[artinfo] JOB: EMPAC Curator for Time-Based Visual Arts

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EMPAC seeking Full-Time Curator for Time-Based Visual Arts

http://empac.rpi.edu/

EMPAC
curtis r. priem experimental media
and performing arts center
rensselaer polytechnic institute
troy, ny 12180
empac.rpi.edu
518.276.3921

The Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC)
at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has an opening in the curatorial team
for a curator with expertise in the area of time-based visual arts.

EMPAC goes beyond a traditional university performing arts center in that
its events, performances and projects are only a part of its program, with
residencies, commissions, and productions taking up most of the resources.
Furthermore, the artistic program set forth by the curatorial team is
focused on contemporary art, performance, and their intersections.

The curatorial team at EMPAC comprises four positions with curators for
music, dance and theater, an assistant curator, and the open position for
time-based visual arts. Curators have an in-depth expertise in their
“native area”, at the same time the collaboration within the team makes the
traditional boundaries permeable and allows for development of
interdisciplinary projects as is the nature of “time-based arts,”
especially when technology comes into play.
We are looking for a curator with experience at the intersection of
contemporary art and contemporary technology; who can reflect on the
relationship of tools, aesthetics, and artistic goals; who enjoys
exploration and collaboration; who sees an audience as essential to the
arts; who seeks the challenge to contribute to a contemporary art program
at the oldest engineering school in the US; and who is driven by what the
arts can offer beyond streamlined entertainment.
EMPAC has been established as a bridge between the world of digital
technology and the world of human experience. The building, infrastructure
and program create a unique position at the intersection of art, science
and technology. EMPAC brings together a strong foundation in the time-based
arts with science and engineering under one roof, forming the overall
mission. EMPAC is built on the belief that arts, science and engineering
have different goals, motives and methodologies, but that bringing them
together can create new directions and perspectives, changing and
benefitting everyone involved.
EMPAC is not an academic facility with classrooms and faculty but is a
research and production center offering and supporting bridges between the
arts and scientific research. All work is project based, including
residencies in the arts, science and engineering, commissions,
performances, symposia, workshops, conferences, and festivals, among others.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The curator develops, implements and manages specific programs for events,
performances, installations, and conferences as well as their related
and/or independent commissions and residencies as a member of the
curatorial team and in collaboration with the director, production teams
(stage, audio, video, IT) and the future director for research.
The curator will curate, produce, supervise, and manage projects from
inception to completion, guiding projects from idea to collaborative
realization with a staff of forty.
The curatorial process at EMPAC covers all areas of event production:
analyzing context and coupling it to artistic work, negotiating contracts,
budgeting, ensuring top level technical realization, developing PR
strategies, etc.
The curator will monitor regional, national, and international developments
under artistic and intellectual perspectives and establish and maintain
contacts with artists, festivals, and institutions on regional, national,
and international levels. The

POSITION OPENING: Full-Time Curator for Time-Based Visual Arts
curator is also tasked with the development of programming strategies that
engage the campus community of Rensselaer, and the region.

QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must possess curatorial and production experience on the
national level, with international experience preferred. Qualified
candidates will have a solid background in the time-based visual arts and
ability to contextualize a project within art history. Candidate must have
experience in project management of commissions and new productions,
effective communication skills, and the capacity to manage multiple
simultaneous projects. A bachelor’s degree is necessary, with a master’s
degree preferred.
Active artists seeking to continue their artistic work while being curator
are requested to rethink their possible application.
Full-time relocation to Troy, NY is required.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
Open May 28, 2012 until filled. Informal inquiries are welcome by email to
Johannes Goebel (goebej at rpi.edu), director of EMPAC with cc: gardnk at rpi.edu.

To be considered an applicant, interested parties who meet qualifications
must visit rpijobs.rpi.edu, job number 20120195, and follow the on-line
application instructions. Please be prepared to attach a current resume or
CV and a cover letter to the on-line application.

We welcome candidates who will bring diverse intellectual, geographical,
gender and ethnic perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity
Employer.
EMPAC.RPI.EDU