Assistant Curator/Curator

The Asian Civilisations Museum is the only museum in the region devoted to exploring the rich artistic heritage of Asia, especially the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans. Opened in 1997 and in its present building by the Singapore River since 2003, the museum traces its roots to the Raffles Museum, founded in the middle of 19th century. ACM focuses on the many historical and artistic connections between the cultures of Asia, and between Asia and the world.

Singapore’s history as a port city that brought people together from all over the world is used as a means of examining the history of Asia. Objects on display tell stories of the trade and the exchange of ideas that were the result of international commerce, as well as the flow of religions and faith through Asia.

Asian Civilisation Museum manages the Peranakan Museum. The Peranakan Museum (TPM) explores the art and culture of Peranakan communities in Southeast Asia and possesses one of the finest and most comprehensive collections of Peranakan objects. Galleries on three floors illustrate the cultural traditions and distinctive visual arts of Peranakans.

Curators develop and manage the collections and exhibitions of the museum. They collect, research, interpret, and make the collections accessible to the public through exhibitions and interpretive displays. They undertake project management and administrative functions to ensure smooth running of the Museum to meet the Singapore National Heritage Board’s aim of cultivating public awareness of the cultural inheritance of Singaporeans.

This position contributes to the multi-agency National Design Collection initiative launched in 2023. At the Asian Civilisations Museum, the Design collection focuses on product design and fashion. Through “Asia in Design”, the objects explore Asia in global design history – emphasising exchanges between Asia and the world, from the perspective of Asia.

Responsibilities

– Work collaboratively with ACM-TPM curatorial team in conceptualising and developing storylines and themes for permanent galleries and special exhibitions related to Design, especially product design and fashion.

– Work collaboratively with collection managers, conservators, designers, and related parties to set up and project manage exhibitions

– Provide administrative support for curatorial activities and manage curatorial projects, including academic conferences and community consultations

– Conceive, develop, and publish exhibition catalogues, scholarly articles, and related works, including via digital formats

– Actively collaborate with all museum departments, including education, programming, marketing, and philanthropy

– In-depth involvement in acquisition of new artefacts, maintaining relationships with donors, cultivating new patrons, and securing loans of collections and objects from other institutions and private collectors

– Foster and maintain good working relationships with existing and potential patrons, trustees, key stakeholders, and museum colleagues across the country and abroad, as well as with the academic community, art dealers, and collectors.

– Actively collaborate with and support industry partners in Singapore/Southeast Asia/Asia, through creating special displays and organising programs such as talks and workshops.

Requirements

• Masters in art or design history preferred: good knowledge of 20th- 21st-design, or in the history of design in Singapore /Southeast Asia/Asia, with an emphasis on contemporary practices (post 1950s)
• Express strong interest and possess specialised knowledge in product design and fashion
• For Curator, familiarity with the principal industry partners, artisans and craftsmen in Singapore/Southeast Asia/Asia preferred.
• At least two years for Assistant Curator and at least five years for Curator level of relevant research or work experience, preferably in a museum and/or related design institution
• Excellent research and writing skills, with proficiency in English. Proficiency in an Asian language would be advantageous
• Strong organisational, project management, and inter-personal skills, able to work independently and as part of a team

All applicants will be notified on whether they are shortlisted or not within 4 weeks of the closing date of this job posting.