Curator

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

SUMMARY

Reporting to the AVP of Art Experience, the Curator is responsible for acquiring, curating, and managing MD Anderson’s contemporary art collection to enhance the hospital environment and support the institution’s mission of promoting healing and well-being. This role involves close collaboration with architects, designers, planners, hospital leadership, and staff to thoughtfully integrate art into the design of new and existing medical spaces.

The Curator oversees the display, care, and preservation of the collection, researches art and artists for new acquisitions, and manages commissioned works—including coordination with artists, galleries, fabricators, architects, engineers, and Facilities. The position also involves curating rotating exhibitions and public art programming, while considering the emotional and psychological impact of art on patients, families, and staff. Strong project management skills are essential, particularly for capital construction and renovation projects that include dedicated art budgets.

The ideal candidate will have experience organizing and coordinating art exhibitions, as well as designing graphics and presentations using Photoshop. 

This position may require working the occasional weekend or evenings to attend or coordinate events, including traveling to various events or conferences as needed. 

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Responsible for artist and artworks research; project management for capital construction and renovations projects in facilities with an associated art budget; art acquisitions with the AVP; project manages commissions, including liaising with artists, galleries, fabricators, architects, engineers, and facilities; manages art budgets associated with construction or renovation projects; reviews art donations; assists with committee meetings; writes labels and educational content and programming; responsible for giving tours; curates temporary and permanent installations. Works with AVP to establish community partnerships. Supervises interns.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Acquiring and Managing the Collection:
• Researching and identifying potential artworks for the collection. 
• Assists AVP with negotiating and purchasing artworks

Curating and Displaying the Collection:

• Planning and organizing the display of artworks in hospital spaces. 
• Developing exhibition concepts and thematic presentations. 
• Collaborating with artists, galleries, fabricators, architects, engineers, Facilities, and interior designers to integrate art into the overall hospital design and environment, ensuring that the art complements and enhances the medical setting. 
• Creating interpretive materials, such as labels and informational panels. 
• Creating programming for internal and external audiences, including patients, visitors, employees, and the community

Budget Management:

• Developing and managing budgets for art acquisitions, exhibitions, and other curatorial activities. 

Preservation and Conservation:

• Working with conservators to address any conservation issues, framing or reframing

Engagement and Communication:

• Writing artist labels, curatorial statements, and educational information about artists and the collection
• Developing content for an app and other publications
• Communicating with employees about the art collection, potentially through tours, publications, or social media. 
• Developing relationships with artists, galleries, and other cultural institutions. 
• Raising awareness of the art collection within the hospital and externally. 
• Connecting with the local and national art community, fostering collaborations, and potentially engaging with community outreach programs.

Research

• Collaborating with market research to conduct research on the effects of the contemporary collection on patient outcomes

Support with Committee Meetings

• Assists AVP with planning, preparing and presenting to various art advisory committees

Performs ad-hoc tasks requested by AVP for business continuity purposes

Other duties as assigned