Assistant, Associate, or Curator of Art after at Farnsworth Art Museum

About the Role

The Farnsworth Art Museum, located in Rockland, Maine, seeks an Assistant, Associate, or Curator of American Art after 1950. Reporting to the Chief Curator, this full-time, on-site position is a key member of the curatorial team, contributing to research, exhibitions, acquisitions, and the museum’s mission. The role includes stewardship of the Farnsworth Homestead and Olson House.

Responsibilities

• Conceive and develop exhibitions and gallery installations to enhance public understanding of American art from the mid-twentieth century to today.
• Curate or co-curate the Momentum exhibition series and other projects.
• Research and interpret works in the museum’s holdings of American art after 1950, recommending acquisitions to strengthen the collection.
• Reinterpret collection works to include underrepresented narratives and diverse perspectives for broad audiences.
• Collaborate with the Wyeth Study Center and Brandywine Museum to develop new scholarship and exhibitions on the Wyeth artistic family.
• Serve as a scholarly resource on modern and contemporary American art for internal and external audiences.
• Foster relationships with collectors, galleries, artists, and dealers to enhance the collection.
• Conduct studio visits and remain actively engaged in the field.
• Coordinate exhibition logistics, including contracts, loans, shipping, design, installation, publications, and fundraising.
• Collaborate with Learning and Engagement, Advancement, and Communications teams to expand audiences and support.
• Recommend acquisitions to the Collection Committee and assist with related logistics.
• Deliver gallery talks, lectures, interviews, and presentations for public, membership, and community audiences.
• Assist with grant writing, donor cultivation, and fundraising to support collection growth.
• Engage with scholars, critics, community groups, and other audiences to promote the museum’s mission.
• Participate in regional and national professional organizations to advance the museum’s scholarly reputation.
• Perform special projects and other duties as required.

Requirements

• M.A. or Ph.D. in Art History or a related field (Curatorial Practice, Visual Studies, Material Culture, etc.).
• At least 5 years of museum, gallery, or related professional experience.
• Strong art historical knowledge and research skills in American art history.
• Broad knowledge of postwar American art and modern/contemporary art.
• Special interest in the artistic legacy of the Wyeths (N.C., Andrew, and Jamie) and artists connected to Maine.
• Exemplary writing, public speaking, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in exhibition development, publication development, and collection care.
• Commitment to professional museum standards and best practices.
• Strong problem-solving, planning, and organizational skills for managing multiple projects.
• Proficiency with museum technologies, including collection management software and in-gallery innovations.
• Ability to handle sensitive information discreetly.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Platforms, Asana, and Bloomberg Connects.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.

Pay

Salary range: $55,000 – $65,000, commensurate with experience and curatorial level.