The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) seeks a Curator to serve as a full-time member of the Prints, Drawings and Photographs (PDP) Department. The candidate must have expertise in European Old Master prints and drawings (1300 -1800) and a general knowledge of Western art up to the present. The DIA’s collection of prints and drawings comprises more than 20,000 objects, with strength in European and American works. It includes historically significant drawings, such as Michelangelo’s Studies for the Sistine Chapel, in addition to other important works by Barocci, Guercino, Tiepolo, Bloemaert, van Goyen, among many others. The DIA’s print collection has in-depth holdings by Dürer, Manet, Redon, and Rembrandt, as well as rare works by Degas, including his monotype Russet Landscape.

Under the supervision of the Head of PDP, the Curator will oversee all aspects of the collection of works on paper, including prints, drawings, posters, and artists’ books. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, organizing and overseeing special permanent collection exhibitions; recommending new works for acquisition; and co-leading and assisting with the DIA’s Friends of Prints, Drawings and Photographs (FPDP), the department’s main auxiliary group.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Compile information pertinent to the identification, documentation, or authentication of works of art and maintain appropriate object records in accordance with DIA data and archival standards
Maintain current knowledge of the art market in order to recommend objects for the permanent collection and develop acquisition proposals
Conduct original research on the museum’s art collection and publish in scholarly journals, catalogues, and books
Collaborate with the Collections Management staff in installing prints and drawings
Work in close collaboration with the Conservation Department to regularly assess the conservation needs of the collection
Develop familiarity with the DIA’s Collections Management Policy and assist the Registrar’s Department in producing supporting documentation for accessioning and deaccessioning works of art
Serve as a designated museum courier when necessary
Work collaboratively with educators in the Learning and Interpretation Division to develop and produce interpretive strategies and accompanying materials for permanent gallery projects and special exhibitions, as well as conduct training for gallery teachers and docents
Participate in the day-to-day administration of the department, which includes responding to scholarly and public inquiries about the collection
Act as staff liaison to the FPDP and assist with organizing its activities and programs
Develop enrichments, including presentations and tours for members and museum visitors, to facilitate community outreach
Foster and maintain good working relationships with existing and potential patrons, trustees, and museum colleagues across the country and abroad, as well as with the academic community, art dealers, and collector
Work effectively with various museum departments to ensure that content related to prints and drawings is accurately conveyed and represented in all museum print publications and other media
Represent the museum in professional societies, and at symposia and other scholarly meetings and events.

QUALIFICATIONS

Ph.D. in Art History preferred, with specialization in Old Master prints and drawings

At least seven years of experience working in a university or museum setting

Familiarity with the activities and operations of a large art museum

Strong record of research and scholarship, with proven experience in organizing exhibitions and producing publications of high quality

Exceptional writing skills and public-speaking ability across diverse audiences

Proven ability to work effectively and positively with other professional staff in a highly collaborative environment

Proficiency in at least one foreign language