About

Our client is a Contemporary art gallery founded in Nigeria. They represent and exhibit emerging and established artists working across diverse media in Africa and the diaspora and aim to promote, engage, and make art from Africa more accessible internationally.


The Curator of Visual Arts is a critical role. The successful candidate will be an ambitious and talented individual ready to join the team and lead the curatorial programming, working with the Director, and the wider gallery team, to create a stimulating high-quality exhibition. Our client requires someone familiar with the functioning, both financially and content-wise, of the international contemporary art world and its connections, able to discuss and mediate complex themes and concepts in a clear and easily understandable way to local, national and international audiences. A wide network of contacts, and a far-reaching approach and ambition is desirable.

 

The role

To research, develop and curate the content of visual arts programme across all potential outputs, from exhibitions to events, and publications to online activity. To drive the curatorial focus and strategy, maximising fundraising opportunities and ensuring programme content resonates with the public. The Curator of Visual Arts will play a hands-on role within the organisation including programming, operations, budgeting, press relations and advocacy, support of creative talent, as well as coordination of part-time staff and / or temporary project managers in relation to the exhibition programme. The successful candidate will be in charge of the curatorial vision across all 3 locations of the gallery in Nigeria, US and the UK. They will work with the Directors of these locations and should have knowledge and experience working with African art/artists. 

 

Candidate requirements

Skills

  • Minimum of three years significant experience of exhibition management and or curation as well as programme related events.
  • Good knowledge and experience in African Art/Artists.
  • Good experience in researching, disseminating and curating information about contemporary art within a public programme.
  • Demonstrable success in a role requiring high levels of organisation and leadership.
  • Clear and effective verbal skills and a clear grasp of the English language, using this to write clearly, concisely and professionally. 
  • Ability to take initiative, recognise and prioritise the tasks that need to be carried out.
  • Strong understanding of partnership and team working.

Key Accountabilities

  • Lead and manage the exhibition curatorial programme under the guidance of the Director, including primary support in production, coordination, planning and execution of exhibition seasons.
  • Follow up on interesting projects / developing relationships with contacts outside of the organisation that help enable the development of the curatorial programme.
  • Write and copy-edit texts; obtain images and copyright permissions for use in publications and communication materials, including website.
  • Monitor and maintain budgets for specific exhibition programmes, including public programmes, publications, editions, and archiving.
  • Work with gallery team to ensure smooth delivery of all exhibition programme-related activities. Provide lectures, talks and presentations on aspects of the exhibitions to a diverse audience through an appropriate vocabulary and mediation techniques.
  • Research loans and prepare loan documentation, administer loan requests and ensure loan conditions and exhibition admin procedures are fulfilled i.e. organise exhibition related transport and insurance, update checklists, obtain estimates of costs, monitor customs documentation, liaise with shippers and the exhibition external curator(s) when necessary, condition and packing reports, liaise with conservators and couriers when necessary, negotiate deals, and process invoices.
  • Coordinate temporary project managers, interns and other freelance employees as necessary.
  • Illustrate and explain the programmes and their outputs to key audiences and internally within the organisation. Work together with other members of the team to assist with PR and press communications, social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) content organisation and scheduling.
  • Build profile to reinforce the gallery’s international curatorial reputation.


Person Specification

Experience

  • Post Graduate qualification in museum, gallery or equivalent curatorial specialism.
  • Minimum 3 years’ experience of managing a creative programme within contemporary art setting or equivalent, including researching, planning and delivering projects from start to finish, administration of temporary exhibition programme, managing projects and leading project teams, organising contracts, documentation, content, interpretation, presentation, transportation, insurance and associated. 
  • Experience of working with professionals, including conservators, event organisers, exhibition designers, education, retail and marketing staff.
  • Developed writing and copy-editing skills for broad audiences.
  • Experience in providing visibility opportunities for PR and press communications, including generating and managing content for social.
  • Experience of successfully managing a diverse range of creative projects and programmes.
  • Experience of budget management and reporting, including funding evaluations/reports, statistical analysis and financial planning.
  • Experience of working with regional and national partners and good knowledge of contemporary artistic practices and debates.
  • Experience of working with national and international networks and organisations to help plan, deliver, commission and co-produce international shows and travelling exhibitions. 

 

Technical

  • Substantial knowledge of the issues, standards and current practices within curatorial practice.
  • Strong ICT skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office, Apple iOS, Adobe Creative Suite and Google Suite.
  • Substantial knowledge of social media functioning and familiarity in providing editorial content to online contemporary art platforms and channels.
  • An understanding of digital application to increase participation and engagement.

 

Abilities

  • Ability to work under pressure, with a strict eye for detail and deadlines, and efficient management of multiple exhibitions and projects simultaneously.
  • Ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders and current/potential partners.
  • Ability to take effective decisions, to prioritise appropriately and achieve goals, meet deadlines, and work independently while showing initiative with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Strong data management and analytical skills.
  • The ability to think creatively and to problem solve.

 

Behaviours

  • An audience-focused approach with a sensitivity to equality, inclusion and diversity.
  • Work collectively and collaboratively.
  • Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to motivate, inspire and effect change and deliver results.
  • A flexible approach to work with the willingness to work outside standard hours on occasion.

 

Location: Lagos (ideal candidate should be based in Lagos but also open)

Start: ASAP

Contract: Full-time

Salary: DOE

 

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