job opportunity: The Clay Studio

by Carole Epp | Oct 1, 2014 | call for entry, emerging artist, job posting, monday morning eye candy, movie day, residency opportunity, show us your influences, technical tuesday

Curator of Artistic Programs

The Clay Studio, a nonprofit organization with a focus on the ceramic
arts, seeks a dynamic and knowledgeable Curator of Artistic Programs to
lead our residency, visiting artist, and exhibitions programs. The
Curator of Artistic Programs plays a leadership role in formulating
strategies that support The Clay Studio’s artistic and community
engagement goals as well as the expansion of the organization’s
reputation in the ceramic field, within our local community, and within
international craft circles. As the member of a small staff, the
Curator of Artistic Programming will be a strong team player who is
willing to roll up their sleeves and manage details and execution of all
programming, communicating among departments, and pitching in with the
very real labor involved in exhibitions, artist talks, and special
events.

The Curator of Artistic Programs is a vital senior-level staff member of
The Clay Studio who reports to the President of The Clay Studio. S/he
is responsible for oversight of support staff, achieving annual income
goals, contributing to fundraising activities, working with the Board
and Artistic Committee, and must be a highly visible member of The Clay
Studio community. S/he collaborates with the President, Senior Staff and
Board members to create, communicate and implement an array of artistic
programming.

The Clay Studio has recently adopted a new strategic plan that outlines
an extended period of growth and community partnerships. The Curator of
Artistic Programs will play a key role in executing this plan by
strengthening relationships with the Board & staff, local &
national artists, collectors, customers, and varied members of the
community.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate must possess a broad
understanding of contemporary ceramics, curatorial practice, and the
needs of practicing artists. Furthermore, this position requires a bold
vision of community engagement, a collaborative working style, and the
ability to create exciting programs and meaningful partnerships.
Applicants must have at least 5 years experience in a senior-level
curatorial or artistic director role. An advanced degree in ceramics or
curatorial practice is preferred.

Essential Skills:

The Clay Studio is seeking a creative thinker
who also knows how to get things done independently, but is a highly
functioning member of a team. Physically, the position requires climbing
ladders, stairs, and lifting of 50 – 100 pounds is regularly required.
The successful candidate will have experience and strengths in the
following areas:

Gallery & Exhibition Programming

• Conceptualize and direct the installation of major exhibitions
• Identify and cultivate lasting and ad hoc partnerships to meet artistic goals
• Attract buyers, supporters, and collectors to all artistic programs
• Ensure that revenue goals are met or exceeded each year
• Develop cross-over educational programming & lectures internally and externally
• Contract with guest curators as necessary
• Experience with shipping, crating, packaging of artwork
• Help install, strike, and be an active member of the opening preparation team.

Resident and Visiting Artist Programs

• Attract and retain the best artists for the Resident and Guest Artist Programs
• Select and orient artists to Philadelphia and its creative community
• Collaborate with each artist to define the goals of their participation
• Communicate across departments with regard to residency details and materials needs
• Make Resident Artists aware of professional opportunities
• Work to attract Artistic Program Sponsor(s)

Administrative Responsibilities

• Develop and manage an Artistic Programs Committee
• Provide timely and detailed reports for Executive Committee and the full Board
• Maintain a customer-first focus by interacting directly with collectors and buyers
• Assure all web pages specific to Artistic Programs are maintained
• Deliver lectures and other presentations on behalf of The Clay Studio
• Create narratives for publications, grant materials and budgets, press releases and visual branding oversight
• Develop and adhere to annual budgets in each Artistic Program area
• Attend, as directed, various local, national and international conferences
• Support goals as outlined in The Clay Studio’s strategic plan
• Train and mentor all shop & gallery staff
• Other duties as assigned

How to Apply:

In order to be considered, please submit the following information:

• Cover letter outlining qualifications, curatorial methods, and salary expectations
• Professional resume
• Three relevant references
• Relevant support materials and/or publications from a recent
  exhibition where you were the lead curator or artistic staff member

Submit to Charity Thackston. [email protected] No phone calls, please.

Deadline:

Please submit materials via email on or before 5:00 PM, October 15, 2014
www.theclaystudio.org/about/employment.php