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

[Andreas Broeckmann]

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