About Space One Eleven
Founded in 1986, Space One Eleven (SOE) provides professional opportunities for artists, fosters public understanding of contemporary art, and offers arts education for area youth. SOE champions artists and projects that speak to issues of equity, justice, and identity, presenting contemporary exhibitions that explore social justice and human rights. Serving as a center for contemporary art and arts education in downtown Birmingham, SOE presents exhibitions and programs that spark dialogue, promote social understanding, and foster community engagement through the visual arts. We are committed to supporting artists whose work challenges and inspires.
Position Overview
Space One Eleven seeks a Curator to develop exhibitions that align with the organization’s mission and elevate critical conversations in contemporary art. In consultation with the Executive Director, the Curator will lead the conceptual development and implementation of exhibitions.
The successful candidate will not only bring curatorial vision but must also be an exceptional writer, capable of crafting compelling text for exhibitions, wall labels, marketing, social media, and grant proposals. Writing that connects artists’ ideas to broader audiences is essential to this role.
In addition to curatorial responsibilities, the Curator manages SOE’s role as a partner organization in the Verdant Fund, a regional regranting initiative supported by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.
Key Responsibilities
Exhibition Development and Curation:
- Develop and curate exhibitions that respond to timely social and cultural issues.
- Handle all communication and collaborate with artists on the development and presentation of exhibitions that are conceptually and visually rigorous.
- Coordinate and assist with gallery preparation and artwork shipping, installation, and documentation.
- Write wall text, press releases, and curatorial essays that contextualize the exhibition for the public.
- Prepare interpretive materials and collaborate with SOE’s arts education and program staff to support accessible, community-centered engagement.
- Ensure all curatorial content reflects SOE’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice.
- Assist with exhibition budgeting and grant writing.
- Maintain detailed records of exhibiting artists and related materials in SOE’s administrative systems.
Public Programs and Community Engagement:
- Build and maintain meaningful relationships with artists, cultural leaders, and regional partners.
- Develop artist talks, panel discussions, and community-based programming related to exhibitions.
- Draft copy for social media, newsletters, and other communications that promote SOE’s curatorial and programmatic work.
- Represent SOE at local and regional visual arts convenings, when appropriate.
Verdant Fund Responsibilities:
- Serve as SOE’s primary Verdant Fund contact.
- Prepare and submit grant reports to the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.
Qualifications
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Art History, Fine Arts, or a related field; a Master’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.
- Have at least three years of curatorial experience.
- Prior experience managing grant-funded initiatives is a plus.
- Demonstrate deep knowledge of contemporary art and its relationship to current issues.
- Be highly organized, with strong project management skills.
- Have exceptional writing and editing skills, with a demonstrated ability to communicate complex ideas clearly across multiple formats (exhibition text, social media, publications, and grants).
- Be self-directed, reliable, and collaborative.
- Demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Familiarity with Submittable is a plus.
Schedule and Work Environment
This position is part-time and project-based, averaging approximately the equivalent of half-time employment over the course of a year, with periods of higher activity leading up to exhibitions and reduced hours following exhibition openings. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required for events, or Verdant Fund outreach. Occasional local or regional travel may also be required.
Compensation and Benefits
- Pay rate: $19.00–$21.00 per hour, commensurate with experience.
- Health Reimbursement Account, SIMPLE IRA with a 3% employer match.
To Apply
- Please prepare the following materials: A current CV, 2–3 writing samples that reflect your curatorial voice, and documentation of past curatorial projects (exhibition images, checklists, catalogs, or links to project websites).
- Submit all materials in a single PDF or shared folder link to applications@spaceoneeleven.org.
- Include “Team Member Application – Curator” in the subject line.
- Selected candidates will be contacted for a telephone interview.
- Finalists invited for an in-person interview will be asked for three professional references.
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
- Due to limited staff capacity, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Please do not call or email to inquire about the status of your application.
Space One Eleven is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds who are dedicated to fostering inclusion through the arts.