Assistant Curator

Reporting to: Curator, Exhibitions and Head of Exhibitions

The Assistant Curator supports Jameel Art Centre’s rigorous exhibitions, comissions and publications programme as part of Art Jameel’s global curatorial team. They will be responsible for supporting the Exhibitions team and its curators on realising the Jameel Art Centre’s exhibition programme, from the research and development stage through to production. This includes supporting the team with a variety of tasks including exhibition research and planning, planning programmes and events, liaising with artists, managing contacts and stakeholder relationships, assisting with publication workflows, writing and editing exhibition-related copy and various administrative tasks. The role sits within Art Jameel’s global curatorial team which includes colleagues based at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah. While this role is based at the Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai, we operate as a global team and colleagues are expected to interact and work with colleagues at both Hayy Jameel and the Jameel Arts Centre as necessary.

Essential Duties Include:
Research & Curatorial:

• Research, summarise, compile bibliographies, and source images and documents on artists, works of art, and topics of interest as required for upcoming exhibitions and programmes. This includes working closely with the Art Jameel Learning team to explore various sources such as books, articles, online databases and archival materials.
• Support in the planning and coordination of exhibitions-related public programmes including artist talks, panel discussions, workshops etc.
• Support in drafting exhibition text including exhibition descriptions, labels, newsletter and website content
• Create exhibition and artist related presentations as needed
• Present on and update relevant team members on exhibitions and programmes as needed
• Contribute to any related publications, compiling bibliographies, illustrations, captions, etc.
• Assist with preparing agreements and loan requests for exhibitions
• Support in creating and send out speakers’ letters and contracts
• Assist with maintenance of accurate artwork checklists, image files, lender, and other exhibition details
• Create condition reports for artworks
• Assist in condition reporting artworks as needed
• Liaise with colleagues across departments to ensure the smooth implementation of the exhibitions programmes
• Support and liaise with artists/lenders/galleries as needed
• Support the curator, artists and exhibition team during exhibition install
• Visually document the production and installation process where needed
• Deliver exhibition tours to external guests and partners
• Liaise with AV technicians to ensure the smooth running of exhibition related events
• Represent Art Jameel externally at talks, events and symposia as needed
• Maintain and develop a good level of knowledge in regional visual arts practices

Admin:

• Provide support for general departmental administration, including invoicing, maintaining updated files, meeting minutes, and scheduling
• Develop and update planning documents and trackers as needed
• Support with the logistics of shipping, transport and handling of artworks for exhibitions
• Liaise with suppliers to source competitive quotes, support and follow up on production of exhibition materials and artworks
• Liaise with other team members to organise and manage transportation, travel and accommodation for artists and guests where needed
• Assist with logistical needs for visiting artists including arranging honoraria, assisting with visas, and liaising with the relevant members of team

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Art History, Museum Studies, or related fields
• Master’s Degree optional but preferred or relevant experience working in museum, gallery or cultural organisation
• Demonstrated research and writing skills
• Fluent in English with a preference for candidates fluent in Arabic
• Strong interpersonal and organisational skills

Benefits include

• Health insurance
• 25 days annual leave
• Revive days
• Biannual Training day