Position: Visual Arts Curator

Reports to: E&C Art Services Manager

Sector: Culture Services

Job Location: NEOM

Role Purpose:

The Visual Arts Curator is responsible for managing the creative direction and execution of innovative, next-generational art activations, projects and exhibitions as part of NEOM’s Entertainment and Culture sector.

The role will embrace emerging practices and technologies e.g. AI, and lead collaborations between NEOM and the international contemporary arts scene with a focus on in Saudi Arabia and the GCC region.

The role is instrumental in pushing boundaries of current and traditional art practices, activations and experiences, and engaging creativity, storytelling, and cultural enrichment for future visitors and residents of NEOM.

Key Accountabilities:

• Artistic Vision : Develop and articulate compelling vision for next-generation visual and public art projects that leverage technology and cross-genre collaborations.
• Project Leadership: Lead the conceptualization, planning, and execution of innovative art projects and exhibitions, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
• Curation: Curate diverse artworks, installations, and experiences that blend traditional and contemporary art forms, incorporating interactive elements to engage and captivate audiences.
• Collection Management: Project manage the development, onboarding and operation of a collection management system (CMS), which is designed to meet the bespoke requirements of NEOM art and related collections. The operation of the CMS includes tracking and updating all art assets and collections, art handling and conservation, facilitating loans and exhibitions.
• Collaboration: Foster partnerships with artists, technologists, cultural institutions, and community stakeholders to facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations and resource sharing.
• Research and Development: Stay abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in art curation, AI, and interactive media to inform project development and enhance artistic innovation.
• Public Engagement: Design and implement outreach initiatives, educational programs, and public events to promote awareness, appreciation, and participation in next-generation art experiences.
• Documentation and Evaluation: Maintain comprehensive records of project activities, evaluate outcomes against predefined metrics, and generate reports to assess impact and inform future initiatives.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and compliance with financial guidelines and regulations
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

A minimum of five (5) years proven experience in art curation, collection management, exhibition design, and/or cultural programming, with a demonstrated track record of conceptualizing and delivering innovative projects. Experience in working in the GCC and Saudi Arabia, and within government / public sector is an advantage.

Due to the nature of the organization, it is imperative that the successful candidate is adaptable to quickly changing circumstances and thrives in a progressive / pioneering working environment.

Skills:

• Artistic Vision: Strong creative vision and conceptual thinking skills, with the ability to envision, articulate and deliver next-generation public art / exhibition experiences.
• Technological Aptitude: Familiarity with the application of technologies, interactive media, and digital platforms, along with a willingness to explore and experiment with new tools, interactions and techniques.
• Collaborative Spirit: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and disciplines and foster a culture of creativity and innovation. A team player willing to contribute and participate across sector areas and specialisms.
• Project Management: Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, from inception to completion, while adhering to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Critical Thinking: Analytical mindset and problem-solving abilities, with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence in artistic presentation and execution.
  
  

Qualifications: A bachelor's or master’s degree in art history, Fine Arts, Cultural Studies, or a related field, from a recognized institution. An educational background in technology is desirable but not essential