Curator/Assistant Curator

What the role is:

The National Museum of Singapore is building the National Collection in the area of design. This aligns with the museum’s broader curatorial approach to collecting and presenting Singapore’s social history, to fulfil its mission to inspire with stories of Singapore and the world. Architecture is a key component of Singapore’s design history, and relates strongly with Singapore’s urban transformation. We are looking for a motivated candidate with relevant specialist experience to join NMS’s curatorial team as a curator of design with a focus on architecture, to make an impact with the collecting and curating of Singapore’s rich design history.

What you will be working on:

As Curator/Assistant Curator (Design/Architecture) at NMS, you will be centrally involved in the National Museum of Singapore’s efforts to build the Design Collection Singapore, specifically in the area of architecture, which includes the design of Singapore’s urban/public spaces and environments that have charted our changing urban landscapes, shaping the everyday lives of Singaporeans and our national identity. You will contribute to the conceptualisation and formulation of the collecting focus, working closely with relevant stakeholders and agencies to develop a framework for collecting Singapore architecture, and implement this through the acquisition of relevant collections. In conjunction with collecting, you will be involved in the curation of relevant design-themed exhibitions, engaging visitors in an accessible way with Singapore’s design history.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Acquisitions and Collections Specialisation

• Contribute to the development of the museum's curatorial and collecting strategies, particularly in the area of building NMS’ architecture-related collections.
• In-depth involvement in acquisition of new artefacts, with a focus on design-related collections and specialising in architecture, maintaining relationships with donors, securing loans of collections from other institutions and collectors, and networking within the broader design-related landscape in Singapore.
• Work closely with collections managers, conservators and related parties on the collecting guidelines and process of architecture collection.

Curation, Interpretation and Exhibition Development

• Work closely with the NMS curatorial team in conceptualising and developing storylines and themes for permanent galleries and special exhibitions related to Singapore history and heritage, with a focus on the historical to contemporary roles of design in Singapore, and as it is expressed through the lens of architecture and Singapore’s urban development.
• Work closely with collections managers, conservators, designers, and related parties to set up and curate exhibitions on physical and digital platforms.

Research, Publication and Scholarship

• Ongoing research and publications broadly on Singapore history, with a focus on the theme of architecture and Singapore’s design history, with active public engagement through interviews, talks, tours, and other forms of engagement.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate internally with other museum departments including education, programming, marketing, and partnerships, and externally with partners including industry stakeholders.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for candidates who possess the following:

• Background in history, design, architecture, or related humanities and social sciences, with a strong interest in Singapore history.
• Preferably at least 2 years of relevant research or curatorial work would be advantageous.
• Excellent research and writing abilities with proficiency in English. Written and conversational proficiency in other languages would be advantageous.
• Excellent engagement skills with reference to collaborating or co-creating with a variety of partners.
• Strong organisational, project management and inter-personal skills, able to work independently and in a team.
• Adaptable and willing to experiment with new forms of curatorial approaches, including the incorporation of new digital technologies.

Successful candidates will be offered a 2-year contract in the first instance.

About National Heritage Board

The National Heritage Board (NHB) champions the development of a vibrant cultural and heritage sector in Singapore. Our role is to make heritage enriching, relevant, accessible and above all, enjoyable to Singaporeans and visitors alike. If you have the Passion...to build a nation of confident people and sense of rootedness...to deliver great service towards a strong community...to inspire generations of Singaporeans through heritage preservation...to continually innovate and develop yourself as a professional...to have fun while doing all of the above We Want You