Curator

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Aga Khan Museum, Curatorial Department / Collections and Public Programs Division

The Aga Khan Museum connects cultures and communities through the arts. The Museum’s mission is to spark wonder, curiosity, and understanding of Muslim cultures and their connection with other cultures.

The Toronto-based Museum promotes pluralism through art, storytelling, and enlightened encounters, across cultures. Using traditional and contemporary art as well as performing arts as a force for positive change, the Museum’s vision is to impact lives and contribute to more inclusive and peaceful societies. The Museum acts as a global learning hub, playing a unique, pivotal role in building connections between people and communities locally, nationally, and internationally.

JOB SUMMARY

The Curator, as a subject specialist with demonstrated experience and interest in questions around historical Islamic art with relevance to today’s world and a member of the curatorial team of the Collections and Public Programs (CPP) Division, is responsible for the curation of the Permanent Collections and temporary exhibitions on-site, off-site and online. They also take a leading role in the conceptualization, planning, and implementation of feature displays and rotations. The Curator further contributes to the provision of audience-centred interpretation for all art installations in the Museum Collections Gallery, redisplays/rotations, and temporary exhibitions. They are expected to produce original research in support of public and educational programs and share knowledge about the Museum’s Collections, mission, and mandate with the public through talks, workshops, courses, and conference contributions, as well as both scholarly and popular, collection-related publications, including exhibition catalogues. The Curator shares expertise associated with acquisitions and contemporary art commissions/residencies and initiates as well as manages the curatorial aspects relating to the loan of works of art between the Aga Khan Museum and other institutions or private collections. They also drive the Museum’s objectives and priorities by maintaining and expanding national and international networks and partnerships with relevant curators, scholars, and institutions, providing subject matter expertise on the Museum’s behalf.

The Curator works closely with the Director of Collections and Public Programs (DCPP), as well as internal and external stakeholders, on strategic planning and the delivery of public programs, including curatorial collection tours and academic as well as other relevant, educational events for the general public. The Curator is also expected to foster and maintain excellent working relationships with other Aga Khan Museum departments as required, in particular the Development and Marketing and Communications Departments. As a member of the Museum’s curatorial team, CCP Division, and Museum-wide project teams, the Curator plays a crucial role in the development and implementation of a genuinely 21st-century museum in Toronto, as articulated in the Museum’s Transition Plan, with a major focus on growing global impact, audiences, and sustainability.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research, conceptualize, interpret, and deliver on-site- and online-specific curatorial content relating to Museum Collections Gallery updates and interventions; the planned redisplay of the Gallery; temporary exhibitions; touring exhibitions and displays; artist commissions/residencies; the Museum Collections; Museum publications etc.; work closely with the CPP team, and internal and external stakeholders as appropriate.
• Coordinate, consult, and collaborate with the Collections Management Department on matters relating to the material needs, storage, display, cataloguing, records update, and digitization of the Collections.
• Propose acquisitions and participate in decisions regarding the acquisition of works of art.
• Foster productive cooperative relationships with curators and scholars in other art and academic institutions, as well as dealers, collectors, and other individuals relevant to the interests of the Museum in Toronto, Canada, and globally.
• Provide intellectually impactful yet accessible and audience-focused/centred insights related to the arts and culture of Muslim civilizations for Museum visitors, special interest groups, and Patrons through various public platforms, on-site and online.
• Research, present, and publish academic papers, essays, or books related to works of art in the Aga Khan Museum’s Collections.
• Participate in fundraising activities and cultivate support related to the curatorial and public programs.
• Participate in Museum-wide, conceptual and strategic meetings as required.
• Any other tasks assigned by the line manager.

PERIODIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as a courier for works of art from the Aga Khan Museum when required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A PhD or equivalent experience in Islamic art history. Knowledge of contemporary arts relevant to or in dialogue with Muslim cultures around the world and in Canada is an advantage.
• Significant experience in a museum or academic institution is required, especially in the creation of exhibitions.
• Demonstrated record of scholarly publications and educational activity in the field of Islamic art.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate well to a wide range of publics.
• Fluency in contemporary museological issues.
• Working knowledge in a language related to the arts of the Muslim world. Knowledge of French is an advantage.
• A strong, preferably international, network of academic colleagues in the field of Islamic art.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Flexible, collaborative, and results-oriented team player.
• Demonstrates a strong work ethic and maintains a high level of professionalism in all tasks.
• Creative and dynamic thinking skills.
• Exceptional skills in MD Office Suite.
• Technical ability and willingness to learn new systems as required for the role.

ANY OTHER FACTORS (Aspects of the job that significantly impact upon the employee in this job e.g. travel required, specialized equipment used, extraordinary working conditions etc.)

The position requires a willingness to travel and flexible availability.

The salary range for this position is $120,000.00 - $125,000.00 (CAD).

To Apply

Please send your cover letter and resume to akm.hr@akdn.org by March 21, 2025.

The Museum thanks all those who apply, however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please note that the Museum is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Upon request, suitable accommodations are available under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act for applicants invited to an interview.