Organizer Information
BLR World is a premier executive search and human capital consultancy dedicated to the global cultural and creative industries. They specialize in placing world-class talent within transformative heritage and museum projects across the Middle East. For this specific appointment, they are recruiting for the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project, a landmark cultural initiative developed in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. This project represents one of the most significant museum developments of the 21st century, aimed at fostering a global perspective on modern and contemporary art history.
Title & Description
Curator (Culture and Arts) – Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project
This is a high-profile Curatorial position within the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project. The role is centred on building and interpreting a world-class collection that reflects the interconnected narratives of global art from the 1960s to the present. The selected Curator will contribute to a visionary Project that redefines the museum experience, emphasizing transcultural exchange and the artistic production of West Asia, North Africa, and South Asia (WANASA). Participants will work at the intersection of local heritage and international contemporary practice, helping to shape the identity of a museum that is destined to become a global cultural beacon.
The Role Overview
- Position: Curator.
- Salary: Competitive international Salary package (inclusive of housing/allowances).
- Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent.
- Reporting to: Senior Curator / Director of Curatorial Affairs.
- Programme: Global Modern and Contemporary Art.
Position & Tasks
The Curator will undertake critical Research and management tasks to ensure the successful realization of the museum’s mission:
- Acquisitions: Identifying and recommending key artworks for the permanent collection.
- Exhibition Design: Working with the Guggenheim Foundation to conceptualise thematic and solo exhibitions.
- Scholarship: Conducting original Research and writing for major catalogues and digital platforms.
- Collaboration: Coordinating with architects, conservators, and international partners for the museum’s upcoming opening.
- Networking: Representing the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project at international art fairs, biennials, and symposiums.
Categories
- Curatorial
- Art Management
- Research
- Visual Arts
Eligibility
- Nationality: International (Open to global experts).
- Experience: Minimum 5–8 years of professional Curatorial experience in a museum or major gallery.
- Specialisation: Strong expertise in modern and contemporary art, with a focus on global or non-Western narratives.
- Education: Master’s degree (PhD preferred) in Art History or a related field.
- Languages: Excellence in English is required; Arabic is a highly valued asset.
Program Benefits
- Remuneration: High-tax-free Salary and comprehensive benefits.
- Accommodation: Support for housing and relocation to the United Arab Emirates.
- Professional Impact: The opportunity to be a founding member of a global museum team.
- Mentorship: Working alongside some of the world’s most influential curators and museum directors.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Comprehensive CV: Detailing institutional experience and acquisition history.
- Portfolio of Work: A list of curated exhibitions and published research.
- Motivation Letter: Explaining your vision for a "global" museum in the United Arab Emirates.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Open until filled (Rolling recruitment).
- Notification Date: Ongoing screening and interview cycles.
- Start Date: Immediate or per availability.
Location
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Additional Details
The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project is part of a wider cultural transformation on Saadiyat Island, joining the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Zayed National Museum.8 Candidates should be prepared to operate in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment where cultural diplomacy is as essential as academic rigour.