Organizer Information

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) is a degree-granting research university that forms part of NYU’s global network. The NYUAD Art Gallery, housed within the university, is a non-collecting academic museum modelled on a “kunsthalle” structure. The Gallery’s mission emphasizes curatorial investigation, artistic experimentation, and knowledge production, connecting exhibitions with research and the broader academic community.

Title & Description

Curator, NYUAD Art Gallery
NYUAD seeks to hire a Curator (at the rank of Assistant, Associate, or full Curator, depending on experience) to join its Art Gallery team. The selected person will help lead exhibition development, research, public programming, and the strategic stewardship of NYUAD’s campus art collection. Reporting to the Galleries Executive Director and Chief Curator, the role has both academic and public-facing dimensions, contributing to the Gallery’s mission of integrating “research and knowledge production, the region and our academic community through each exhibition.”

The Role Overview

  • Contract type: Staff position (Curator, rank based on experience)
  • Reporting to: Galleries Executive Director & Chief Curator, Senior Research Scholar
  • Salary / Fee: Not specified in the job announcement; likely competitive and commensurate with experience
  • Programme: Curatorial, research-driven academic gallery model with a kunsthalle-like structure

Position & Tasks

  • Develop and curate major exhibitions in the main Gallery, including researching, producing, and publishing.
  • Partner with faculty and guest curators on exhibitions.
  • Lead programming around exhibitions: talks, symposia, residencies, workshops, and tours.
  • Serve on the Campus Art Committee: oversee site-specific commissions, contribute to acquisition strategy, and advise on institutional policies for the campus collection.
  • Supervise curatorial fellows, interns, or volunteers.
  • Engage in strategic operations: contribute to curatorial vision, fundraising, PR, and stakeholder development.
  • Mentor students / lead college-level classes, lectures, and capacity building.

Categories

  • Curatorial Practice
  • Exhibition Development
  • Academic & Museum Curator
  • Public Programming & Education
  • Art Research & Scholarship

Eligibility

  • Required Education: Master’s Degree in Art History or related field.
  • Required Experience: More than 5 years of relevant curatorial experience, especially in institutional (non-commercial) contexts.
  • Skills: Research and writing, strong organisational capacity, strategic thinking, cross-cultural sensitivity, knowledge of museum best practices (AAM, ICOM, etc.).
  • Preferred: Doctoral degree; commissioning artists; publication and editing experience; professional fluency in a second language (priority: Arabic or non-European).
  • Geographic / Other: The role is based in Abu Dhabi (UAE), so eligibility implies willingness to work in the UAE; experience with global contexts is valued.

Program Benefits

  • Opportunity to lead scholarly, experimental exhibitions at a non-collecting academic gallery.
  • Integrate curatorial practice with university teaching and research — working with faculty, students, and academic programs.
  • Oversee and shape NYUAD’s Campus Art Collection and public art commissions.
  • Develop public programming (symposia, workshops, tours) and build institutional partnerships.
  • Contribute to publications tied to the Gallery: exhibition catalogues and collateral publications.

Application Fee

No Entry fee

Application Requirements

  • Cover letter (addressing motivation, long-term aspirations, and capacities in relation to the role)
  • Curriculum vitae (CV) with detailed experience
  • Evidence of curatorial / research work (portfolio of past exhibitions, publications, or projects)
  • Writing samples (e.g., curatorial texts, catalogue essays) — implied by the “write, publish, and present” tasks

How to Apply

Online Application

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we encourage early submission. The position may close once a strong candidate pool is established or a selection is made.

Location

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Additional Details

  • The Gallery follows professional best practices (AAM, ICOM) for museum management.
  • The Curator will be part of a diverse, multinational academic community — the Gallery’s audiences “hail from over 200 different countries.”
  • Part of the job includes capacity building: training curatorial fellows, interns, and student docents.
  • The role includes strategic and operational responsibilities: contributing to fundraising, PR, and long-term vision for the gallery.

Website Link: https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/about/careers/administration-staff/2025/11/curator—nyuad-art-gallery.html

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