MEDIA CONTACT:
Vanessa Ormsby, RCA Communications Manager
(361) 729-5519 / vanessa@rockportartcenter.com
Rockport Center for the Arts Announces Search for The Barrow Foundation Curator of Exhibitions
A challenging yet rewarding opportunity awaits the right individual with vision, drive and a passion for visual arts programming.
Rockport Center for the Arts (RCA), a vibrant and prestigious multi-disciplinary arts organization celebrates 54 years of operation in 2023. Poised for growth, the organization has just opened a brand-new campus in the heart of Downtown Rockport that features state-of-the-art education, exhibition, as well as new culinary arts, performing arts and conference space. The project will transform downtown while significantly increasing operations for the Center, particularly with the addition of a venue center that will be the home for new RCA cultural arts programming as well as available to rent to the public. In preparation for dynamic growth, the organization seeks a creative, energetic, and inspired individual to join the staff team and lead visual arts programming.
Position Announcement: August 7, 2023
Title: The Barrow Foundation Curator of Exhibitions Reports To: Deputy Director
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Status: Full-time
Timeline: Open until Filled
Position Purpose:
The Barrow Foundation Curator of Exhibitions (BFCE) leads the work of the exhibition pillar of Rockport Center for the Arts. The BFCE is responsible for designing and implementing innovative exhibitions in partnership with the Exhibition Committee to further the mission and strategic vision of RCA. The exhibition schedule includes managing all aspects of programming for three curated gallery spaces as well as managing the member’s gallery and gift shop which highlight work by member artists. Additionally, the BFCE serves as the chairman of the annual Rockport Fim Festival, playing an essential role in curating the film schedule and works with RCA’s Education Director to design annual resident artist programs.
Essential duties and responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Deputy Director, the responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following tasks:
Work closely with the Deputy Director and RCA Exhibition Committee to plan and execute a strategic, well-balanced schedule for curated exhibitions that maintains RCA’s reputation for high quality artistic programming.
Serve as primary staff representative to the RCA Exhibition Committee.
Design and Implement Requests for Proposals and Calls for Artists for juried shows.
Prepare, administer, and monitor exhibition contracts including arrangements for artist travel for
installation, gallery talks and exhibition receptions.
Lead the exhibition design for all exhibitions, coordinating delivery schedules of all exhibitions and
participating in receipt of works as well as the installation of exhibitions with support of a preparator.
Participate in the design and placement of marketing materials including ads, posters, eblasts, website content and social media channels to promote visual arts programming.
Lead the planning and implementation of and attend all gallery talks and exhibition receptions.
Manage artists for Rockport Art Festival, including facilitating the application and jury process and
coordinating artists’ festival experience.
Work in collaboration with RCA Education Director on the design and implementation of visiting artist
programming including Penny Redmon and Artist in Residence series.
Supervise contractors, interns and volunteers that will help in execution of all visual arts programs.
Serve as registrar for the permanent collection.
Participate in annual budgeting for Visual Arts programming by preparing budgets and schedules for
exhibitions, Rockport Film Festival and visiting artist programs.
Cultivate community partnerships, especially with member artists, local businesses and government,
statewide arts organizations, and philanthropic communities.
Attend all exhibit openings and RCA signature events including Rockport Art Festival, Spring Art Fair,
Rockport Film Festival and the Silver Meltdown Jewelry Show and Sale.
Assist with signature events and projects as identified and requested by Executive and/or Deputy
Director.
The ideal candidate will also be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities
Develop and manage all budgets, expenditures and data related to visual arts programs.
Assist the Development committee in identifying and cultivating program underwriters and sponsors.
Write Grants and assist with funding appeals for visual arts programs.
Actively participate in promoting and marketing programs, including creation and dispersal of promotional materials both in print and online.
Other Duties
• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Qualifications & Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from an accredited university required, MFA preferred, in addition to 5 years of experience in the field of visual art, experience working in an art center, visual arts organization, and/or commercial art gallery.
Teamwork, interpersonal skills, and the ability to develop good relationships with internal and external contacts and to work collaboratively with diverse constituencies including people from diverse socio- economic and ethnic backgrounds required
This position requires excellent curatorial skills, public speaking skills, writing skills and graphic design skills
Highly organized, self-starter, detail orientation required including proven organizational skills, with strong ability to set priorities, manage multiple projects, work independently, demonstrate initiative and perform under pressure.
Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
Proficiency in website management, graphic design, and video creation preferred.
Demonstrated enthusiasm and passion for the arts required.
Working conditions
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Regular workweek schedule is Monday through Friday with periodic evenings and weekends, particularly tied to exhibition openings and signature events.
Physical requirements
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use their hands and arms to handle, reach, or feel; and talk and hear.
The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.
The employee must regularly lift and/or move items weighing up to 50 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral
vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Compensation:
Full-time position. Competitive salary based on experience. Benefits include paid time off and employee health insurance provided and covered at 100% with option to add Vision and Dental coverage at employee’s expense. Employer will provide professional development opportunities. Employment is at will with a six- month evaluation/introductory period.
To Apply:
For more information about Rockport Center for the Arts, please visit www.rockportartcenter.com. No phone calls, please.
To apply please submit a letter of interest, a resume, three professional references (no personal references), and salary requirements to karen@rockportartcenter.com.
Rockport Center for the Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer.