Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) seeks a Chair of the Arts of Global Africa, whose role is to enhance, interpret and publish Mia’s collection of African art and to promote understanding and appreciation of African art through its collection, making it accessible to the largest possible audience.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
The Arts of Global Africa is a new department, created following a reorganisation to focus on art from Africa and the African Diaspora. This is an exciting opportunity to build this new department.
Reporting to the Deputy Director, Matthew Welch, the Chair of the Arts of Global Africa will be responsible for:
- Conducting research leading to the formation of special exhibitions and scholarly catalogues of African Art that make significant contributions to the field.
- Interpreting the museum’s collection of African Art through permanent collection gallery displays and didactic materials.
- Developing the collection through strategic acquisitions.
- Building relationships with collectors and potential donors.
Championing scholarly programming to present the collection. This is a public-facing role, and the Chair of the Arts of Global Africa will be expected to speak publicly about the collection and work regularly with stakeholders, trustees, collectors, potential donors, and Mia’s diverse audiences. As a senior member of the team, they will be expected to participate in broader museum initiatives and work collaboratively with colleagues across the museum.
Mia seeks an experienced curator with:
- A master’s or PhD (or the equivalent) in the field of African art.
- A minimum of five years of relevant curatorial experience.
- A track record of excellence in working with African and African Diaspora art.
- Significant demonstrable art historical research skills and experience.
- A track record of published writing and catalogues in their portfolio.
- Experience of working with, caring for, and preserving a collection.
- A knowledge of the art market, with relationships with art dealers, collectors, and donors of African Art, and in touch with developments internationally.
- Experience of working with African and African Diaspora artists.
- An ability to see complex projects through to completion.
Mia IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
It is the museum’s policy to hire and promote qualified people and administer all terms and conditions of employment without discrimination due to race, colour, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, or other protected-class status.
Mia does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to, or employment in, its programmes and activities. If you are in need of a reasonable accommodation to enable you to complete the application process, please contact Debra Young.
For more information or to request an application pack please contact Debra Young of Purple Light Consulting Limited at debra@purple-light.co.uk / T +44 (0) 20 8458 5460.
Closing date for applications: End of 3rd December 2023
