Open call: Curator-in-Residence program

The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is now accepting applications from national and international curators for its Curator-in-Residence program. Beginning January 2018, the successful candidate will participate in a one-year fully subsidized live/work residency as part of the Bemis Center’s acclaimed Artist-in-Residence Program. S/he will originate and present three exhibitions and related public programs inclusive of local and national artists. The Curator-in-Residence will work alongside residency and curatorial staff, and actively contribute to the overall vision of the Bemis Center’s renowned exhibition program. The Curator-in-Residence will be encouraged to work on independent research and other curatorial projects while in residence.

Competitive applicants will possess a strong knowledge of international contemporary art and a genuine interest in researching and responding to cultural production in Omaha and the region. The Curator-in-Residence is part of the cultural fabric of the city, serving as a professional resource for local artists and arts professionals, and as an ambassador of the Bemis Center in the community. S/he will be an integral member of the Bemis Center’s Artist-in-Residence Program, stimulating intellectual discourse surrounding contemporary art practice through studio visits, knowledge-sharing workshops, and other organized programs with fellow artists-in-residence.

Reporting to the Program Director, the Curator-in-Residence is a full-time temporary position that will work closely with the Exhibitions Program team. S/he will be involved in all curatorial and administrative aspects of organizing three exhibitions over the one-year residency. Exhibitions should be original, conceptually rigorous, and exemplify the true breadth and experimentation currently defining contemporary art. The 2018 exhibition dates are: March 15 to May 26, June 28 to September 22, and November 29 to February 23, 2019.

Duties include, but are not limited to: research, artist and donor relations, exhibition design and installation, writing/editing of scholarly texts and didactics, budgeting, conceptualizing and leading exhibition-related public programs, and tours.

The Curator-in-Residence studio is for single occupancy only; Bemis Center is unable to accommodate partners, children, and pets at this time.

Eligibility
Residency opportunities are open to national and international arts professionals 21+ years of age, showing a strong professional working history. Students enrolled in an academic program during the time of requested residency are not eligible to apply. Bemis Center welcomes internationally based arts professionals to apply.

Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and disability. If you have questions about accessibility, please contact the Residency Program Manager, Holly Kranker, at T 402 341 7130 x 12 or hollyk [​at​] bemiscenter.org.

Qualifications:
–Master’s degree in curatorial or museum studies, art history, or related field; or five years equivalent professional work experience in the field
–A minimum of 1–2 years of curatorial experience in an academic, nonprofit, and/or commercial gallery setting
–Strong knowledge of international contemporary art and a keen interest in understanding and working with Omaha’s cultural landscape
–Excellent verbal and written communications skills
–Creative and strategic thinker with the capacity to take initiative and to work independently as well as a team player in a fun, yet demanding, arts organization
–The ideal candidate will understand and promote the Bemis Center’s mission and, as an ambassador of the organization, perform all Bemis-related duties in a professional, responsible manner.

Applications are only accepted via SlideRoom at bemis.slideroom.com. 

There is no fee to apply.

Notifications to all applicants will be made via email on July 15, 2017.