Curatorial Assistant

Established in 1979, we are the only artist-founded museum in Los Angeles. We are dedicated to collecting and exhibiting contemporary art. We house one of the most compelling collections of contemporary art in the world, comprising of nearly 8,000 objects, and have a diverse history of ground-breaking, historically-significant exhibitions.

We are committed to the collection, presentation, and interpretation of art created after 1940, in all media, and to preserving that work for future generations. We provide leadership in the field by identifying and presenting the most significant and challenging art of our time, actively supporting the creation of new work, and producing original scholarship.

With two distinct venues in Los Angeles—MOCA Grand Avenue, and The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA—and Michael Heizer’s seminal artwork Double Negative (1969-70) in the Nevada desert, we engage audiences through an ambitious program of exhibitions, educational programs, and publishing.

Assist curators with all aspects of exhibition organization and implementation including loans and loan correspondence, artist and gallery correspondence, data entry, image scanning and maintenance of digital image assets, scheduling meetings, making travel arrangements, drafting grant applications, coordinating installation photography, and developing public programming.

Work closely with Exhibition Production, Registration, Exhibition Management, Communications, Education and Visitor Services, and Advancement staff. Assist curators in developing exhibition planning process timelines and facilitating the flow of exhibition content information (e.g., images, checklists, floor plans, exhibition descriptions, installation plans, technical requirements, web copy, press materials) so that timelines may be adhered to.

Assist curators with exhibition-related didactics including object label copy,wall texts, and brochures. Coordinate external editors and translators.

Assist curators with exhibition-related publications including securing copyright permissions, arranging artwork photography, compiling research as directed, and copy editing and proofing. Work closely with external editors, designers, authors and other contributors, and publishers and with MOCA’s Chief of Public Engagement, Learning & Impact and Retail Department.

Lead exhibition tours and speak publicly about exhibitions, when appropriate.

Perform internet, library, and archival research for exhibitions, publications, collections, and potential acquisitions.

Prepare Acquisitions Reports and PowerPoint presentations for potential acquisitions; provide proposed collection information to Registrar, and work with donors and galleries as needed.

Develop and maintain working relationships and appropriately represent the Museum to outside organizations, collectors, artists, and others.

Participate in ongoing, general department administrative projects, including collection care and development of best practices and procedures, and administrative work in support of the curatorial vision of the Chief Curator & Director of Curatorial Affairs.

In select instances, organize modest exhibitions from the permanent collection.

Must possess the ability to communicate and interact well with others.

Excellent grammar, writing, and organizational skills.

Must be able to perform art historical research and effectively aid in managing exhibition projects.

Knowledge of contemporary art is a must, and possession of an M.A. in art history or related subject is highly preferred, as is previous museum or gallery experience.

Ability to use Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Photoshop, Google Workspace, SketchUp.

Previous experience with The Museum System (TMS) database preferred.