Curatorial Assistant - NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery (Fixed-Term 1 Year)

Position Overview

New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) invites applications for a fixed-term Curatorial Assistant role at its Art Gallery. This position lasts for one year, with potential renewal up to three years based on project scope. It is designed primarily for NYUAD graduates aiming to develop a career in art history and curatorial practice. The role provides hands-on museum experience within a teaching museum environment.

Key Duties

• Assist the Curatorial team with research, planning, and production for exhibitions, including engaging audiences and managing gallery operations.
• Act as the production manager for the Project Space exhibitions, coordinating with curators and exhibition staff under guidance from senior management.
• Serve as liaison for the Student Assistantship and Docent programs, facilitating coordination among different teams.
• Participate in Christo Award team meetings monthly, supporting both award administration and jury processes.
• Manage the Project Space exhibition application cycle, including preparing materials for jury sessions and responding to inquiries.
• Oversee exhibition scheduling and installation processes, collaborating with artists and resolving curatorial challenges.
• Work with content and visitor services teams to develop exhibition collateral, publicity materials, and event logistics.
• Prepare materials and support the Christo Award jury meetings, co-leading awardee production meetings, and documenting minutes.
• Conduct in-depth research and drafting for exhibitions, including developing texts related to the NYUAD Campus Collection and liaising with artists, lenders, and donors.
• Engage with NYUAD faculty and students by connecting exhibitions to academic curricula, coordinating docent training, and compiling relevant bibliographies.
• Contribute to a diverse range of programs tied to exhibitions, such as public tours, workshops, symposia, school visits, and special events, occasionally including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required.
• Familiarity with museum practices and exhibition procedures is essential.
• Fluency in English and competency in a second language are necessary; proficiency in non-European languages is advantageous.
• Strong communication, organizational, research, and writing skills are mandatory.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and demonstrate creativity and attention to detail.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint) is expected.
• Professionalism, reliability, confidentiality, and adaptability are vital personal traits.

Additional Information

The position encourages applications from all qualified individuals, with particular encouragement for Emirati candidates in accordance with UAE regulations.

NYU Abu Dhabi is a globally connected research university offering a comprehensive liberal arts and sciences education. It operates in collaboration with NYU in New York and Shanghai, forming a global network that fosters international scholarly and creative exchange. NYUAD serves as a pivotal intellectual hub in the Arab region, dedicated to academic excellence, research innovation, and cultural engagement.