The American University of Beirut
Job Description and Position Advertisement for Gallery Director /Curator, with
Faculty Appointment in Department of Fine Arts and Art History.
AUB will shortly be opening two new art exhibition galleries. This constitutes a major new undertaking for the university and the department. The director/curator will be responsible for establishing and steering this high-profile initiative. He or she will help position the university as a regional leader in the rapidly-evolving field of art and cultural scholarship.
The post carries a faculty appointment in the Department of Fine Arts and Art
History. The successful candidate will lead the introduction of issues of curatorship in the department, an important and growing field in the training of art professionals. A specialist in contemporary art of the region, he or she will also greatly enhance the department’s expertise in this area. The director/curator will stimulate academics and students alike to engage with the artistic culture of our time through the presentation of innovative shows, and through teaching, writing and research.
University Art Collections
The director/curator will assume responsibility for the university art collections.
This includes the recently-donated Saleeby collection, consisting primarily of paintings by Lebanese artists from the early 20 th century, and a soon-to-beconstructed gallery that will showcase temporary exhibitions concentrating primarily on contemporary art. Major duties in this respect include the following:
1) The establishment of the gallery housing the Saleeby collection, including curating the launch exhibition. Once this has been achieved, the director/curator will be responsible for ongoing administration, curating future exhibitions, and care and promotion of the museum in all its aspects.
2) The establishment of the temporary exhibitions gallery, which will be located in Ada Dodge Hall. Once this has been achieved, the director/curator will be responsible for the ongoing administration, care and promotion of the gallery in all its aspects. This will include setting up the exhibitions schedule, curating shows, and bringing external shows to campus.
3) Oversight of university art collections. A database of all artworks owned by the university should be established; it must also be ascertained that these works are being held under suitable conditions.

Department of Fine Arts and Art History
The ideal candidate will participate in the department as a full member of faculty.
After the initial phase of establishing the galleries, the Director/curator will teach courses in the department, in the area of curatorial studies. The director/curator will work in close co-operation with the department, providing opportunities for students to gain experience and learn about art and curatorial issues. Particular attention should be given to exhibitions of student work, specially the end-ofyear shows of graduating students.
The Director/curator will also work with faculty in other departments who have an interest in the visual arts. It is anticipated that the new spaces will constitute a major platform for interdisciplinary exchange, and the curator/director should act as a facilitator in this respect.
Additional Duties
Additional duties include the following:
Overseeing publication in catalogues of artworks from university collections as is appropriate, specially the Saleeby collection.
Actively assisting with fundraising for the university art collections.
Overseeing of publicity, public relations, and community outreach, both to the artistic community and general public. This will include inviting distinguished guests, and organizing lectures, colloquia and exhibition tours.
Cultivating links with private and public art institutions, museums and galleries, and art collectors in Lebanon, the region and internationally, to develop opportunities for collaboration and promotion of art-related activities and interests of AUB.

Position Advertisement
The American University of Beirut
Gallery Director /Curator
The American University of Beirut is embarking on a major initiative in the visual arts. We will shortly be opening two new exhibition galleries. The first will house a small permanent collection of paintings, primarily by Lebanese artists from the early 20 th century. The second will showcase temporary, rotating exhibitions, concentrating primarily on contemporary art. We are seeking a dynamic Director/Curator to take responsibility for these galleries. Familiarity with the local
Lebanese art milieu and regional artistic developments is strongly recommended.
The position carries an academic appointment in the Department of Fine Arts and Art History, and a close working relationship with the department is envisaged. The successful candidate will integrate the art exhibition spaces as much as possible with the teaching curriculum. Ideally, courses in curatorship will be taught as well.
Candidates should possess at minimum an MFA in studio arts, or an MA in art history, curatorial or museum studies.
Curatorial experience is expected.
Interested applicants should send a cover letter, curatorial portfolio, CV, and three references.
Review of files will begin on February 1, and will continue until the post is filled.
All application material should be sent to: … PROVOST OFFICE
The American University of Beirut is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.