The Harvard Art Museums seek a leader in the field of Japanese art history for the position of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Associate Curator of Asian Art. As a member of the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art, the Rockefeller Associate Curator will steward a growing collection of c. 9,000 paintings, prints, and three-dimensional works. The incoming Rockefeller Associate Curator will contribute to the overall institutional vision for the Harvard Art Museums, promoting a more equitable and inclusive cultural space. The Associate Curator will bring fresh perspectives into the museums' presentation of Japanese art, expanding existing narratives and frameworks of inquiry through their scholarship, exhibitions, and engagement with colleagues across the art museums, the university campus, in Japan, and internationally.
This is a five-year term position. Please see the Additional Information below.
Position Description
Responsible for the care, documentation, research, presentation, publication, and strengthening of the museums' holdings of Japanese art. Expected to be an intellectual authority on, and to assume the full range of curatorial responsibility for, the collection of Japanese art, which spans from the neolithic to the present, and to advise on related matters at the university when needed. Crafts an ambitious exhibition, research, and publication program for Japanese art and works closely with students and faculty to foster a significant and sustained curricular use of the collection for both undergraduate and graduate teaching. Works within a team environment and promotes dialogue, engagement, and collaboration with colleagues within the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art and with other curatorial areas that have overlapping or related collection holdings and expertise. Recommends purchases, works closely with collectors and museum supporters, solicits gifts for the collection, and assumes an active role in soliciting funds for museum purposes, including acquisitions, exhibitions, conservation projects, and publications, from individuals, foundations, federal agencies and other sources.
The Collection
The Harvard Art Museums' collection of Japanese art comprises about 9,000 objects, including c. 5,000 prints. The collection has notable strengths in medieval and early modern narrative arts (including the oldest complete illustrated cycle of Genji paintings), Edo period paintings (the promised gift of the Feinberg Collection), and woodblock prints. It also includes important examples of Kamakura period Buddhist art. Recent acquisitions have focused on Nihonga painting and contemporary transglobal arts in a variety of media, as well as prints by modern Japanese women artists.
Basic Qualifications
Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:
Ph.D. in art history, East Asian Studies, or a related field, with scholarly expertise in the history of Japanese art up to present times, and a strong understanding of its media and techniques; minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible curatorial, teaching, and/or field-related experience.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Demonstrated record of scholarship and achievement in the field of Japanese art history; experience in an academic museum and/or a demonstrated commitment to fostering appreciation and understanding of Japanese art through teaching is a plus; demonstrated work to support and implement institutional EDIB goals a plus; successful experience working with donors, collectors, and museum patrons a plus; excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, as well as fiscal management skills and experience.
Additional Information
Application reviews will begin on January 15, 2025. However, applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Please submit a cover letter, CV, and list of three referees. Additional materials may be requested later.
Harvard University requires pre-employment screening.
The Harvard Art Museums employs associate curators and full curators. The associate-level position-requiring the minimum qualifications as noted above-is a 5-year term position with the possibility of a one- or two-year extension and/or promotion to full curator after demonstration of progression and accomplishment. A full curator position is a regular position with no term. It requires a minimum of eight years of relevant experience. We welcome all interested candidates.
The Harvard Art Museums value staff diversity and are committed to building a culturally diverse community. We encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.
This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
About Us
The Harvard Art Museums
Ever since their founding, the Harvard Art Museums-the Fogg Museum, Busch-Reisinger Museum and Arthur M. Sackler Museum-have been dedicated to advancing and supporting learning at Harvard University, in the local community, and around the world. Displayed in galleries that mix not only media but schools of art, the collections at Harvard are celebrated and interrogated within a larger story of artistic expression and historical and contemporary issues. The diverse collection is among the largest in the United States. Through research, teaching, professional training, and public education, the museums strive to advance the understanding and appreciation of art.
Schedule: Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week.
Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
