[nativestudies-l] Job Opportunity, Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas

[Shelly Lowe]

Curator of Arts and Cultures of the Americas, Africa, and Oceania
Spencer Museum of Art/University of Kansas
2136000

The Spencer Museum of Art seeks a creative, innovative, team-oriented, and
highly motivated Curator of the Arts and Cultures of the Americas, Africa,
and Oceania. The curator will partner with museum colleagues to integrate
collections and to realize a new vision for the museum by helping to
bridge the historical gap between anthropological and fine-arts museums.
The curator will be responsible for research, conservation, and
publication of the collection; organizing and securing internationally
significant exhibitions; and working collaboratively with university
colleagues across disciplines as well as with the Peoples and artists
whose heritage and work comprises the collection. The curator will also be
actively involved in building the collection and cultivating donors. The
ideal candidate will bring an innovative approach to exhibitions, informed
by cultural and ethical sensitivity, that will broaden an understanding
and appreciation of the diverse Peoples, arts, cultures, and religions of
the world past and present. The successful candidate will share
responsibilities with a curatorial team that currently includes curators
of prints & drawings; European & American art; Asian art; and an active
department of education.

The 9,700-piece collection consists of approximately 9,100 objects (60%
Native American, 15% African, 10% Latin American, and less than 1%
Oceanic) and 600 supporting materials.

Organize exhibitions, prepare publications, acquire historical and
contemporary works of art, present public programs, and participate in
grant writing, fundraising and other curatorial functions.

Engage in research activities and publications that support and promote
the work and reputation of the Spencer Museum of Art and the University of
Kansas.

Bring international scholars and artists to the Spencer Museum to
collaborate with faculty and students while expanding the University's
global connections and awareness through the visual arts.

Mentor students and interns from diverse disciplines.

Collaborate with faculty, staff, students and the public to meaningfully
integrate indigenous arts and cultures into the teaching and research
mission of the University.

Participate in developing and articulating the artistic vision and future
physical expansion of the Spencer Museum of Art.

Ensure that federal, state, and university regulations and policies
relevant to the collections are followed, including those outlined in the
Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA)

Monitor the progress and continue the repatriation of objects as specified
under NAGPRA working with representatives of Native American tribes.

Requirements:
Ph.D., or Masters Degree in field appropriate to the position, such as the
art and material culture of the Americas, Africa, or Oceania.Two years
proven track record of working in a museum setting. Record of scholarly
research and demonstrated writing ability. Willingness to engage with
ideas and proposals beyond one's field of expertise. Demonstrated ability
to work collaboratively and organize groups such as committees, teams,
task forces, etc. Demonstrated ability to work openly and effectively with
donors and the public. Demonstrated knowledge of NAGPRA and other
regulations governing fair use of collections.  For Associate Curator
status, five or more years of relevant professional experience.  For
additional information go to http://jobs.ku.edu and search position number
00066240.  To apply send a letter of application, CV, one writing sample,
and three professional letters of reference to: Chairs, Arts and Cultures
Search Committee, Spencer Museum of Art, 1301 Mississippi Street,
Lawrence, KS 66045-7500.  www.spencerart.ku.edu 
<http://www.spencerart.ku.edu>  Selection for interviews
begins March 24, 2008.  EO/AA employer.


Posted by:
Angela Watts
Asst. Collection Manager
Spencer Museum of Art
University of Kansas
1301 Mississippi Street
Lawrence, KS 66045