Organizer Information
New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) is a degree-granting research university and a key campus within the global network of New York University, alongside NYU New York and NYU Shanghai. Established as an international hub for research, education, and creative practice, NYU Abu Dhabi brings together students, faculty, artists, and researchers from around the world through an interdisciplinary liberal arts and sciences framework.
The NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery functions as a contemporary art institution embedded within an academic environment, operating as a “teaching museum” where exhibitions, research, education, and public engagement intersect. The Gallery develops exhibitions, collections initiatives, and public programs that explore global artistic practices and encourage dialogue across cultures.
The Gallery’s curatorial approach emphasizes research-driven exhibitions, contemporary artistic production, and engagement with diverse audiences, including students, faculty, researchers, and the wider community in Abu Dhabi. Through exhibitions, Project Space initiatives, educational programs, and awards such as the Christo Award, the Gallery provides opportunities for emerging professionals to gain practical experience in exhibition development, museum operations, and curatorial practice.
The Curatorial Assistant position is designed specifically as a professional development opportunity for a graduate of NYU Abu Dhabi who wishes to pursue a career in art history, museum studies, and curatorial practice. The role offers hands-on experience working alongside the Gallery’s curatorial team across research, exhibition production, writing, education, and public programming.
Title & Description
Curatorial Assistant – NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery (Fixed-Term for 1 Year)
The NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery is seeking a Curatorial Assistant to support the development and execution of exhibitions, research projects, educational initiatives, and gallery operations.
This one-year fixed-term position provides practical training in professional curatorial work within an academic museum environment. The successful candidate will work closely with the Galleries Executive Director and Chief Curator; Senior Research Scholar, as well as the wider curatorial and exhibitions team.
The role focuses on supporting the complete exhibition-making process, from early research and conceptual development through production, installation, interpretation, and audience engagement. The Curatorial Assistant will contribute to exhibition research, writing, artist communication, production coordination, educational activities, and public programs.
A key responsibility will be managing the Gallery’s Project Space exhibitions under the guidance of curators and the Head of Exhibitions and Collections Management. This provides the opportunity to gain direct experience in producing smaller-scale exhibitions and understanding the practical and conceptual decisions involved in presenting artworks to the public.
The position also supports the Student Assistantship and Docent programs, works with internal university audiences, and contributes to the Christo Award program and jury processes.
The Role Overview
- Position: Curatorial Assistant
- Organization: NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery
- Contract Type: Fixed-term appointment (1 year), renewable up to 3 years depending on project scope
- Reporting To: Galleries Executive Director and Chief Curator; Senior Research Scholar
- Employment Type: Full-time professional position
- Salary: Not publicly specified; applicants should refer to the official NYU Abu Dhabi recruitment process for compensation details.
- Programme / Department: NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery – Curatorial and Exhibition Programs
- Career Focus: Art history, museum practice, exhibition production, and curatorial development
Position & Tasks
The Curatorial Assistant will contribute to the Gallery’s exhibitions, research activities, and public engagement initiatives.
Curatorial Production Management
- Managing production processes for Project Space exhibitions.
- Supporting the annual Project Space exhibition application review process.
- Preparing materials and presentations for jury meetings.
- Coordinating exhibition schedules, production timelines, and logistics.
- Supporting installation processes and communicating artist and exhibition requirements.
- Identifying production challenges and communicating solutions with curators.
- Working with content teams to prepare exhibition materials, press information, and communications.
- Supporting visitor services teams with opening events and exhibition-related activities.
Christo Award Support
- Participate in monthly Christo Award team meetings.
- Support jury meetings and award selection processes.
- Prepare materials for jury review.
- Coordinate production meetings with award recipients.
- Produce meeting notes and documentation.
Curatorial Research & Writing
- Conducting research for upcoming exhibitions and projects.
- Supporting curators with library research, field research, and archival work.
- Drafting exhibition texts and interpretive materials.
- Verifying information and managing research sources.
- Communicating with artists, lenders, donors, and partners.
- Developing research materials related to the NYUAD Campus Collection.
Education & Audience Engagement
- Supporting docent training and gallery tour development.
- Creating exhibition-related bibliographies and reference materials.
- Connecting exhibitions with university courses and academic programs.
- Supporting curriculum engagement between faculty, students, and the Gallery.
Events & Public Programs
- Family programs and educational tours.
- Public talks and symposia.
- Curator-led tours.
- School visits.
- Workshops.
- Reading Room activities.
- Gallery events and private bookings.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Contemporary Art
- Curatorial Practice
- Art History
- Museum Studies
- Exhibition Design & Production
- Cultural Programming
- Research & Writing
- Education & Public Engagement
Eligibility
- Open to qualified candidates.
- Emirati candidates are encouraged to apply in accordance with UAE regulations.
- Specifically intended for graduates of NYU Abu Dhabi interested in developing careers in curatorial practice and art history.
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Strong knowledge of art history and museum practices.
- Understanding of exhibition procedures and museum best practices.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Fluent competency in a second language required.
- Knowledge of research methods and sources.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Creative, detail-oriented, and professional approach.
Preferred qualifications:
- Previous museum experience.
- Experience with exhibition production.
- Knowledge of non-European languages for research purposes.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint.
Program Benefits
- Professional experience within an internationally recognized university art gallery.
- Hands-on training in exhibition development and museum operations.
- Direct collaboration with professional curators and museum specialists.
- Experience producing exhibitions from concept development through public presentation.
- Opportunities to develop research, writing, and curatorial skills.
- Exposure to global contemporary art practices.
- Experience working with artists, academic communities, and cultural audiences.
- Career development opportunity for future roles in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Ongoing
Location
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Additional Details
- This position is structured as a professional learning opportunity focused on curatorial development.
- The role combines research, exhibition production, education, and administrative responsibilities.
- The successful candidate should be comfortable working in an international and multicultural environment.
- Periodic evening and weekend work may be required due to exhibitions and public events.
- The position offers valuable preparation for careers in museums, galleries, cultural institutions, and academic art environments.