The Curator and Exhibition Manager is responsible for managing multiple projects within the Exhibitions Department, a key area of Art League Houston’s mission. This position oversees all aspects of the exhibition process, including installation, exhibition management, curatorial organization, and administrative operations, with the goal of implementing exhibitions and installations that fulfill the organization’s mission. Additionally, this position oversees external partnerships for exhibitions.
The Curator and Exhibition Manager works closely with the Executive Director and other department managers. The duties of this position are fast-paced and complex, and the ideal candidate must have significant installation and exhibition management experience, be highly organized, have excellent communication skills, and be professional, proactive, and an outstanding problem solver.
An essential function of this role is to facilitate the exhibition planning and implementation process while ensuring numerous day-to-day details are handled well, often managing multiple installations, exhibitions, and projects simultaneously. Key areas of coordination include creating and maintaining project schedules, managing budgets, processing invoices, and ensuring clear interdepartmental communication.
This position works four days a week, with occasional evening and weekend hours for installations, receptions, artist talks, and other events.
Primary Duties
Exhibition & Curatorial Management
Manage all exhibition and special project logistics, including installation coordination, artwork handling, and artist travel and accommodations
Organize and curate the annual Texas Artist of the Year and biannual Lifetime Achievement Award in the Visual Arts exhibitions
Collaborate with other departments to organize to organize exhibitions that support ALH's outreach and education activities, such as the student, instructor, and Healing Arts program exhibitions
Create and maintain exhibition production schedules and annual schedules
Manage and monitor budgets and forecasts
Generate artist contracts and loan agreements and track correspondence
Coordinate artwork shipping and transportation
Organize opening receptions, artist talks, and other programs developed with artists in support of their exhibitions
Build and maintain relationships with artists, institutions, and cultural partners across Texas to support collaborations and exhibitions
Installation
Manage exhibition installation and de-installation, including hands-on work in the galleries
Schedule and lead art handlers and installation teams
Facilitate gallery maintenance including wall repair, painting, and lighting
Order artist materials and installation supplies as needed
Coordinate artwork transportation and logistics for incoming and outgoing works
Unpack, condition report as needed, and pack artwork for shipment or pickup
Manage gallery lighting and inventory
Fundraising
Assist the Executive Director with grant research, writing, and reporting
Engage with donors, board members, and external partners in support of exhibitions and program
Design & Communication
Oversee design and production of exhibition materials such as postcards, banners, and vinyl
Collaborate with staff to develop marketing materials and social media content related to exhibitions and programs
Coordinate catalogue production for award exhibitions such as the Texas Artist of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement in the Visual Arts
Coordinate final stages of Texas Artist Today Volume II catalog production
Work with Communications staff to support exhibition marketing efforts
Public Programming & Engagement
Organize and lead public programming, including gallery talks, panel discussions, workshops, and educational events in collaboration with other departments
Oversee Young Professionals programming and Coffee with a Curator events, and develop new audience engagement initiatives
Coordinate and lead exhibition tours for partners, donors, and community groups
Additional Duties
Manage logistics for the annual Gala Silent Art Auction and Preview Event
Assist with fundraising events, including the MARTY Healing Art program fundraiser and annual Gala
Manage and serve as liaison to the Artist Advisory Board
Oversee the open call for exhibition proposals and selection process
Represent the organization on panels, juries, and at public events
Oversee ALH retail items and publications, including inventory and sales of branded materials
Manage ALH’s participation in art fairs and book fairs
Provide expertise and collaboration on internal and external initiatives across departments and with partner organizations
Requirements
Experience & Skills
Minimum B.A. or B.F.A. degree in studio art, art history or related field (M.A. preferred)
Minimum 4 years’ experience working in exhibition planning and production at an artist-centered organization, art gallery, museum, or other cultural organization
Ability to work onsite 4 days per week (and occasional nights and weekends for exhibition installations, openings, talks, fundraisers, etc.)
Excellent organization, writing, and time management skills
Strong attention to detail
Art installation/handling experience preferred
Must be familiar with basic tools, be able to lift objects of 50 lbs, and climb ladders
Passionate interest in contemporary art exhibition management and the role of art in the community
