VACANCY: CHIEF CURATOR

The William Humphreys Art Gallery (WHAG) invites applications for the Chief Curator vacancy as advertised.

Equity Statement: Preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants who are members of the designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Plan and Targets of the Gallery.

Remuneration: Five (5) year contract. All-inclusive package of R 720 988 per annum. Membership to the Museum pension Fund is compulsory.

Purpose of the Position:

The Chief Curator is a member of the Gallery’s senior management team, actively participating in shaping the organisation’s vision and mission, while directing its artistic program. This position leads the efforts to build, present, care for, and conserve the Gallery’s collection, and is responsible for the support and content of the exhibitions and related efforts. The Chief Curator will help to elevate the profile of the gallery, attract new visitors and members, and ensure the long-term relevance and impact of the institution. The strategic development of the collection, through acquiring significant artworks, will help to position the gallery as a leading cultural institution and a destination for art lovers.

Requirements:

• A Master’s degree in Visual Arts, Art History, Visual Culture, or Curatorial Studies with a specialisation in Visual Arts, supported by significant scholarship in the field;
• At least 5 years working experience as a curator of art in a public art museum or art gallery. A strong professional track record in curatorship, museum administration, collections management, exhibitions planning and execution, public and education programming, and collections-based research are of paramount importance;
• Knowledge of archival and environmental conditions in a museum and experience in maintaining a conducive environment;
• Knowledge of collection management practices, coupled with a basic knowledge of conservation principles and techniques;
• Strong administration and coordination skills, with a methodical approach and attention to detail;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Highly developed research and writing skills;
• Valid Code 8 driver’s licence;
• Knowledge and application of MS Office.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement educational and public programmes;
• Exhibitions Programme Strategy;
• Research;
• Collections Strategy and Long-Term Planning;
• Collections Management;
• Financial Management;
• General Management;
• People Management;
• Staff Training;
• Ad Hoc Responsibilities.

Personal Attitudes:

• Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical;
• Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction;
• Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges;
• Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations;
• Ability to work with council, donors, collectors, artists, gallery owners, curators, and scholars, as well as publishers, designers, volunteers, and staff members at every level;
• Ability to network, act as an ambassador for the institution;
• Visionary, yet detail oriented;
• Excellent management, organisational and operational skills;
• Ability to handle competing priorities;
• Effective planning and decision-making abilities.

CLOSING DATE: 12 May 2023

Application can be emailed to cfo@whag.co.za or hand delivered to:

The Director

William Humphreys Art Gallery

1 Cullinan Crescent

Civic Centre

Kimberley

8301

The William Humphreys Art Gallery is committed to employment equity and redress. The William Humphreys Art Gallery is an equal opportunity employer. The William Humphreys Art Gallery reserves the right not to make an appointment. If the William Humphreys Art Gallery has not contacted applicants within four weeks of the closing date, applications should be considered unsuccessful.