The Project Coordinator will be a contract position that is part of the Exhibitions team awarded the Getty Foundation Papers Projects grant to organize and host a workshop related to the works of Edgar Heap of Birds (Cheyenne and Arapaho Nation). For the workshop, Heap of Birds will produce a limited-edition print portfolio specifically for his upcoming retrospective at Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. The workshop will tentatively take place in November 2024 to coincide with Native American Heritage Month and will invite local, national and international participants to our campus.
The Project Coordinator will play a key role in the administrative tasks associated with the Getty Papers Project workshop. Major deliverables include administrative support for the curatorial team during the selection process for participants; communications with invited participants; organizing travel, itineraries and accommodations with participants; support with event logistics and support for liaising with the artist, Edgar Heap of Birds (Cheyenne and Arapaho Nation), a leading American and internationally-known conceptual artist whose work addresses Indigenous rights. The Project Coordinator will be instrumental in Oklahoma Contemporary’s organization-wide commitment to best practices within the field.
About You
The Project Coordinator will be part of a collaborative team working closely with the Exhibitions Department, the artist and their studio, as well as participants in the workshop.
The Project Coordinator will bring experience with administrative tasks related to organizing travel, accommodations, logistics and print collateral materials for artist-based workshops and demonstrations.
The Project Coordinator will contribute research and administrative support, with attention to detail and facility for establishing and maintaining processes to ensure the project is completed within the established timeline. The Project Coordinator will work closely with the exhibition Lead Curator, Pablo Barrera, and will interface with key staff in the Communications, Education, Operations, Finance and Development Departments.
Essential Job Functions
- Assist with research and planning for the workshop, including the maintenance of project timelines, checklists, brochure production and correspondence with participants
- Booking all travel and accommodations for participants including visa requirements
- Prepare itineraries for participants and provide support during the workshop event
- Serve as liaison to artist, contractors, translators, editors and graphic designers
- Coordinate with the exhibition Lead Curator in managing agreements related to copyright permissions, image licensing, and rights and reproductions
- Provide editorial and administrative support at all stages of the print collateral publishing process: proofreading, fact-checking and publication coordination, including ensuring timely receipt of deliverables from contributors
- Assist in preparing materials for workshop-related presentations
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in art history, curatorial/museum studies, Indigenous studies or a related field
- Two-plus years of experience at an art museum or contemporary art institution
- Knowledge of, and experience in, the field of printmaking, contemporary art and/or Indigenous art
Skills
- Attention to detail and proven organizational skills
- Strong writing, editing and research skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to meet deadlines and manage shifting priorities
- Discretion in confidential matters
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and PowerPoint
Interests
- Developing a project that engages the field nationally while illuminating the cultural complexity of the region
- Cultivating and communicating with audiences from diverse backgrounds
- Expanding the cultural perspectives historically reflected in cultural institutions
Other Requirements and Working Conditions
- Hybrid work schedule: minimum of 20 hours per month with occasional days on-site
- Use of a computer/monitor, cellphone and copier when on-site
- Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed
- Team environment with group meeting participation
To Apply
Submit a cover letter and resume here. The deadline for applications is April 19. Unfortunately, because of the volume of applications we receive, we are not able to give status updates. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Period of Performance
Anticipated efforts shall begin in April 2024 and be completed by November 2024. All work will be overseen by the exhibition Lead Curator, Pablo Barrera, and reviewed by the Director of Exhibitions.
Compensation
$3,500 stipend for a period of part-time work from April 2024 – November 2024.
Limitations and Disclaimer
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis. Nothing in this job description is to be construed as a contract of employment.
About Oklahoma Contemporary
Oklahoma Contemporary is an inclusive center for the arts where people of all ages and backgrounds can experience art, encounter new ideas and ignite their creative potential. Through visual art exhibitions, performances, public programs, community-building initiatives, outdoor installations and special events, Oklahoma Contemporary creates opportunities for everyone to come together in celebration of contemporary culture and artistic expression. With year-round classes and seasonal youth camps across multiple disciplines, the arts center’s education programs encourage youth and adults to express their ideas across a variety of media and learn new skills. Oklahoma Contemporary believes that art is for everyone and places accessibility and education at the center of all programming. Admission to exhibitions is free. Oklahoma Contemporary is a regional 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1989 by businessman and philanthropist Christian Keesee and Kirkpatrick Foundation Director Marilyn Myers.
Inclusion
Oklahoma Contemporary strives to demonstrate leadership by modeling excellence and best practices for inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. We believe in the power of human creativity and value the opportunities for connection and learning that exist when cultures and communities come together in collaboration and understanding.
We commit to championing policies and practices that value diversity, foster cultural equity and create an accessible and inclusive environment. Oklahoma Contemporary does not discriminate based on race/ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, citizenship status or religion. We recognize our strengths lie in the broad range of people who contribute their time and talents to our mission and are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive place for them to explore creativity.
About Oklahoma City
In its third decade of economic and cultural expansion, Oklahoma City is a surprisingly lively and diverse American city. Recent growth has spurred exciting developments in the city’s recreation and nightlife, with the construction of new parks, a streetcar system, bike trails, shops, restaurants, breweries and bars. The construction of Oklahoma Contemporary’s new building in the urban core, originally scheduled to open in March 2020 prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, represents a significant commitment on the part of the city and its inhabitants to a new era in contemporary culture.
