Description

Job Summary
The Curator will serve as a scholar and subject matter expert in South Asian and Himalayan art, with particular emphasis on Tibetan art and Indian court painting from the Sultanate through the colonial periods. This role is responsible for researching, caring for, interpreting, exhibiting, and expanding the collection, while contributing to scholarship, publications, and public engagement initiatives.

Working collaboratively with fellow curators, conservators, collections management, and other institutional teams, the Curator will develop thematic installations, propose special exhibitions, oversee acquisitions, and strengthen relationships with scholars, collectors, and donors. The position requires strong academic credentials, connoisseurship, and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences.

 
Primary Responsibilities & Duties
Organize regular rotations and installations in collaboration with curatorial colleagues
Research, catalogue, and publish works from the Indian subcontinent, with a focus on Indian painting and Tibetan art
Review and update object records in the collections database, including provenance research in partnership with specialists
Collaborate with conservation professionals to ensure proper care, documentation, and preservation of artworks
Propose and organize special exhibitions and related publications
Facilitate cross-cultural and thematic displays in coordination with other curatorial areas
Recommend acquisitions through purchase or gift, including conducting provenance research and working with dealers and collectors
Review outgoing loan requests and advise leadership and registrars
Contribute to public programs including lectures, tours, docent training, and mentorship of interns and fellows
Cultivate and steward donors and collectors to support acquisitions and fundraising efforts
Participate in advisory board and donor engagement events
Respond to scholarly inquiries and assist visiting researchers and the public
Build and maintain professional relationships with scholars, dealers, collectors, and institutional peers domestically and internationally
Communicate effectively in written and spoken formats for academic, professional, and public audiences
Work independently and collaboratively across departments including administration, collections, conservation, education, publications, advancement, and digital teams
Attend institutional events and conduct collection visits as required
Perform additional related duties as assigned
 
 
 

Requirements

Requirements & Qualifications
Ph.D. degree or doctoral coursework in South Asian Art History
Minimum five (5) years of curatorial or academic experience focused on South Asian pre-modern art history
Demonstrated scholarly achievement through original research, publications, and public presentations
Strong connoisseurship and deep knowledge of Tibetan art and Indian painting traditions
Ability to conduct primary-source research in Sanskrit and Hindi; proficiency in Tibetan preferred
Working knowledge of at least one Indian and one European language preferred
Experience cultivating donors and collectors and advocating for acquisitions
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
Ability to collaborate effectively across teams while maintaining institutional integrity and independence
Demonstrated strength in quality of work, collaboration, communication, and adaptability