Senior Curator/Curator in Modernism

About the position

The oeuvre of Edvard Munch serves as the basis of MUNCHs collections and exhibition programme. With Munch as a point of departure, modernism in a broad sense comprise one of three artistic pillars in the museum’s exhibition programme. The programme for mordern art puts the work of Munch into art historical contexts, but also opens onto broader perspectives on modernism independently of Edvard Munch. In addition to a vast collection of works by Munch, the museum also manages smaller collections of Norwegian and European modern art.

The ambitions for the exhibition programme at MUNCH are to create engagement with the audience through being innovative, diverse and challenging. The exhibitions must maintain a high artistic and curatorial level, and thus contribute to making the Museum distinctive on the international art scene and to making MUNCH one of Northern Europe’s most attractive art museums. With the focus on modernism, we will organize monographic exhibitions with significant artists from this period, as well as historical and thematic exhibitions that raise critical questions about the history of modern art and Munch’s place in this history. MUNCH’s exhibitions within this field of expertise should to a large extent be research-based.

MUNCH is looking for an experienced curator with expertise in Nordic and/or European modernism. In their curatorial and art historical practice, the candidate should have demonstrated curiosity, high professional integrity and the ability to develop new and original perspectives. The candidate should also have experience with research, academic publishing and other discursive practice, international collaboration, as well as a good ability to network. As a curator, you will be part of the museum’s curatorial team, and be a key figure in developing the programme of the museum as well as the execution of exhibitions.

What you will do

• Develop proposals for exhibitions and other art projects with a special focus on modernism
• Have curatorial responsibility for exhibitions and other art projects in the MUNCH’s exhibition programme, developed in close collaboration with the museum’s different professional teams
• Research and publications in exhibition catalogues and scholarly journals
• Contribute to museum’s mediation and communication to different media outlets and publics
• Co-responsible for the art historical management of the museum’s collection
• Keep up-to-date in their field and share knowledge and networks internally at the museum

Skills you bring

Required:

• Master level education in art history other relevant field
• Expertise in Nordic and/or European modernism
• Experience from an art museum or other art institution
• Curatorial experience, especially within modernism – portfolio should be included with the application
• A broad network in the art field locally, nationally and internationally

Desirable:

• Doctorate in art history or other relevant field
• Experience with art historical research and publication Good communication skills in both Norwegian and English (if not fluent in Norwegian, it must be agreed to learn Norwegian within two years)

Qualities you bring

• Independence and initiative
• Care and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
• Desire for professional development
• Good collaborative skills
• A structured, systematic approach and ability to deliver
• Positive contributions to the working environment
• Personal suitability will be essential in the determining candidates for the position

What the Museum can offer

• An exciting role in a dynamic institution
• A varied and engaging team of colleagues
• Pension and other benefits as an employee of The City of Oslo
• Flexible working hours
• Personal and professional development

MUNCH wants to represent a cross-section of the population, and all qualified people are encouraged to apply, regardless of cultural background, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age or functional ability. MUNCH is covered by the Public Disclosure Act’s provisions on the right to access applicant lists. The applicant must justify any wish for an exception. If exceptions are not accepted, the applicant will be notified and possibly given the opportunity to withdraw their application.

Before employment, a police certificate must be presented and a background check carried out.

The requirements and levels of expected experience are different for each position, so please see the website for further information and how to apply.

MUNCH is among Northern Europe’s most visited museums. The museum houses the largest collection of the world-renowned Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. With over 28,000 works in the collection, including 1,200 paintings, 18,000 prints and 7,000 drawings, MUNCH provides a comprehensive and fascinating insight into Edvard Munch’s life and artistic legacy. MUNCH is also a museum for modern and contemporary art and an arena for concerts and unique experiences – as well as an exciting program for children and young people. We currently have over 200 employees.

Photo: Einar Aslaksen © Munchmuseet