists, and its program of temporary exhibitions.

Permanent Collection

SVAC has a nearly 100-year history of showcasing Southern Vermont artists, with a vibrant community of approximately 300 artist members and 40,000 annual visitors today. the Permanent Collection is comprised of over 1,000 paintings, sculpture, and works on paper by prominent American Regionalists including Reginald Marsh, Guy Pene duBois, Harriette Gowen Miller, Ogden Pleissner, Jay Hall Connaway, Marion Huse, Luigi Lucioni, Bernadine Custer Sharp, and Robert Strong Woodward, among others. For the first time this fall, the collection is being shared as a free online resource, part of a larger multi-phase project to document the collection managed by a highly experienced contract consulting Curator. SVAC is entering into planning phases for the creation of permanent galleries to share the collection with the public. SVAC’s campus also includes a 10-acre sculpture garden with exciting opportunities for future growth.

As we deepen our work with the collection, the Curator will lead the development of a collection plan, collection management strategy, and conservation planning. The Curator will also guide the planning for permanent collection installation and develop interpretation to share the story of Vermont art with the public.

Contemporary Art

The Curator will create connections between the Art Center’s history and the rich artistic community working in Vermont today. This position will be key to fostering and growing SVAC’s relationships with a deep network of artists throughout the region. The Curator will lead the next chapter of SVAC’s presentation of regional contemporary art and guide SVAC’s work to support our artist community.

Exhibitions

The Curator will develop and execute a program of exhibitions that attracts, engages, and inspires growing audiences of locals and visitors. The Curator is responsible for development, installation, and management of all exhibitions at SVAC in both the Wilson Museum and Yester House.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Conceive and develop exhibitions and gallery installations to attract and engage a wide range of audiences, with a special focus on sharing the story of Vermont art. Execute exhibitions from initial idea through final installation. Guide the planning for a permanent collection installation and future gallery rotations.

Work closely with the Executive Director to forge and foster relationships with arts funders, supporters, and partners, both within and beyond the Southern Vermont region. Attracting strong grant funding for the exhibition program and upcoming collection installation is a primary objective. Cultivating relationships with partner organizations including universities and art museums is also essential.

Develop annual work plans, budgets, and goals for Collections and Exhibitions, aligned with forthcoming institutional strategic planning. Manage a balanced budget and forecast expenses and income opportunities as we plan for growth.

Develop an SVAC Collections Plan to define the scope and management of the permanent collection, ensuring compliance with professional ethics codes including the American Alliance of Museums. Guide the development of the collection, including identifying and suggesting gifts and purchases.

Qualifications

Contagious passion for sharing art with others and an interpretive philosophy that centers visitor engagement.

5 years’ curatorial experience in a museum or exhibiting arts organization and a Master’s degree in Art History with extensive knowledge of contemporary and/or modern art is required. Experience working with living artists and knowledge of American Regionalist artists is desired.

Strong storytelling and writing skills that include compelling public speaking, an engaging writing voice that welcomes the broadest possible public into the conversation around art, and the ability to successfully interact with a wide range of stakeholders including community leaders, donors, and artists.

Proven record of attracting grant funding for exhibitions and/or research. Demonstrated experience in donor cultivation and stewardship.

Excellent problem-solving, planning, and organizational skills, with the ability to execute multiple projects and responsibilities. The ability to navigate a complex workload independently and take initiative to prioritize, pivot, and recommend changes when needed is especially desired.

A hands-on, collaborative attitude. Comfortable rolling up sleeves and carrying out tasks at all levels to execute plans. Ability to build trust and partnership across SVAC’s small, hardworking staff is essential.

Experience handling art and proper care and conservation of works.

Knowledge of research tools and methodologies.

Availability for periodic evening and weekend openings and exhibition events.

Salary and benefits:

The salary range for the position is $65,000-$75,000. SVAC does not offer health insurance but offers vision and dental coverage.

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To apply, please send a letter of interest and resume to:

Amelia Wiggins, Executive Director

Southern Vermont Arts Center

awiggins@svac.org

About SVAC:

Southern Vermont Arts Center (SVAC) is a multidisciplinary arts organization in Manchester, VT with a mission to promote and nurture the arts. SVAC strives to provide opportunities for local and regional artists, to introduce the wider community to artwork and performances of national relevance, and to engage diverse audiences. To do this, SVAC creates a community space for the arts through exhibitions, events, performances, classes in a variety of media for children and adults, and an opportunity to explore the 100+ acre campus and sculpture park.

Southern Vermont Arts Center

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Curator, Modern & Contemporary Art