9E11

PAY RANGE: N24

COLLECTIONS AND EXHIBITIONS CURATOR

GENERAL DEFINITION

This is supervisory curatorial work managing the development and care of permanent collections and exhibits and access to the collections pertaining to Philadelphia artists or regional history, primarily through exhibitions, related publications, public presentations and providing support for marketing and development initiatives. The employee in this class is responsible for supervision of the exhibits program through contractors to include initiating collection development, and organizing and coordinating the development and production of the exhibits. Ensuring exhibitions are presented in alignment with organizational vision and values, with the highest regard for the artwork, and priority of visitor experience and content are significant to the work. Work is performed under the supervision of a higher-level administrator .

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be present for a position to be allocated to this class)

1. The employee in this class must supervise the development, and care for collections, and coordinate exhibition development and production of a permanent collection or exhibitions program.

2. One position shall be allocated to the Department of Aviation Philadelphia International Airport PHL Art program.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

Plans, implements, and curates exhibits by locating and selecting artists and works; implements on-going evaluation of the collections and temporary exhibitions; works with donors and dealers to improve the quality of the collection; oversees the creation of accurate digital renderings of exhibition design, exhibition scheduling, the shipping and receiving of art objects and supplies; interacts with artists and contractors involved with the fabrication and installation of display mounts, and the monitoring of environmental conditions; conducts periodic reviews of collection care issues; supervises contractors implementing collections and exhibitions programming;, identifies and remedies building and facilities needs that impact the proper care of exhibitions and collections.

Acquires artifacts for the facility’s exhibitions; evaluates offers to donate art or artifacts and approves participants; makes recommendations on artifacts to accept; researches, writes and prepares exhibition catalogues of artifacts and art; authors descriptive text and labels for exhibits; conducts periodic inventories of collections and exhibits; ensures routine care and maintenance of collections and exhibitions; identifies, prioritizes, and recommends restoration, conservation, or cleaning of art objects ; ensures necessary insurance is obtained for the collections and exhibitions.

Researches artists, themes, and concepts for exhibitions; develops and organizes exhibition schedule; contacts public and private collectors to identify potential loans or donations for exhibitions; provides direction to staff and consultants to prepare exhibit content, information and related publications; design and installation of the temporary exhibitions; directs the activities of exhibition designers, installers, photographers, couriers, and graphic designers; ensures exhibitions are presented with the highest regard for the artwork, visitor experience, content, and aesthetics; directs training for volunteers and docents and implements tours and lectures about the collections and exhibitions; plans and implements artist demonstrations and receptions; and interacts with departmental staff and external stakeholders regarding programming, press releases, security clearances, and operations.

Prepares annual budget and formulates goals and objectives for the collections and temporary exhibitions; directs maintenance of relevant databases and online access to and archives of the collection; assists in identifying funding sources for exhibitions and collection purchases; assists with preparation of grants and prepares final reports; schedules meetings for any related committees associated with the program; serves as liaison with other city departments artists, and arts organizations.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• American history with particular emphasis on the local history of Philadelphia

· Philadelphia regional and contemporary artists

· diversity, equity and inclusion strategy to advance or promote underrepresented artists

• standard museum and art gallery collection best practices, procedures, methods, and techniques

· curatorial methods and techniques

• exhibition development and production

· budgetary principles and practices

· supervisory principles and practices

SKILL IN:

· writing descriptive copy, content, and labels of exhibitions material for general

audiences

· conducting research

· using technology to develop interactive exhibitions

· museum collections planning and management

· engaging diverse audiences in and providing access to art

ABILITY TO:

• supervise staff and contractors

• exercise judgment and discretion in screening collections or exhibition content deemed appropriate for all audiences

• express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing

· multitask, think strategically, and adapt to change

• establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, peers, professional associates, donors, committee members, private collectors, contemporary artists and the general public

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 4/23.)

EDUCATION:

Completion of a Bachelor’s s degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in ethnic studies, history, museum studies, curatorial studies, visual art, or a related field.

AND

GENERAL EXPERIENCE:

Three years of experience maintaining collections or performing curatorial, registration, or exhibition work for a museum or gallery.

AND

SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE:

Two years of experience planning, developing and implementing the design and installation of exhibits for a museum or gallery.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources which has included a bachelor’s degree and the specific experience.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

Class Established:

CSC – 1/14

Ad. Board – 3/14

Latest Spec Revision:

CSC: 3/23

Ad. Board: 4/23