Project Overview:

Making Place Matter will be an ambitious and experimental exhibition, symposium and publication that will inaugurate The Clay Studio’s (TCS) newly built home in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, set to open in Spring 2021. As TCS begins this new chapter in its own history, the idea of ‘place’ takes on critical importance as we seek to understand and grow into our new home. Building a resonant conversation between clay, artists and audiences in our new gallery, Making Place Matter will be organized around the complex meanings of place in our contemporary social conversation.

As a new member of a culturally rich neighborhood that is experiencing the challenges of rapid growth, The Clay Studio must work to demonstrate our commitment to being a positive force within this changing environment. We are responsible to our existing community, and to the local, national, and international art spheres as a place to experience the best of ceramic art. With this project we have the opportunity to thoughtfully advance our methodological approach to reflect the founding principle of The Clay Studio: collaboration and creative expression.

Engaging community members in the planning and implementation of Making Place Matter (and future exhibitions), is integral to forming a robust long-term relationship. As such, we will develop an Exhibition Council for Making Place Matter, bringing together the voices of many constituent groups. This widely encompassing Council will design and create programming for a Visitor Engagement Gallery adjacent to the main gallery. Visitors will have the opportunity to respond through art making activities designed to connect their own ideas of place to the exhibition, and interact with Kukuli Hatch, Ibrahim Said, and Kukuli Velarde during each artist’s short residency in the Visitor Engagement Gallery.

– Exhibition Project Coordinator

Job Summary:

• Work with the Curator of Artistic Programs and Consulting Curator to manage planning and production of major inaugural exhibition, Making Place Matter.
• The exhibition constituents are: 3 Lead Artists, Community Advisory Committee, Community Partner, including Tiny WPA, and the Exhibition team: TCS Curator, TCS COO, Consulting Curator, Project Coordinator, Community Organizer
• Coordinate studio visits, meetings, and registrarial paperwork for 3 Lead Artists
• Assist Curator to keep project on schedule and within budget
• Assist in assembling images, didactics, and other materials for publication as well as web module, social media, press release, exhibition wall text, etc.
• Support all facets of organizing exhibition, publication, events, track expenses and related record keeping
• Provide general administrative support including note-taking, filing, scheduling meetings, preparing presentations, and other tasks as needed
• Research related projects and compile filing system for research and working documents
• Assist with grant reporting writings and paperwork
• Assist with planning, attend and provide support at events, with some evening and weekend hours

Desired Skills and Experience

• Bachelors or Masters (preferred) in art history, museum education, community arts, social practice art, or related field
• Experience with research, audience engagement, exhibition planning (at least one)
• Ability to assess, prioritize, and manage multiple aspects of the project
• Exceptional organizational skills, advance planning capabilities, and attention to detail
• Ability to work collaboratively is essential
• Spanish Language Skills
• Strong writing and editing skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Schedule – March 2020-November 2021                Average 15 hours/week (variable 10-20)                     Compensation:$23/hour

To Apply:

• Please send cover letter, resume, and 2 references to Jennifer Zwilling, Curator of Artistic Programs at [email protected]
• Write in the subject line: MPM Exhibition Project Coordinator

– Project Community Organizer

Job Summary:

• Act as an ambassador for The Clay Studio to the neighbors and community members of South Kensington. Cultivate members of The Clay Studio Community Advisory Committee
• Present engagement opportunities to community members, provide follow up, and encouragement for participation
• Logistical planning and implementation of 8 meetings over 20 months, and 4 special events, including:
  • Communication with participants from the following groups: TCS staff, advisory groups, teaching artists, neighbors in South Kensington, current Clay Studio constituents, SK neighborhood organizations.
  • Assist with marketing the events to neighborhood constituents
  • Scheduling location and on-site needs
  • Arranging for Hospitality and Childcare
• Spanish language skills required
• Work hours for planning will be M-F, 9-5, events will occur on evenings and weekends

Desired Skills and Experience:

• 3 years of experience in a relevant field (which can include undergrad/grad studies) ie art education, community organizing, community/public art coordinator, arts administration, museum education
• Ability to work collaboratively is essential
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively via oral and written communications
• Experience working in an environment with multiple stakeholders and interests, managing multiple projects simultaneously with demonstrated ability to meet deadlines
• Experience in group facilitation and making public presentations.
• Proficiency with Instagram, Facebook, email, Google Docs, Word, and Excel required

Schedule: March 2020-November 2021                  Average 8 hours/week (variable 8-12)                  Compensation: $18/hour

To Apply:

• Please send cover letter, resume, and 2 references to Jennifer Zwilling, Curator of Artistic Programs at [email protected]
• Write in the subject line: MPM Community Organizer

Deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately with deadline of Monday, February 17.

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