Pamela Buell Curator of Asian Art

Position Summary
Pamela Buell Curator of Asian Art Department Information Since its establishment in 1941 the Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University (IU) has grown from a small university teaching collection into one of the foremost university art museums in the country. A preeminent teaching museum its internationally acclaimed collection includes more than 45000 objects representing nearly every artproducing culture throughout history. Collection areas include African art ancient art Asian art global contemporary art European and American Art Indigenous art Oceanic art and prints drawings and photography. In 2020 the Eskenazi Museum of Art completed a $30 million renovation of its acclaimed I. M. Peidesigned building which now features seven new galleries four new centers (Education Conservation Curatorial Studies and Prints Drawings and Photographs) and three art study rooms. Position Summary A highlight of the museums outstanding collection is its approximately 3500 works of art from South East Southeast and Central Asia as well as Islamic arts. The Asian objects paintings and works on paper span 5000 years. Important groups of works include Thai ceramics Indian miniature paintings and Japanese prints ceramics and baskets. IU is also home to a Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology which includes a collection of related Asian objects; a leading East Studies Center; a Central Eurasian Studies Program; an Inner Asian and Uralic National Resource Center; and a Foreign Language Studies Program that teaches over 80 languagesmore than any other school in the United States. These resources on campus complement the Eskenazi Museums strong collection of the arts of Asia. The museum seeks a thoughtful and passionate individual who will serve as the Pamela Buell Curator of Asian Art. We seek a candidate with expertise in the arts of Asia who is also capable of overseeing our collection of Islamic art. The curator will be a scholar of the highest order who possesses the ambition and skills to create and manage a robust program to research teach exhibit and publish the museums collections and develop engaging special exhibitions that contextualize Asian art within current topics of interest. As part of the Eskenazi Museums curatorial team the successful candidate will collaborate with colleagues throughout the institution especially in the areas of curatorial and education to activate the museums collection and exhibitions and support the museums mission and strategic plan. The individual must work closely with IU faculty and students and be skilled at establishing productive relationships with departments across the university. The curator will also teach one class approximately every three semesters; the topic level and timing will be coordinated in consultation with the department of art history. The successful candidate must possess an MA and preferably a PhD. The candidate should have demonstrable museum experience with a record of accomplishment in successfully producing significant exhibitions publications and public programs. Some teaching experience is preferred. The position is a nontenured faculty appointment. Rank (Assistant Curator Associate Curator or Curator) will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Major Job Responsibilities Work closely with the director of curatorial affairs and the museums director to develop an exciting vision and strategy for an ambitious research exhibition and publication program for the arts of Asia at the IU Eskenazi Museum of Art. Research and document the Museums collection of Asian art for object identification provenance purposes display and publication. Develop and implement a plan to grow the museums permanent collection in the arts of Asia with a special focus on contemporary art in consultation with the director of curatorial affairs and the curator of contemporary art. Ensure professional care of the permanent collection and loans with registrar and conservation departments; identify conservation needs and treatment in dialogue with conservation; establish priorities for framing mounting and storage with registrar and installation departments. Collaborate with the education department to develop compelling public programs and interpretive materials. Develop art history courses that support degree offerings. Mentor graduate assistants interns and other students in research curatorial projects and professional paths. Present public lectures and gallery talks and seek opportunities to work with university colleagues and community partners on innovative programs and initiatives. Maintain an active research and public profile by collaborating with colleagues in other institutions or organizations publishing in the field and/or presenting papers at conferences. Work closely with the development department to cultivate patrons and collectors for possible gifts and assist with fundraising for exhibitions acquisitions and programs. Seek out and manage grant applications. Assist with marketing materials and press as needed. Prepare and manage relevant curatorial budgets for exhibitions collection displays and travel. Occasionally work evening and weekend hours with some travel expected.