Curators develop and manage the collections and exhibitions of the museum. They collect, research, interpret, and make the collections accessible to the public through exhibitions and interpretive displays. They undertake project management and administrative functions to ensure smooth running of the Museum to meet the Singapore National Heritage Board’s aim of cultivating public awareness of the cultural inheritance of Singaporeans.
This position contributes to the multi-agency National Design Collection initiative launched in 2023. At the Asian Civilisations Museum, the Design collection focuses on Furniture, Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles. Through “Asia in Design”, the objects explore Asia in global design history – emphasising exchanges between Asia and the world, from the perspective of Asia.
Responsibilities
– Work collaboratively with ACM-TPM curatorial team in conceptualising and developing storylines and themes for permanent galleries and special exhibitions related to Design, especially Jewellery and Fashion.
– Work collaboratively with collection managers, conservators, designers, and related parties to set up and project manage exhibitions
– Provide administrative support for curatorial activities and manage curatorial projects, including academic conferences and community consultations
– Conceive, develop, and publish exhibition catalogues, scholarly articles, and related works, including via digital formats
– Actively collaborate with all museum departments, including education, programming, marketing, and philanthropy
– In-depth involvement in acquisition of new artefacts, maintaining relationships with donors, cultivating new patrons, and securing loans of collections and objects from other institutions and private collectors
– Foster and maintain good working relationships with existing and potential patrons, trustees, key stakeholders, and museum colleagues across the country and abroad, as well as with the academic community, art dealers, and collectors.
– Actively collaborate with and support industry partners in Singapore, through creating special displays and organising programs such as talks and workshops.
Requirements
Background in art history is preferred with strong knowledge of 20th- and 21st-design, or in the history of design in Singapore and Southeast Asia region, with an emphasis on contemporary practices
Possess strong interest and possess specialised knowledge in Asian jewellery and fashion
For Curator, familiarity with the principal industry partners, artisans and craftsmen in Singapore and internationally
Preferably at least five years of relevant research or work experience in a museum and/or related design institution
Excellent research and writing skills, with proficiency in English. Proficiency in an Asian language would be advantageous
Strong organisational, project management, and inter-personal skills, able to work independently and as part of a team
All applicants will be notified on whether they are shortlisted or not within 4 weeks of the closing date of this job posting.
