Curatorial Assistant

COMPANY DESCRIPTION
National Gallery Singapore is a leading visual arts institution which oversees the world's largest public collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian modern art. Situated at the birthplace of modern Singapore, in the heart of the Civic District, the Gallery is housed in two national monuments - City Hall and former Supreme Court - that have been beautifully restored and transformed into this exciting 64,000 square metre venue. Reflecting Singapore's unique heritage and geographical location, the Gallery aims to be a progressive museum that creates dialogues between the art of Singapore, Southeast Asia and the world to foster and inspire a creative and inclusive society. This is reflected in our collaborative research, education, long-term and special exhibitions, and innovative programming. The Gallery also works with international museums such as Centre Pompidou, Musée d'Orsay, Tate Britain, National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT) and National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA), to jointly present Southeast Asian art in the global context, positioning Singapore as a key node in the global visual arts scene.
In 2020, the Gallery was the only museum in Southeast Asia that received a ranking in The Art Newspaper's annual global survey of attendance at art museums, taking 20th place. In 2018, the Gallery was also the first museum in Asia to receive the Children in Museums Award by the European Museum Academy and Hands On International Association of Children in Museums. It also won the awards for "Best Theme Attraction" at TTG Travel Awards 2017, "Best Attraction Experience", "Breakthrough Contribution to Tourism" and "Best Customer Service (Attractions)" at the prestigious Singapore Tourism Awards in 2016 for its role in adding to the vibrancy of Singapore's tourism landscape.
We offer job opportunities in our dynamic organisation. Working at the Gallery enhances and cultivates your love for the arts, and offers you a chance to be part of the Gallery's vision.
**OUR PEOPLE**
At National Gallery Singapore, we develop cultural leaders who make the world better. Our people are united by a shared belief in the power and necessity of art, and work together to create meaningful experiences for our visitors.
DESIGNATION : Curatorial Assistant
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Curatorial Assistant will support the development and implementation of exhibitions, acquisitions and related programmes.
**Responsibilities**
- Support the ink project team in the development and execution of ink-related exhibitions.
- Conceive, plan and execute exhibitions and programmes including negotiations with lenders and collaborative institutions, as well as co-ordination of general exhibition matters.
- Assist other teams (Marketing, Partnership Development, International Partnerships, Artwork & Exhibition Management) in providing content and support for exhibition related matters.
- Work with other teams in executing programmes and tours for audience and stakeholder engagement.
- Support curators in developing acquisition/donation proposals by conducting research, collating information and preparing presentations.
- Provide assistance to Collections Development team in cultivating and servicing past and potential donors.
- Develop research directions for exhibition and collection development as well as building on broader understanding of the histories of ink in relation to Southeast Asian art and global art history.
- Conduct research and present its outcome at internal and external platforms (gallery talks, symposiums, external conferences, publishing such as exhibition catalogues, journals).
- Contribute to the curriculum for the NUS Minor in Art History programmes modules. Give lectures, conduct tutorials, and supervise interns.
- Manage specific portfolios under their responsibility.
- Handle ad-hoc assignments as and when required, including supporting some curatorial admin.
QUALIFICATIONS
- An undergraduate or graduate degree in art history or any related field
- About five years' relevant curatorial experience, preferably within the museum field. Fresh graduates may be considered.
- Keen interest in and strong knowledge of Singapore and/or SEA Asia art history
- Excellent research, writing, communication and interpersonal skills
- Fluency in English. Additional SEA language and Mandarin language abilities would be ideal
- Ability to lead and motivate colleagues
- Interest and ability to contribute to the museum's overall strategy and management
- Good project management and organisational skills
- Attentive to details and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously