Curator: Classic, Historic, Modern & Contemporary African Art Collections

Main purpose: 

Wits Art Museum (WAM) is home to a permanent collection of over 12 000 classical, modern and contemporary African artworks, that has been developed at Wits University since the late 1920s. It occupies a high-profile position in Braamfontein at the interface between the university and the city. The museum serves the needs of diverse constituencies including the public, schools and tertiary education through an active exhibitions and education programme.

This position will suit an individual committed to a career in an art museum and with a passion for the role of art museums in society.

Key responsibilities include: 

1. Acquisitions, management, maintenance, research of WAM?s permanent collection of African artworks.

2. Contribute to the conceptualisation, development, curating and organisation of WAM?s exhibitions programme.

3. Participation in WAM?s strategic activities including fundraising and networking.

Requirements: 

?Relevant BA degree with strong grounding in art history; appropriate and/or a post-graduate certificate in curatorial or museum studies would be advantageous.

?Minimum 3 years? work experience in relevant institution.

?Knowledge of classical, historical, modern and contemporary African art practice, history and debates. 

?Demonstrable experience with artwork acquisitions. 

?Research, writing, editing and publishing skills.

?Collections management and administration including digital database management.

?Demonstrable experience with fundraising and proposal writing

?Familiarity with safe art handling practices and basic preventative conservation oversight.

?Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook; familiarity with design applications would be advantageous.

The position also requires excellent verbal and written communications skills; networking skills; a willingness and capacity to work both collaboratively and independently and within the constraints of an institutional bureaucracy. The incumbent should be motivated, energetic, creative, resilient and professional. Detail orientation and a methodical, meticulous approach are essential.

 

The WAM team is very small so applicants should also be willing to participate in activities outside of their job descriptions. Participation in after-hours museum activities is required.