August Wilson: The Writer’s Landscape: The first-ever exhibition dedicated to the life and works of August Wilson is now open! Learn More

Exhibition Manager

The August Wilson African American Cultural Center is located at the gateway of the Cultural District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Center, named for Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, and Pittsburgh native, August Wilson, showcases nationally and internationally renowned performing and visual artists, as well as supports and nurtures the burgeoning local arts community. This programming connects the entire community to the rich, substantive artistic content that reflects the African Diaspora.

The August Wilson African American Cultural Center offers multiple exhibition galleries, a 492-seat theater for performances in all genres, multipurpose spaces for classes, lectures and hands-on learning, community programs and events. The Center is housed in an iconic building designed by award winning architect, Alison Williams. Offering the community, a distinctive mix of cultural spaces as well as a rehearsal studio, sweeping walkways and ample community gathering and meeting spaces, this bold facility serves as a true “center,” a place of coming together where all manner of art, artistic expression and community conversation are welcomed and encouraged.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The AWAACC seeks a full-time visual arts and gallery management professional to manage the public programs for visual arts projects, and to manage the commission/opening, and ongoing management of the first and one of its kind, permanent exhibit honoring the life and work Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, August Wilson. The Exhibition Manager will develop materials to support all visual arts exhibits, lead gallery tours, develop scripts and train docents, gallery attendants, and volunteers to support The Writer’s Landscape exhibit as well as other visual arts endeavors presented by the AWAACC. The development and management of the internal and external visual arts footprint will be managed along with curators for the visual arts. The candidate should have a knowledge of African American and African diasporic art, exhibition design and ability to work with curators and artists.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Manage and coordinate all aspects of The Writer’s Landscape permanent exhibit as the primary contact with artist(s)/gallery(s)/fabricator(s), public
  • Work closely with the design team, ensure installation timing and requirements are met; arrange any shipping; serve as primary contact with the facilities and art installers; communicate with exhibit designers and architects to facilitate production and adhere to deadlines
  • Manage the acquisition of artifacts for permanent exhibition and assist with registration of art donations to collection
  • Plan public opening event for The Writer’s Landscape with programming staff
  • Lead donor tours of special exhibitions and The Writer’s Landscape and other gallery installations in coordination with Development DepartmentAid with institutional editing and proofreading for all gallery exhibitions in coordination with Marketing Department
  • Plan and implement quarterly Art After Dark and gallery opening receptionsUnder the supervision of the President/Artistic Director, research and propose artists and projects, support curator(s)in creation of presentations for the AWAACC and specifically The Writer’s Landscape
  • Responsible for the interpretation of The Writer’s Landscape and other installations for variety of audiences
  • Produce or oversee creation of extended texts and didactics relating to public art projects
  • Develop public programs to support The Writer’s Landscape and all visual arts programs
  • Develop, promote, and lead public tours, school field trips (in coordination with Education/Community Department) of the various exhibits
  • Work with Marketing/PR to develop virtual gallery tours for website
  • Create social median coordination with Social Media Coordinator to support visual arts programs
  • Liaise with artists to coordinate artist talks, workshops in coordination with Education/Community Engagement Department

CORE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Academic knowledge of African American and African art and history
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and to meet deadlines
  • Knowledge of contemporary art and museum practices isa must
  • Be abreast of current curatorial and exhibition management practices and active participation in professional development communities within this arena
  • Ability to foster and maintain collegial, professional interactions between artists, arts educators, curators, and designers
  • Ability to work on multiple projects in a fast-paced work environment
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor’s degree (MA preferred) in museum studies, art history, curatorial studies, or arts administration
  • 5+ years of arts-related project management experience
  • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Experience with Adobe Suite, with specific knowledge of Photoshop
August Wilson African America Cultural Center is an equal opportunity employer and actively works to ensure fair treatment of our employees and constituents across culture, socioeconomic status, race, marital or family situation, gender, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, physical ability, veteran status, or sexual orientation.