Curators play a pivotal role in preserving, developing, and sharing art collections with the public. The Curator of The Tobin Collections of Theatre Arts at the McNay Art Museum is no exception. This position is key in maintaining one of the most unique and valuable theatre arts collections in the world, making it accessible to a broad audience through exhibitions, publications, and educational programs. If you are passionate about theatre arts, museum studies, and curatorial work, this could be your ideal opportunity.
Position Overview
The Curator of The Tobin Collections of Theatre Arts is responsible for overseeing the development, conservation, and exhibition of the museum’s extensive theatre arts collection. This includes managing works of theatre from the past 500 years, from Renaissance Italy to modern-day Broadway. The role involves working closely with curatorial teams, the museum’s director, and education staff to ensure the collection is properly displayed, preserved, and shared with the public.
Essential Job Functions
- Collection Development and Management
The curator is responsible for expanding the theatre arts collection through acquisitions such as gifts, purchases, and bequests. This task includes presenting proposals to the Director for approval by the Art Committee. Additionally, the curator ensures that all items in the collection are documented, properly stored, and preserved according to best museum practices. - Exhibition Planning and Coordination
The curator works with other curatorial staff to plan and implement theatre arts exhibitions. This includes preparing the collection for display, coordinating exhibition schedules, and organizing traveling exhibitions. They are responsible for ensuring each exhibit aligns with the museum’s goals and provides an enriching experience for visitors. - Conservation and Maintenance Activities
Working with the Collections Manager, the curator plans conservation activities for the theatre arts collection. This includes identifying necessary conservation treatments, conducting preventative maintenance, and coordinating repairs to protect the longevity of the collection. - Publications and Educational Programs
The curator plays an essential role in the creation of publications related to the collection and exhibitions. They may write articles, exhibition catalogues, or contribute to educational resources that promote the collection’s significance. Additionally, the curator engages with visitors through lectures, tours, and gallery talks, ensuring the public gains a deeper understanding of the theatre arts collection. - Collaboration with Other Teams and Departments
The curator is a key member of the McNay’s curatorial team, working closely with the Collections Manager, the Head of Curatorial Affairs, and education staff. The curator also coordinates with the museum’s finance department to manage budgets related to exhibitions, conservation efforts, and educational programming.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Required Museum Curatorial Experience
A minimum of five years of experience working in a museum or curatorial role, particularly within theatre arts, is essential. A strong background in museum practices, including acquisitions, conservation, and exhibition curation, is necessary to succeed in this role. - Essential Skills and Attributes
Excellent writing, speaking, and presentation skills are crucial. The curator must be able to communicate effectively with internal teams, donors, and the public. In addition, the ability to manage a variety of tasks simultaneously, maintain attention to detail, and collaborate across departments is key. - Educational Background
A Master’s degree in art history, museum studies, theatre history, performance studies, drama, or a related field is required. This advanced education provides the theoretical knowledge needed to curate and manage an art collection effectively.
Role Specific Responsibilities
The curator’s day-to-day responsibilities revolve around managing the Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts, ensuring it is well-preserved and presented to the public. This includes overseeing the exhibition of rare works of theatre art, developing educational programs that engage audiences, and ensuring the ongoing preservation of valuable artefacts. The curator’s leadership extends to the coordination of efforts with the McNay’s educational teams, helping to plan educational programs that complement exhibitions.
About the McNay Art Museum
The McNay Art Museum, founded in 1954 in San Antonio, Texas, is renowned for its diverse collection of modern and contemporary art. The museum boasts an impressive collection of works by renowned artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Jackson Pollock. In addition to its visual art collection, the McNay is home to the Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts, a unique repository of theatrical works spanning 500 years. The museum’s mission is to provide transformative art experiences and make art accessible to all.
The Importance of the Curator Role
As the curator of the Tobin Collection, this role is vital in ensuring that the collection is presented in a way that preserves its historical significance while making it accessible to future generations. Through thoughtful exhibition planning and educational outreach, the curator ensures that the legacy of theatre arts is not only preserved but also appreciated and celebrated by museum visitors.
Working with the Director and Art Committee
A crucial aspect of this role is working with the museum’s Director and the Art Committee. The curator prepares proposals for new acquisitions and donations, presenting them to these decision-makers for approval. By working closely with these groups, the curator helps steer the direction of the collection, ensuring it remains relevant and impactful.
Exhibition Planning and Educational Outreach
The curator’s role extends beyond conservation; they are responsible for developing and implementing exhibitions that highlight the significance of the theatre arts collection. This includes curating themed exhibitions, coordinating traveling exhibits, and designing engaging public tours. The curator also helps develop educational programs that enrich the public’s experience, offering insights into the creative process behind the works displayed.
Operational and Financial Responsibilities
Another important facet of the curator’s role is financial management. The curator works closely with the Head of Curatorial Affairs and the Head of Finance to prepare and manage the operating budget for the theatre arts collection. They are also responsible for overseeing exhibition accounts charged to the Tobin Theatre Arts Fund and ensuring that funding and sponsorship opportunities are identified and developed in collaboration with the Director and development staff.
The Tobin Theatre Arts Fund
The curator is responsible for managing the Tobin Theatre Arts Fund, which provides financial support for conservation, exhibitions, and other activities. This role involves coordinating fund expenditures, developing sponsorship opportunities, and ensuring that the Fund remains a sustainable resource for the museum’s theatre arts initiatives.
Career Growth Opportunities
Working as the curator for the Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts offers significant career growth opportunities. The position provides access to a range of professional development resources, including collaborations with renowned artists, researchers, and curators. As a key member of the McNay team, the curator is also positioned for future leadership roles within the museum.
Conclusion
The role of Curator of The Tobin Collections of Theatre Arts at the McNay Art Museum is a unique and exciting opportunity for those passionate about preserving theatre history and sharing it with the world. The curator will play an integral role in developing, preserving, and sharing the collection with diverse audiences through exhibitions, publications, and educational programs. If you are ready to make a lasting impact on the arts community, this role may be the perfect fit for you.
FAQs
- What qualifications are necessary for the curator position at the McNay?
A Master’s degree in a related field, along with at least five years of curatorial experience, is required. - How does the curator role contribute to the McNay’s mission?
The curator helps preserve and present a significant theatre arts collection, enhancing the museum’s role in education and public engagement. - What type of work experience is needed to be successful in this role?
A background in museum curation, collection management, and exhibition planning is essential. - What is the role of the Tobin Theatre Arts Fund Assistant Curator?
The assistant curator helps manage the collection, supports exhibition planning, and assists with educational programming. - What are the professional development opportunities for the curator?
The position offers opportunities to collaborate with leading experts and advance within the museum’s curatorial team.