Coates-Cowden-Brown Curator of Asian Art

Title: Coates-Cowden-Brown Curator of Asian Art

Department: Curatorial

Reports To: Chief Curator

Job Type: Full-Time

Pay: $67,500-$87,500 Salary Exempt, Commensurate with Experience

San Antonio Museum of Art

San Antonio, TX

The San Antonio Museum of Art seeks a dynamic and engaging individual as the next Coates- Cowden-Brown Curator of Asian Art. Reporting to the Chief Curator, the Curator of Asian Art oversees SAMA’s celebrated collection of Asian Art, which includes more than 2,000 works that represent Asia’s diverse cultures across 4,000 years of history, with a particular strength in Chinese ceramics. The collection is housed in the Lenora and Walter F. Brown Asian Art Wing, with ten galleries that opened in 2005. The position is offered at open rank, and candidates at all stages of their careers are encouraged to apply.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversees the proper care, conservation, installation and maintenance of the collections of Asian Art and of Oceanic Art
• Works closely with the Director and Chief Curator to shape the overall vision for the Asian Art and Oceanic Art collections, including developing and implementing a comprehensive, strategic and long-range collection plan that is informed by institutional and community history and goals
• Enhances the collection by seeking, researching and presenting for approval acquisitions
• and loans
• Conducts collection-based research, including provenance research, and undertakes collection-related publications
• Collaborates with the Director, Chief Curator and Curatorial department to develop and implement a strategic and balanced exhibitions program and to develop innovative approaches to permanent collection installations
• Collaborates with the Collections and Exhibits Departments to maintain and digitize records on works in the permanent collection; to assess conservation needs and coordinate collection management solutions; to assess loan requests; to implement exhibitions and installations; and to facilitate access to the collection for external scholars and students as requested
• Collaborates with the Development department in fundraising and cultivation efforts for the support of the permanent collection, exhibitions, and other programs
• Collaborates with the Education department to develop and implement public programs, activities, and events that are exhibition and collection-based and to provide docent training
• Collaborates with the Marketing department to produce high-quality content that represents the Asian Art collection
• Collaborates with the Chief Curator and Finance department to develop and oversee project budgets
• Represents SAMA to the public, including engaging with Board members, donors, stakeholders, government officials and community members
• Fosters communication and partnerships with community organizations and institutions
• Develops and maintains strong relationships with other museum professionals, colleagues and dealers
• Travels nationally and internationally for research and professional development
• Lectures, publishes, and participates in conferences that advance research in field of expertise and the mission and reputation of the San Antonio Museum of Art
• Supervises and/or mentors other staff (interns, postdoctoral fellows, curatorial assistants, assistant curators, etc.) as appropriate
  
  
  

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Passion for art and commitment to excellence and best museum practices
• Commitment to being a professional representative of SAMA at all times
• Collaborator, creative problem-solver, and strategic thinker
• Commitment to creating a team-building atmosphere in which productive and respectful conversations and collaborations can be realized
• Exceptional organizational and management skills and attention to detail
• Committed to adaptability and flexibility in short- and long-term tasks and projects
• Strong art historical research skills; familiarity with emerging approaches as well as established practices and standards
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate effectively to a variety of internal and external audiences, including specialists and the general public
• Competent with collection management and digital asset management tools
  
  
  

Qualifications:

• 7-10 years of curatorial experience at an accredited arts institution
• M.A. in Art History, Asian Studies, or a related field; Ph.D. strongly preferred
• Fluent or professional proficiency in Chinese or Japanese, depending on area of expertise
  
  
  

Physical requirements:

The physical requirements of the position described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform successfully.

• Working onsite at a desk in a renovated historic building on a 12+ acre campus.
• Standing, walking, bending, climbing, stooping, and lifting up to 20 lbs.
  
  
  

The position’s curatorial rank and title are open and will be determined based on the successful applicant’s experience and qualifications. The San Antonio Museum of Art offers a competitive benefits package.

About The San Antonio Museum Of Art

The San Antonio Museum of Art serves as a forum to explore and connect with art that spans the world’s geographies, artistic periods, genres, and cultures. Its collection contains nearly 30,000 works representing 5,000 years of history and is particularly strong in arts of the Americas; ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman art; Asian art; and contemporary art.

San Antonio is the nation’s seventh-largest city and is consistently listed as one of its fastest-growing. The Museum is housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery on the Museum Reach of San Antonio’s River Walk and is committed to promoting the rich cultural heritage and life of the city. It hosts hundreds of events and public programs each year, including concerts, performances, tours, lectures, symposia, and interactive experiences. As an active civic leader, the Museum is dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the city and the region, and to supporting its creative community.

EEO Statement:

San Antonio Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job posting describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.

SAMA is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.