Curator in Contemporary Art

Photo: Einar Aslaksen © Munchmuseet

About the role
Contemporary art is one of the three pillars of the exhibitions programme at MUNCH, with Edvard Munch’s oeuvre and modernism in a broad sense as the other two. Presenting work by living artists contributes to making the museum relevant for more people. Our contemporary art programme is interdisciplinary, innovative and diverse. We show a range of different artistic practices and approaches, and facilitate the sustainable production of new works of art of high quality.

The contemporary art programme at MUNCH consists of solo exhibitions by emerging and established artists, thematic group exhibitions with international and Norway-based artists, commissions for our performance programme, art experiences for and by children, off-site collaborations, and discursive events.    

We are now looking to strengthen our team with a curator, who will bring their ability to build networks, professional integrity and curiosity to our contemporary art programme.  

What you will do

  • Develop proposals for exhibitions and other contemporary art projects
  • Have curatorial responsibility for exhibitions and other art projects in the MUNCH’s contemporary art programme, developed in close collaboration with the museum’s different professional teams
  • Maintain and develop a high level of specialist expertise within the contemporary art field, and share knowledge and networks with colleagues at the museum
  • Contribute to museum’s mediation and communication of contemporary art to different media outlets and publics
  • Support the Senior Curator/Head of Contemporary Art in the development of the museum’s artistic profile
     

Skills you bring
Required:

  • Higher education within the fields of art- and culture (relevant practical experience may compensate for formal qualifications)
  • Curatorial experience within contemporary art

Desirable:

  • A degree in curatorial practice or equivalent
  • A broad network in contemporary art fields locally (Oslo), nationally (Norway) and internationally
  • Discursive experience (e.g. publications, public speaking, mediation)
  • Experience of working in an art or cultural institution
  • Experience of commissioning new works from artists
  • Experience of new media, digital productions and performance
  • Excellent communication skills in English and Norwegian (non-Norwegian speakers are expected to be fluent 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 we 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 aims to represent all sections of society, and anyone who meets the requirements of the position is encouraged to apply, regardless of racial or cultural background, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age or functional ability. MUNCH is required to provide public access to the list of applicants under the Freedom of Information Act. Applicants may request to have their name withdrawn from the public document. Should such a request not be granted, applicants will be provided with the opportunity to withdraw their application.

Before taking up the role, successful applicants must submit a Norwegian Police Certificate of Conduct, and consent to a background check being carried out.

Apply here. 

MUNCH is among Northern Europe's most visited museums, and 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 a venue for concerts and range of different events and experiences – as well as an exciting program for children and young people. MUNCH currently has over 200 employees.