Role purpose: The Art Mill Museum approaches design as a multidisciplinary field, encompassing fashion, crafts, industrial, graphic, architectural, and social design, with a strong focus on its intersection with public life, sustainability, and material culture. The Curator of Design will shape the Art Mill Museum’s approach to design in conjunction with the Curator for Architecture, Design and Gardens.
Roles & Responsibilies:
Collection Development, Research, Exhibitions
• Participates in original research and exhibition projects and generate high-quality curatorial content, including catalogues, essays, and exhibition texts.
• Propose acquisitions that strengthen the design collection and contribute to AMM’s long-term development.
• Participates in the preparation of the museography program, the acquisition proposals, the pedagogical project, artistic commissions and produce texts for these projects, as well as for any other communication as required by AMM.
• Research, document, and oversee the care and development of the design collection, including archives.
• Develop strategies for conservation, digitization, and accessibility in collaboration with conservation and collection management teams.
• Maintain and update the collection database for museography and institutional use.
• Write scholarly essays for exhibition catalogues and other internal/external publications.
• Liaise with several internal and external parties to identify unique acquisition opportunities and prioritize these in relation to AMM’s overall strategy and exhibitions schedule.
• Negotiate acquisition contracts and scope of work for agreements along with the collection management team.
Public Engagement & Outreach
• Contribute to public programs and educational initiatives, including lectures, panels, and workshops.
• Support initiatives that engage diverse audiences, including universities, community partners and schools, through thoughtfully curated content and contextual resources.
Institutional Collaboration
• Collaborate with internal departments (education, conservation, public programs) and external partners (artists, designers, lenders) to realize exhibitions and events.
• Collaborate with Design Doha (QM’s Design Biennale) for potential acquisitions and for several design aspects in preparation for the future AMM museum.
• Represent AMM at international conferences and build networks with museums and professionals worldwide.
• MA in Design History, Art History, Museum or Curatorial Studies.
• At least 10 - 12 years of experience as curator of design.
• Strong understanding of design history and contemporary design practices.
• Proven experience in exhibition development, as well as acquisitions and collections management strategies.
• Excellent research, writing, and editorial skills in English (knowledge of other languages is an asset).
• Experience using EMu or similar CMS preferred.
• Proficiency in computer skills and Microsoft Office.
• Proof of independent research, publications and articles with respected journals and institutions.
• Creative and critical thinker with a passion for storytelling through design.
• Previous experience of working in the region and knowledge of the architectural and design projects of the region are an asset.