Job Opening - Director (06/2010)
Maine College of Art
Portland, Maine
POSITION: Maine College of Art is seeking a skilled, energetic and imaginative Director with curatorial experience for its College gallery, the Institute of Contemporary Art @ MECA. The Director is responsible for maintaining a standard that will reflect the ICA’s emerging national reputation as a provocative exhibition venue and as a compelling force in the creation of contemporary art and its critical discussion. In addition to managing the ICA staff and ongoing curatorial responsibilities, the candidate must be able to collaborate across disciplines and learning platforms, and to facilitate institutional commitments and a schedule of exhibitions planned through December 2011. The candidate must demonstrate an enthusiasm for working with students and volunteers, as well as with the administration, faculty, and trustees. The Director of the ICA at MECA will uphold the educational mission of the Institute through integration of pedagogical and curatorial strategies in service to the College, the arts community, and an increasingly diverse audience from other disciplines.
This is a hands-on position that comprises both guiding the long-term creative vision of the institution and managing the nuts and bolts of operations. Duties include managing all aspects of exhibition planning and installation; programming development; collaboration with advancement including grant writing and cultivation of the ICA Friends; developing and implementing marketing strategies including ICA publications, promotional materials, the website and public relations in collaboration with advancement; management of the ICA budget; service in college-wide management through participation in the Administrative Department Head committee (ADH), management of staff including the Education Coordinator, Porteous Exhibition Coordinator, interns and student workers.
REQUIREMENTS: Degree in curatorial studies, art history, or related field preferred; experience in contemporary curatorial practice; ability to coordinate people, facilities, and budgets; an understanding of and experience with contemporary art and visual resources. Graduate degree preferred.
ICA AT MAINE COLLEGE OF ART: The Institute of Contemporary Art at MECA has achieved national recognition as a critical venue for contemporary art. Located in galleries in MECA’s landmark Porteous Building in downtown Portland, the ICA presents innovative work in a range of media by nationally and internationally emerging artists. An integrated curriculum of public programs expand the ICA’s exhibition program, including discussions with visiting artists and critics on current issues in art and design and interactive workshops for young people. The ICA is a platform for research, teaching and learning, providing opportunities to explore new approaches in curatorial practice and education.
SALARY: Commensurate with experience.
STARTING DATE: On or about 1 September 2010.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Please submit a letter of application specifying areas of interest and expertise; curriculum vitae; teaching and learning philosophy; a sample syllabus, if relevant; and the names of and contact information for three references. Electronic applications preferred. Please send to: dbartels@meca.edu
or to:
ICA Search Committee
Maine College of Art
522 Congress Street
Portland, ME 04101
Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.
Maine College of Art is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.