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CMA posts four open positions

  • APPLICATION DEADLINES: Open until filled
  • COMPENSATION INFORMATION: Included in position description at link
The Columbia Museum of Art shared some open positions with The Hub for our readers to browse. We are posting brief position overviews below. A link to read full descriptions of unfilled positions is here: https://www.columbiamuseum.org/visit/about-cma/work-cma The positions will remain posted until filled.

Assistant/Associate Curator

The successful candidate will possess strong art historical knowledge in one or more of the museum’s collecting areas (American, European, Asian, and Modern & Contemporary); a minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a Curatorial department at an art museum; and a commitment to inclusive programming for diverse audiences. The Assistant/Associate Curator will work with colleagues to develop new presentations of the permanent collection; support, manage, and develop exhibitions; and actively participate in programming that informs, engages, and expands audiences. This position reports to the Director of Art and Learning and will work collaboratively within the Division of Art and Learning to promote the museum's commitment to be welcoming, community-centered, vibrant, playful, and inspiring. In addition to these values, the CMA staff and board eagerly embrace diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion to contribute to an open environment for the communities we serve. The person selected to fill this position will have demonstrated the capacity to promote these attributes.

Curatorial and Education/Engagement Fellow (Full Time, 2-year term)

In the year 2025, the CMA will celebrate its 75th anniversary. The Art and Learning Division seeks a collaborative Curatorial and Education/Engagement fellow to create programming and exhibitions that support this major milestone at the CMA. The fellow will serve an instrumental role in expanding access to art through collaborative exhibitions and programs; make significant works of art accessible to current and burgeoning audiences; develop innovative narratives that expand stories; and explore shared themes that speak both to our diverse identities and communities. The successful candidate will possess strong art historical knowledge in one or more of the museum’s collecting areas (American, European, Asian, and Modern & Contemporary); a commitment to inclusive programming for diverse audiences; and a vision for thoughtfully embracing new cultural trends and technologies in the service of sparking impactful conversations. The Curatorial and Education/Engagement fellow will work with colleagues to foster relations with the local, state-wide, and regional arts community; support, manage, and develop programs and exhibitions that are responsive and community-centered; and play a key role in the CMA’s work to expand audiences and support its 75th anniversary year.

Development Coordinator

The development coordinator is the glue of the development department, coordinating administrative functions, creating consistency through standard operating procedures, and providing foundational support to help our fundraising efforts soar. A great candidate for this role will thrive in routine and understand that details make the difference, thinking critically to help the development team put their best foot forward. You will have the chance to work with a team that can be high energy, likes to dream big, and is dedicated to welcoming people to arts and culture experiences. Our teammate will get excited about data, project management, and to-do lists, while learning and having fun in an arts environment. This role reports to the chief development officer.

Housekeeping Supervisor

[This position supports] the mission of the CMA in its goal of becoming the beloved art museum in the Southeast by ensuring that visitors have an excellent experience in a facility that is clean and welcoming. Performs and supervises staff and third-party services in accomplishing housekeeping responsibilities in all public spaces, other specified areas, and offices. Directs and coordinates the daily custodial operations and gives instructions for general cleaning and key special events.  Inspects the work of custodial staff and employees and provides appropriate feedback to improve the facility, cleaning standards, and general depth of knowledge on cleaning best practices.
Once again, please visit this link to read full position descriptions on the CMA website.

Jason Rapp

CMA posts grants officer position

Columbia Museum of Art announces a job opening for a grants officer.

Details: https://www.columbiamuseum.org/visit/about-cma/work-cma Salary range is commensurate with experience that demonstrates proven successes and results, between $49,383 -$74,075, plus benefits. Contact The Columbia Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity, accessibility, equity, and inclusion. Confidential inquiries, applications, and recommendations are welcome. Please email cover letter and resume to Mrs. Jeanna Dixon-McCray, at jdixon-mccray@columbiamuseum.org with “Grants Officer Position” in the subject line.

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Tuning Up: Senate confirms new NEA chair + Black music

Good morning! 

"Tuning Up" is a morning post series where The Hub delivers curated, quick-hit arts stories of interest to readers. Sometimes there will be one story, sometimes there will be several. Get in tune now, and have a masterpiece of a day. And now, in no particular order...
Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson to head NEA. On Saturday, the U.S. Senate confirmed President Joe Biden's nominee to chair the National Endowment for the Arts. Jackson is a 2013 appointee to the National Council on the Arts and is a tenured Institute Professor in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts (HIDA) at Arizona State University where she also holds an appointment in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. A full bio is here. S.C. art museums take up Black music:
  • In conjunction with its Romare Bearden: Abstraction exhibition, Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston is set to present Improvised: A Hip Hop Experience. "Many artists are influenced by the music of their time. In the case of the abstract expressionists of the mid 20th century that music was Jazz. Improvisational and expressive, it inspired Jackson Pollack and Romare Bearden alike. At the Gibbes, we see Hip Hop as an extension of that improvisational tradition and are excited to partner with on air personality Kris Kalyn to host Improvised: A Hip Hop Experience that will have local and emerging Hip Hop artists responding to works in Romare Bearden: Abstraction." Tickets are available now. $35. Student pricing available.
  • Later in the month, Columbia Museum of Art will launch of More Than Rhythm: A Black Music Series, hosted by ethnomusicologist Dr. Birgitta Johnson on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, during the closing weekend of the 30 Americans exhibition. The series premieres (two additional dates are scheduled) with a sampling of diverse sacred choral textures that exist in the Black sacred music tradition. "Black music represents one of the oldest and broadest rivers that pours into America’s sonic ocean. Whether it be in pop or rock, classical or hip-hop, the history that the music of Black Americans affirms is key to its enduring popularity and influence across lines of race, gender, age, class, and even language," per a release.
The Hub is pleased to see leading arts institutions offering inclusive programming that further validates why they are both recipients of the Governor's Award for the Arts.

Jason Rapp

CMA posts education + engagement job opening

The Columbia Museum of Art is seeking an education and engagement coordinator to facilitate and support the daily operational, administrative, and programmatic functions of the Education & Engagement Department.

According to the job description, the person in the role serves that department in three primary areas:
  1. support for and work developing education programs and interpretation projects,
  2. general departmental administrative functions, and
  3. assistance with assigned EE program(s).
Major job areas include:
  • 75% Coordinate logistical and technical aspects of CMA’s tours, trainings, and education programs and assist with development of educational and interpretive initiatives, in concert with the Curator of Education
  • 15% Manage general departmental administrative functions
  • 10% Provide support for assigned Education & Engagement program(s)
This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, non-exempt position. Occasional evening and weekend hours required. A bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is required. For the full job description and other information about the role, please visit this link. (Ed. note: A deadline to apply was not provided.) Please email cover letter and resume to Jeanna Dixon-McCray, at JDixon-McCray@columbiamuseum.org with “Education & Engagement Coordinator Position” in the subject line.

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Curator job posted by Columbia Museum of Art

The Columbia Museum of Art (CMA) is seeking a collaborative curatorial leader with a strong academic background, a vision for embracing new cultural trends and technologies, and who understands and embraces programming for diverse audiences.

The curator will work with CMA staff and leadership to help define and implement fresh presentations of our permanent collection, and create exhibitions and programming that inform, engage, and expand our audiences to promote the CMA as a leading fine arts museum. The curator will share management of the curatorial department including, but not limited to, oversight of staff roles and responsibilities, the museum’s annual exhibition program and collection research, writing, presentations, acquisitions, patron relations, and networking. Executive Director Della Watkins leads the museum's commitment to be welcoming, community-centered, vibrant, and inspiring. In addition to these values, the CMA staff and board eagerly embrace diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion to contribute to an open environment for the communities we serve. The person selected to fill this curatorial position will have demonstrated the capacity to promote these attributes.

Scope of Work

  • Collaboratively conceptualize and research an exhibition and collection strategy that supports the museum’s vision, mission, and core values for discussion with the executive director, director of art and learning, and presentation to the board of trustees
  • Encourage and facilitate a culture of collaboration by serving as a Lead Manager across programmatic and supporting departments to ensure effective communication, efficiencies, and accountability
  • Co-Lead the annual planning of the exhibition schedule, including those exhibitions initiated by the CMA, traveling exhibitions, artist installations, private collections, and loans
  • Initiate and manage relations with assigned institutions, collectors, and/or businesses in developing exhibition loan contracts, check lists, and schedules.
  • In concert with a curatorial team of six team members, oversee coordination of exhibition installation design, layout, graphics and shipping/handling.
  • Show commitment to the positive development of curatorial team through leadership, management, and supervisory duties, including but not limited to, annual performance appraisals and professional development.
  • Review exhibition proposals and ideas for artistic merit, mission fit, budget and scheduling factors.
  • Actively solicit, cultivate, and steward relations with colleagues, donors, members, lenders, staff and guests.
  • Champion the museum as a welcoming place by serving as a positive museum representative through participation with programs, development, and publicity marketing and networking activities.
  • Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with members of the broader arts community including artists, curators, educators, writers, journalists, collectors, and cultural institutions both nationally and internationally
  • Provide expertise and information for collections committee meetings, collections management policy and strategy, assigned grant applications, and general fundraising activities as requested.
  • In collaboration with Development staff, help identify potential donors, collectors, and sponsors for the collection and designated exhibitions.
  • Ensure proper dissemination of exhibition schedule, visual materials, content and text for exhibition promotion, and related information to CMA departments.
  • Responsible as assigned for coordination, development, and monitoring of the curatorial departmental annual budget.
  • Serve on curatorial and cross-departmental special project teams as assigned to foster collaboration and communication.

Requirements

  • MA in art history or related field, PhD preferred
  • 8+ years of increasingly applied curatorial experience
  • 5+ years of growth in management-level museum experience
  • Demonstrated excellence in conceiving and organizing successful exhibitions for new audiences
  • Demonstrated level of knowledge in the museum’s collecting areas including American, Asian, European and Contemporary art
  • Proven ability to foster and encourage innovation around new models for partnering (both internally and externally), and for exploring new creative relationships with artists central to the CMA mission
  • Demonstrated experience developing, communicating, and managing department projects, staff, budgets, and goals
  • Effectively navigate through the complexity of key issues, challenges, and opportunities to affect actions; guide staff to proactively build and align stakeholders, capabilities, and resources to achieve institutional objectives
  • Proactively model the importance of timely collegial interaction, personal accountability, maturity, professionalism, communication, and exchange across disciplinary boundaries
  • Demonstrated experience in donor cultivation and stewardship
  • Self-directed and motivated work with curatorial team to ensure care and conservation of works
  • Mastery of English language and the ability to plan and deliver oral and written communications that make an impact, persuade, and inform their intended audiences
  • Knowledge of research tools and methodologies
  • Monthly evening and weekend time and occasional travel
  • This position requires a criminal background check
  • A considerable amount of time sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs, and reaching
  • Experience handling objects and tools
  • The ability to lift up to 30 pounds

Contact

The Columbia Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity, accessibility, equity, and inclusion. Confidential inquiries, applications, and recommendations are welcome. Please email cover letter and resume to Mrs. Jeanna Dixon-McCray, at JDixon-McCray@columbiamuseum.org with “Curator” in the subject line. Salary range is commensurate with experience.

About the Museum

The CMA is the largest international art museum in the state of South Carolina, located a short distance to Charleston, SC, Greenville, SC and Charlotte, NC. Columbia is the state capital and the second largest city in the state. In the heart of South Carolina at the convergence of three rivers, the area is home to thriving colleges and universities, award-winning hospital systems, and diverse and charming neighborhoods to suit any lifestyle. Several business and retail districts with outdoor cafés, coffee shops, art galleries, and shops present year-round opportunities for entertainment, socializing, and enjoying the outdoors. The city includes historic architecture of a bygone era while high-tech start-ups and artist venues make up Columbia’s diverse downtown areas. Established in 1950, the CMA is exceptional in its impact, attracting both national and state recognition, and is distinguished by its innovative exhibitions and creative educational programs. The museum now welcomes more than 135,000 visitors annually—including more than 28,000 children—and acts as a catalyst for community creativity and serves as the cultural anchor of Columbia’s downtown district. In order to serve even more audiences, the CMA recently underwent a renovation of the 1998 facility, including new collection galleries with a progressive thematic layout, new studios for art-making and cutting-edge program and event spaces. The newly renovated Boyd Plaza adjacent to the CMA provides an attractive outdoor art and gathering space downtown. The CMA is committed to the concept of an inclusive and participatory 21st century museum, where art is meant to be experienced, not just seen. The CMA is a collecting institution and maintains a collection numbering approximately 7,000 works of art. The CMA’s collecting emphasis is on American, Asian, European, and Contemporary art. The collection includes artists as aesthetically and stylistically varied as Sandro Botticelli, Renee Cox, Charles and Ray Eames, Sam Gilliam, Robert Henri, Claude Monet, Tintoretto, Pat Steir, and Andy Warhol. The governing Collections Committee has an eye to the future and embraces accessions of remarkable artworks that foster ideas through visual conversations. The CMA encompasses 124,000 square feet of permanent and temporary exhibition galleries, studios, public spaces, and storage. The museum actively mounts approximately four special exhibitions per year, with a dynamic menu of related public and educational programs. The CMA operates with an approximately $4.5 million budget and a staff of 29 full-time and 27 part-time employees (including security and special event staff).

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‘The show can’t go on’

P&C  reviews hard times in the arts

Hub readers know the devastation felt in South Carolina's arts community because of the pandemic's economic effects.

Know, though, the story is reaching broader audiences. Today, the Greenville outpost of the Post & Courier published a story that paints a bleak picture throughout the state. From the story:

“You know the old adage, ‘The show must go on.’ Well, this is one of those times when the show can’t go on,” said Graham Shaffer, technical director at the Greenville Theatre. “We just have to sit here until we can.”

Some hoped for salvation via a federal coronavirus relief package that hasn’t materialized. Now, the South Carolina Arts Commission has asked the state General Assembly to approve $3.8 million in nonrecurring funds to prop up the ailing industry until it can recover. Originally, the arts commission asked for that amount to help venues make repairs to aging buildings.

Now it just hopes to keep the buildings open.

Read Nate Cary's full story here. Subscription possibly required.

Jason Rapp

Tuning Up: Update on relief funding awards to S.C. arts orgs

Good morning!  "Tuning Up" is a morning post series where The Hub delivers curated, quick-hit arts stories of interest to readers. Sometimes there will be one story, sometimes there will be several. Get in tune now, and have a masterpiece of a day. And now, in no particular order...

Columbia

The Columbia Museum of Art announces it has been selected as a recipient of a CARES Act economic stabilization grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The $150,000 award will support public programming associated with the upcoming major exhibition Visions from India: 21st-Century Art from the Pizzuti Collection. “I am pleased that the Columbia Museum of Art has received funding allocated through the CARES Act,” says Congressman James E. Clyburn. “The museum serves as a community center, art studio and entertainment venue. We must continue to support them as they strive to provide safe opportunities to participate in meaningful cultural experiences and connect with others.” From Oct. 17, 2020, through Jan. 10, 2021, the CMA will present Visions from India, a breathtaking sweep of 21st-century painting, sculpture, and multimedia works from India and its diaspora. The museum is eager to showcase this exhibition for diverse local and regional audiences and believes it will make an important impact on the community. The NEH is generously providing support for exhibition-related activities that require retaining humanities staff to maintain and adapt critical public programs.

Greenville

Local arts organizations have received another infusion of COVID-19 relief funds thanks to a $100,000 contribution from Hollingsworth Funds Inc. The funding, which is being distributed by the Metropolitan Arts Council, was awarded to the following groups: Artisphere, Centre Stage, Greenville Chorale, Greenville County Museum of Art, Greenville Symphony Orchestra, Greenville Theatre, Metropolitan Arts Council, Peace Center, South Carolina Children’s Theatre and Warehouse Theatre. Each of the 10 organizations will receive $10,000 within the next few days, said Alan Ethridge, executive director of the Metropolitan Arts Council.

Jason Rapp

Tuning Up: Anthology includes Boucher + art museums set reopening dates

Good morning!  "Tuning Up" is a morning post series where The Hub delivers curated, quick-hit arts stories of interest to readers. Sometimes there will be one story, sometimes there will be several. Get in tune now, and have a masterpiece of a day. And now, in no particular order...

  • Poet's Choice just announced that "A Perfect Night,” a poem by Clarence Carter Boucher, was selected for inclusion in the anthology A Childbirth Song or Poem. Boucher has been participating in SCAC programs since 1981. His residencies are often interdisciplinary, involving the visual arts, writing and music. Arts Access South Carolina, which provides arts experiences for people with disabilities, named him as a master teaching artist.
  • Two big names on the South Carolina art museum scene announced reopening plans in recent days. Visitors can peruse the collection at the Columbia Museum of Art starting June 16, and the Gibbes Museum of Art (Charleston) announced via email that it will welcome patrons starting June 1. Before going, make sure you're aware of safety precaution policies in place by checking each museum's website:

Jason Rapp

Hub E-vents: April 29

You want art. You crave art.

#SCartists and arts organizations want to fill that void. They live for that. It’s a calling. Yet in times of social distancing, that’s hard to do. Through the wonders of modern technology, many are trying and succeeding. So while we’re all staying home to protect vulnerable family, friends, and neighbors,  The Hub is stepping up to fill the void between artists and arts lovers. (Learn more about Hub E-vents here.)

Here are some events for today. (Or anytime.)

  • This is the juxtaposition of several things artistic, some of which don't get much attention on The Hub. (But The Hub thinks you'll follow along just fine.) This spring, Columbia Museum of Art was gearing up for It's Alive!, a unique printmaking (check) exhibition of horror and sci-fi movie (check) promo posters (another check, honestly) collected by Kirk Hammett, a founding member of the heavy-metal band (big check) Metallica (a long-time Hub favorite). Obviously you can't venture to the CMA for this, but you can get a grand tour by the guitar-shredding collector himself. Rock. On.
  • From museum at home to orchestra at home. Have a sonic experience at home, or even on a socially-distant walk, with the South Carolina Philharmonic. The Midlands' professional orchestra is sharing archival recordings of favorite past performances through the upcoming weeks. Clap between movements! Hum along without getting shushed! Wear pajamas! Heck, we'll say it again: Rock. Rach. On.
 

Jason Rapp

Events job opening at Columbia Museum of Art

Title: Special Events Assistant Reports to: Special Events Manager Purpose: To assist in managing and selling the museum’s facilities event rental program. (Ed. note: No application deadline was given.)
Responsibilities Primarily assists with event execution and planning: to include management of assigned events, client relations, and supervision of event staff. Handles administrative tasks including event inquiries, scheduling, contracts, and billing. Provides support for the Special Events Manager. Assists with sales to meet annual revenue goals for venue rentals and corporate memberships. Supervisory Duties

Supervise part-time event staff at specific events, as directed. Primary Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Administration (40% - 16 hours a week)

    • Assist Special Events Manager daily
    • Serve as one of two special event staff who are primary contacts for all event inquiries
    • As assigned, offer facility walkthroughs to potential clients
    • Work with Special Events Manager to plan every two-week work schedule
    • Communicate with clients throughout rental timeline in advance of deadlines for contracts, payments, walkthroughs, floorplans, and insurance documents; manage records on the shareddrive
    • Assist the Special Events Manager with admin and planning for internal events, including submitting check requests, purchase orders, and RFPs
    • Manage rental information forms, prepare for walkthroughs and meetings as necessary
    • Schedule event holds on the CMA master calendar, communicate with clients and update as 2-week hold comes to an end
    • Enter rentals and payments into group sales in database and update as necessary
    • Enter interactions and contacts into database in a timely manner

Events (40% - 16 hours a week)

    • Work a varying 40-hour week to cover day, night, and weekend events
    • Use quick problem solving to address client needs
    • Offer clients excellent customer service in all communications before, during, and after event
    • Manage specific events, including setup and breakdown, coordinate event timelines, and work with vendors and facilities/maintenance staff
    • Supervise part-time event staff and vendors as directed, at specific events or as part of an event managed by the special events manager
    • Work with the special events manager to train part-time event staff as needed
    • Manage inventory (including alcohol) before and after events, and monitor stock of event supplies
    • Record attendance numbers

Promoting, Selling, and Cultivating (20% - 8 hours a week)

    • Provide consistently excellent communication and customer service to clients
    • Attend internal and external meetings as deemed necessary or as assigned, and work as a team with other museum staff
    • Identify, research, and pitch new prospects for rentals and vendor or community partnerships, participate in cultivation and solicitation
    • Consider rental contacts, both inquiries and confirmed, for membership and donor cultivation
    • Meet goals for rental sales, sponsorships and corporate memberships each fiscal year
    • Attend community and networking events as necessary to build relationships and promote the museum
Job Type

This is a full-time, non-exempt position not to exceed 40 hours per week. Schedule varies, requiring flexibility, including an average of 2-4 evenings weekly and 2-3 weekends per month. Must be able to lift up to 50lbs, move furniture and equipment, reach, stand, and walk for extended hours.

Knowledge and Experience

Knowledge of facility operations, event planning, sales management, accounting, marketing, or administration helpful. Experience working as part of a team, strong verbal and written communication and customer service skills, and strong organization required.

Skills and Abilities

Be a positive, confident employee and an advocate for the museum. Interact with people from all backgrounds in a clear, courteous, and respectful way. Be a highly motivated team player who is enthusiastic and proactive, and who thrives in a very fast-paced environment. Should have a passion for the job and the museum, and be creative, innovative, agile, and vibrant. Possess a strong sense of urgency, priority, and follow-through. Maintain a consistently professional appearance. Work independently, anticipate needs, and manage multiple tasks and assignments simultaneously. Be able to work collegially with staff across departments to achieve common objectives. Discretion and sound judgment are required. Maintain the highest professional and ethical standards.

Applicants are asked to send your resume and cover letter to jdixon-mccray@columbiamuseum.org. (Ed. note: No application deadline was given.)

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