Curator, Latin American Art
About the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art
Founded by philanthropist and filmmaker George Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson, President of Ariel Investments, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will inspire current and future generations through the universal art of visual storytelling. The museum will present permanent collection and rotating exhibitions for diverse public audiences which will feature illustrations, paintings, comic art, photography, and an in-depth exploration of filmmaking (including storyboards, costumes, animation, visual effects, and more). Extensive education programming designed for all ages will explore innovative ways for visitors to engage with narrative art. Designed by renowned architect Ma Yansong and under construction in Los Angeles' Expo Park, the museum will feature new public green space, state-of-the-art cinematic theaters, a research library, numerous spaces for onsite education, restaurants, retail, and event spaces. Additional information at lucasmuseum.org.
Equal Opportunity Policy
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents and supports a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The Lucas Museum fosters a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, whether based on race, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, ethnic background, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other criterion prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Applications from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged.
The statements in this description represent typical elements, criteria, and general work performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the job.
Position Summary (Intent and purpose of the role)
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art (the "Museum") seeks an energetic and goal-oriented Curator of Latin American art, with experience in exhibitions and acquisitions. Candidates should be abreast of trends in Latin American and Latinx art, acquainted with peers, artists and scholars in the field, and ready to serve as the Lucas Museum's in-house subject matter expert. They should be imaginative and purposeful in organizing exhibitions and installations of Latin American art using the permanent collection and loaned objects, and eager to build awareness of the collection for diverse audiences including scholars, the Latin American public, the Latinx public, and the general public. Additionally, curators should be prepared to propose strategies for the strategic incorporation of Latin American and Latinx art into the museum's collections and exhibitions.
The curatorial team at the Lucas Museum is tasked with overseeing the collection and its strategic growth, presentation, and interpretation. Curators support and collaborate with Museum leadership in developing and implementing a cohesive vision and strategy for the collections and exhibitions of the Museum. To achieve a balanced schedule of monographic, thematic, and traveling exhibitions, curators work cross-departmentally to propose large and small-scale exhibitions and collaborate with other departments to implement and communicate all aspects relating to these projects.
In coordination with museum colleagues, curators research and write scholarly publications and texts; assist with the development and growth of the permanent collection, including acquisitions across many media and cultures consult on related marketing initiatives; and represent the Museum by delivering lectures, participating in symposia, and otherwise furthering the Museum's mission. Curators will be responsible for developing the first drafts of texts for publication, didactic and interpretative materials, and public-facing programs - working collaboratively across departments to edit and finalize these materials.
All staff at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art lead through a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both within the Museum and with the communities that we serve.
Core competencies for this role
- Applying Expertise & Technology- Applies specialist and detailed curatorial expertise; develops job knowledge and expertise through continual professional development; shares expertise and knowledge with others; uses technology to achieve work objectives; demonstrates an understanding of different organizational departments and functions;
- Adapting & Responding to Change- Adapts to changing circumstance; accepts new ideas and change initiatives; adapts interpersonal style to suit different people and situations; shows respect and sensitivity towards differences; deals with ambiguity, making positive use of the opportunities it presents.
- Planning and Organizing- Sets clearly defined objectives; plans activities and projects well in advance and take account of possible changing circumstances; manages time effectively; identifies and organizes resources needed to accomplish tasks; monitors performance against deadlines and milestones;
- Working with people- Demonstrates an interest in and understanding of others; adapts to the team and builds team spirit; recognizes and rewards the contribution of others; listens, consults others, and communicates proactively; supports and cares for others; develops and openly communicates self-insight
- Adhering to Principles & Values- Upholds ethics and values; demonstrates integrity; promotes and defends equal opportunities, builds diverse teams; encourages organizational and individual responsibility towards the organization and community we serve;
- Presenting & Communicating Information- Speaks clearly and fluently; expresses opinions, information and key points of argument clearly; makes presentations and undertakes public speaking with skill and confidence; responds quickly to the needs of an audience and to their reactions and feedback; projects credibility;
- Writing & Reporting - Writes clearly, succinctly and correctly; writes convincingly in an engaging and expressive manner; avoids the unnecessary use of jargon or complicated language; writes in a well-structured and logical way; structures information to meet the needs and understanding of the intended audience.
Primary Responsibilities & Accountabilities
Collections & Exhibitions
- Conducts research for exhibitions, curatorial projects, and publications related to museum collection materials;
- Proposes and curates approved exhibitions;
- Researches and recommends objects for acquisitions in accordance with the Museum's collecting strategy;
- Works collaboratively with other departments within the Lucas Museum to realize the Museum's mission and vision through exhibitions, collections, and original scholarship;
- Supports Museum leadership in researching, developing and administering curatorial projects for building the collection, curating the permanent collection installations, and temporary exhibitions;
- Contributes to collection research, data-based collection and exhibition records, and manages exhibition checklists through The Museum System (TMS);
- Draft texts pertaining to objects and/or exhibitions to be edited and purposed by various departments of the museum for interpretive materials, publications, marketing and publicity materials, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
- Develops and maintains collaborative and collegial relationships with curators and other museum professional at other institutions.
Curatorial Specialization
- Applies extensive knowledge of art history to specialized curatorial assignments (e.g. Latin American art);
- Performs advanced scholarly research in a specific subject area to support the institutional mission;
Planning
- Participates actively and positively in group administrative problem-solving, decision making and long-term strategic planning;
Special projects and other duties as designated by Managing Director, Curatorial, Deputy Director, or designee.
Education / Experience:
- Education from an accredited college or university with a degree in one of the following: Latin American Studies, Art History, Film, History, Anthropology, Museum Studies is required. The following Education and Experience minimum requirements are used to determine seniority, title, and level:
- A Bachelor's Degree with 7 to 10 years of experience is required; or
- A Master's Degree with 5 to 7 years of experience is required; or
- A PhD with 2-5 years of experience is required.
- A minimum of two or more years of museum or arts management experience is required;
- A track record of object-focused scholarly and curatorial accomplishments through publications, lectures, or exhibitions with a specific focus on Latin American Art;
- Mentoring and supervising experience preferred;
- Proven experience working in a start-up or entrepreneurial environment with the ability to roll up one's sleeves to accomplish initiatives and achieve goals;
Skills:
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills that demonstrate scholarly ability as well as a commitment to public engagement;
- Strong budget, exhibitions, programs, and strategic planning experience and demonstrated skills in those areas;
Knowledge
- Working knowledge of Spanish is required;
- Deep passion, alignment, and commitment to the Museum's mission to deliver the finest programs, ignite the mind and provide inspiration while being accessible to a public that ranges from scholars to industry leaders, from members of the art community to film fans young and old;
- Academic foundation and clearly demonstrated research capabilities, with a sophisticated understanding of curatorial practices, museum standards, and an innate intellectual curiosity;
Abilities
- Collaborative team player with proven ability to build relationships and work effectively and positively with Museum leadership and staff, a diverse set of external partners, and the general public;
- Comfort with ambiguity, an ability to envision the new and different, and a commitment to developing and working with diverse audiences;
- Ability to follow professional museum standards, collection care principles, and museum policies
- Ability to engage with a wide variety of stakeholders, including Museum colleagues, industry experts, and other external partners;
- Ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial, creative, collaborative, and nimble environment.