Organizer Information
The Contemporary Austin is a contemporary art museum in Austin, Texas, dedicated to presenting and supporting contemporary art through exhibitions, public programs, education, and its outdoor sculpture collection at Laguna Gloria. The museum emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and access across its workplace and artistic and educational programs.
Title & Description
Associate Curator Job — The Contemporary Austin
The Contemporary Austin is seeking an Associate Curator to join its Curatorial Department. The position focuses on developing exhibitions and original projects, including co-curated exhibitions, touring exhibitions, new commissions, and site-specific interventions at Laguna Gloria. The successful candidate will also help steward the museum's outdoor sculpture collection and contribute to research, publications, public programming, community engagement, and fundraising.
The role is intended for an experienced contemporary art curator who can combine scholarly research with practical exhibition management and public-facing engagement. The Associate Curator will work collaboratively with the Head Curator & Director of Curatorial Affairs and other museum departments while contributing to Austin's local arts community and broader international contemporary art discourse.
The Role Overview
- Position: Associate Curator
- Department: Curatorial
- Employment: Full-time, exempt
- Annual Salary: $75,000–$80,000
- Supervisor: Deborah Dupré, Head Curator & Director of Curatorial Affairs
- Location: Austin, Texas, USA
- Work Schedule: Primarily regular museum work hours, with availability required for selected weeknights and weekends
- Application: Resume and cover letter
Position & Tasks
The Associate Curator will research and propose projects aligned with the museum's mission and values and will manage assigned exhibitions from planning through completion. Responsibilities include exhibition project management, correspondence, budgets, floor plans, checklists, contracts, publications, copyediting, and coordination with external contractors.
The curator will collaborate on the museum's exhibition calendar and touring proposals and contribute research to the stewardship, acquisition, documentation, and interpretation of the Laguna Gloria collection. The position involves regular interaction with artists, gallerists, lenders, institutions, vendors, donors, museum colleagues, and the public.
Additional responsibilities include studio visits, research travel, public tours, public speaking, community engagement, development and fundraising support, grant-related writing, departmental presentations, administrative tasks, and mentoring junior colleagues.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Curatorial
- Contemporary Art
- Art History
- Museum & Exhibition Management
- Public Programs
- Writing & Publishing
Eligibility
- An MA in Art History or a related field
- At least 5 years of curatorial experience within a museum or related contemporary arts organization
- Evidence of scholarly achievement through original research, exhibitions, public talks, and/or publishing
- Expertise in late-20th- and 21st-century art
- Excellent writing, public speaking, interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Outlook, Teams, and Adobe Creative Suite
- Ability to maintain accurate records and manage multiple projects
- Strong collaborative skills and commitment to diverse perspectives
Spanish proficiency is preferred. Knowledge of SketchUp and Teamwork is an advantage.
The Contemporary Austin states that it welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and does not discriminate based on protected characteristics.
Program Benefits
The position provides paid full-time employment with an annual salary of $75,000–$80,000. The role also offers professional engagement with artists, galleries, museums, collectors, donors, and the broader Austin arts community, alongside opportunities for research, exhibition development, public programming, publications, and professional networking.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
- Employment Duration: Full-time ongoing position
Applicants should consult the application portal for the current status and any updated deadline information.
Location
Austin, Texas, United States
Additional Details
The position involves substantial computer work, prolonged sitting, public speaking, and occasional work outside standard hours. The curator should be comfortable attending events on selected evenings and weekends and traveling for research and professional development.
The Contemporary Austin also highlights reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and its ongoing multi-year commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.