Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles
Department: Curatorial
Reports to: Senior Curator
Status: Full-time, in person
Overview
The Curatorial Associate provides administrative, research, and production support to the Senior Curator (and Executive Director, as needed) for all museum exhibitions, select curatorial projects, and related programming. The Curatorial Associate works on all elements of exhibition planning, development, and execution including coordinating exhibition-related correspondence, artist site visits, and artwork production as well as drafting, editing, and managing exhibition proposals, project budgets, checklists, loan requests, and exhibition didactics. Additionally, the Curatorial Associate will support and contribute to museum publications, develop and participate in exhibition programs and programming for the museum’s patron groups, and draft fundraising and communications materials. This is a full-time, in person, position.
Primary Responsibilities
Coordinates exhibition-related meetings and correspondence for the Curatorial Department.
Assembles and maintains artist and project research files.
Contributes scholarly research to exhibitions and curatorial projects, which includes, but is not limited to, drafting and editing exhibition didactics, in-gallery guides, exhibition publications, fundraising materials, press releases, social media posts, newsletters, and more.
Organizes Project Room exhibitions, with support from Senior Curator.
Manages budgets for exhibitions and curatorial projects, together with the Senior Curator.
Develops and organizes internal tasks with Senior Curator, Registrar, and Exhibitions Manager for exhibitions, curatorial projects, and traveling exhibitions, including but not limited to: exhibition checklists, artwork loans, installation instructions, and production schedules.
Liaises directly with exhibiting artists, exhibition lenders, and museum supporters.
Manages workflow with external collaborators (such as guest curators), vendors, and contractors.
Coordinates travel for ICA LA guests and artists.
Supports all aspects of exhibition publications, with a particular focus on research and content development, and including proofreading review and securing image rights and permissions, as needed.
Coordinates exhibition documentation and maintains the institution’s physical and digital database and exhibition archives.
Gives tours of ICA LA exhibitions and participates in other exhibition-related public programs.
Maintains an active knowledge of contemporary art through ongoing research, writing, and artist studio visits.
Desired Qualifications
Demonstrated interest in global contemporary art and visual culture, with a particular interest and investment in artists living and working in Los Angeles.
BA in Art History, Art, Curatorial Studies, or Museum Studies, or equivalent degree; three to five years of museum experience and/or research position at college or university level required.
Excellent and thorough writing, research, and communication ability required. Editing or proofreading experience a plus.
Must demonstrate initiative, keen attention to detail, ability to multitask and work independently with a minimum of supervision to develop solutions to assigned tasks.
Ability to function as Senior Curator’s proxy, as needed.
Experience working with artists and with exhibition management highly desired, but not required.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (including Acrobat, Photoshop, and InDesign) required.
Fluency in Spanish, or another language, desired, but not required.
EEO Statement
ICA LA is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
About ICA LA
The Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (ICA LA) is an epicenter of artistic experimentation and incubator of new ideas.
Founded in 1988 as the Santa Monica Museum of Art (SMMoA) and reestablished in 2017 with a new identity and home in Downtown Los Angeles, ICA LA builds upon a distinguished history of bold curatorial vision and innovative programming to illuminate the important untold stories and emerging voices in contemporary art and culture. The museum’s 12,700 square-foot renovated industrial building—designed by wHY Architecture under the leadership of Kulapat Yantrasast—features ample space for exhibitions, public programs, retail pop-ups, integrated offices, and special projects.
ICA LA’s mission is to support art that sparks the pleasure of discovery and challenges the way we see and experience the world, ourselves, and each other. ICA LA is committed to upending hierarchies of race, class, gender, and culture. Through exhibitions, education programs, and community partnerships, ICA LA fosters critique of the familiar and empathy with the different.
ICA LA is committed to making contemporary art relevant and accessible for all. Admission is free.
ICA LA is located in the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles at 1717 E. 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021.
Salary: $57,500 – $67,500
Benefits: Healthcare (including vision and dental), vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays, following a probation period.
Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Deadline to apply: September 1, 2024
Documents required to apply: Resume, cover letter, references, writing sample
How to apply: Send a cover letter, CV, with at least two professional references, and writing samples to opportunities@theicala.org, including the name of the position in the subject line.
“Please no calls or in-person unscheduled visits. For more information, please visit theicala.org/opportunities.”