Short Description:
The Curator of Asian Art will join Newfields at a pivotal moment of institutional renewal and curatorial reinvention. As the Museum reimagines its exhibitions, public programs, and interpretive strategies, this role offers a unique chance to shape the future of a major Asian art collection within a forward-thinking and collaborative environment. Key opportunities include:
- Strategic Leadership: Contribute leadership to the reimagining and strategic planning of the Museum’s curatorial department.
- Gallery Transformation: Lead the deinstallation and reinstallation of the Chinese permanent collection galleries as they undergo renovation, with a strong focus on inclusive storytelling, accessibility, and impact.
- Collection Visibility: Create and implement strategies to rotate works from the permanent collection, increasing visibility and public access.
- Collection Development: Build the collection through thoughtful and strategic acquisitions that fill historical and thematic gaps.
- Exhibition Excellence: Organize and curate exhibitions that showcase Newfields’ world-class collection while balancing scholarly rigor and broad audience appeal.
Responsibilities and Expectations
The Curator of Asian Art will collaborate with the Director of the IMA and others to oversee the interpretation, care, and development of Newfields’ distinguished Asian collection. This role is both strategic and hands-on, requiring a balance of scholarly expertise, collaborative leadership, and a passion for engaging diverse audiences with the art of Asia. Working across departments, the Curator will contribute to exhibition planning, acquisitions, interpretation, fundraising support, and public programs in support of Newfields’ mission and vision. Among other responsibilities, they will:
- Lead Newfields efforts to create engaging experiences in the Asian Art galleries, including innovative interpretation and object rotation.
- Serve as a curatorial lead in gallery reinstallations and long-range planning for the Asian Art collection.
- Build meaningful relationships with collectors and assist Newfields in creating pathways for donor engagement, grant writing, and fundraising.
- Lead and collaborate on special exhibitions and traveling shows, from concept through implementation, ensuring scholarly depth and audience relevance.
- Manage loans to and from the collection, ensuring adherence to conservation standards and best practices regarding curatorial oversight.
- Co-manage a Curatorial Assistant, whose role is to facilitate rotations, loans, and support research.
- Conduct original research on the Asian art collections; publish scholarship and oversee provenance research.
- Recommend acquisitions that strategically strengthen and diversify the collection, identifying crucial gaps and new directions.
- Represent Newfields at professional conferences, symposia, and within national and international networks, fostering scholarly exchange and collaboration.
- Present gallery talks, lectures, and training for docents and staff; actively engage with a broad range of audiences to make art accessible and relevant.
- Actively collaborate with cross-institutional teams as required to achieve shared goals.
- Engage the public readily, supporting and embodying Newfields’ commitment to inclusion and accessibility in all aspects of curatorial work.
- Propose and develop public programs and educational initiatives that promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of Asian art for diverse audiences.
- Collaborate with the conservation department on the care, preservation, and study of the Asian art collection.
- Contribute to the ongoing digitization and online accessibility of the Asian art collection.
Inclusive Curation of Asian Art at Newfields
At Newfields, the curation of Asian art is an evolving practice rooted in inclusion, accessibility, and cultural relevance. We believe art offers a powerful lens into the complexities of human experience, and we approach Asian art as a dynamic, interconnected tradition shaped by diverse voices, identities, and global influences.
Rather than presenting a singular narrative, we highlight the plurality of Asian art—examining how gender, class, religion, ethnicity, and geography inform its creation and reception. We are committed to amplifying underrepresented artists and stories, and to connecting historical works to contemporary dialogues around issues such as gender, migration, and social change.
Interpretation at Newfields is designed to engage all visitors through digital tools, community voices, and multi-sensory experiences that go beyond traditional wall texts. Our goal is to create inclusive, thought-provoking spaces where the Asian art collection inspires connection, empathy, and critical thinking—reflecting our vision for a 21st-century cultural institution.
Application Requirements:
Send the following to SearchandRef@museum-search.com with the subject “Curator of Asian Art – Newfields”:
- Cover letter
- CV
- Contact details for three professional references
Additional materials (portfolio, writing samples, etc.) will be requested at later stages.
Eligibility:
- Ph.D. degree in Art History, Asian Studies, or a related field required. Thorough knowledge of Asian art required, expertise Japanese Art, Chinese Art, or a relevant specialization strongly preferred. Proficiency in Asian language(s) required.
- Minimum five years as a full or senior curator in a museum or comparable setting required.
- Strong international network of professional colleagues, collectors, dealers, and artists; must be willing to travel.
- Proven record of original research, publication, and exhibition development.
- Experience developing and stewarding acquisitions and working with collectors, donors, and artists.
- Proven ability to manage complex projects, including gallery reinstallations and cross-departmental initiatives, from concept to completion.
- Strong communication skills; comfortable engaging with diverse audiences and representing the institution in public forums.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in curatorial practice.
- Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively within a team environment while also exercising independent judgment.
- Experience cultivating funding opportunities, including writing grants and supporting development efforts.
- Thorough knowledge of museum best practices, including collection stewardship, provenance, and ethical guidelines.
Even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications for this position, if much of the full job description describes you, then please apply for it.
Program Benefits or Awards:
The salary range is $90,000 – $115,000 commensurate with experience, plus an attractive benefits package.
Entry Fee: none
Location: Indianapolis, USA
Deadline: August 29, 2025,
Website link:
https://museum-search.com/all-searches/2025/7/29/newfields-asian-art
