Job Title: Assistant Curator
Organization: Rapid City Arts Council
Location: Rapid City, SD
Hours: 30-40 hours/week (full-time, hourly, non-exempt)
Compensation: $16-$18 per hour
Reports to: Gallery Director & Curator
Position Summary:
The Assistant Curator for the Rapid City Arts Council serves a pivotal role in administrative duties and logistics for exhibition displays and supports the Gallery Director and Curator. This position assists in the planning, coordination, installation and documentation of exhibitions in the Dahl Arts Center’s five rotating galleries. The Assistant Curator will work closely with artists, guests curators and community partners to help ensure exhibitions and programs are executed professionally. This position requires attention to detail, organizational skills and flexibility.
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Key Responsibilities:
Exhibition Development & Support
- Support Gallery Director & Curator to review exhibition proposals, touring exhibitions, and guest curator opportunities.
- Assist in development of new exhibitions and installations and deinstallations
- Assist in development of exhibition programming and events.
- Assist with unpacking/packing artwork.
- Gather artists biographical information, price lists, mailing lists.
- Assist with condition reporting, interpretive text, and labeling information.
- Prepare light hors d'oeuvres, create artists name tags, and attend artists receptions.
- Give guided tours to visitors as needed.
Collections & Artwork Management
- Maintain up to date records and condition reports.
- Photograph new acquisitions.
- Keep records of permanent collection artwork locations and update the database as needed.
- Research artists and artworks in collection as well as new acquisitions.
Administrative Duties
- Maintain exhibition timelines, checklists and shared calendars.
- Attending Exhibitions & Collections Committee meetings and record minutes.
- Assist Gallery Director & Curator to maintain the budget.
- Assist in writing media advisories and press releases for upcoming exhibitions and events.
Other duties as assigned by the Gallery Director & Curator
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Qualifications:
- 2+ years of experience in visual arts, museums, or galleries.
- Knowledge of museum best practices around exhibitions, collections, and programming.
- Strong knowledge of contemporary art, particularly within the Black Hills Region.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a small team environment.
- Strong communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills.
Preferred:
- Bachelor's degree of museums studies, studio arts, or related field.
- Passion for the arts and community engagement.
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Work Environment:
This is a full-time role with a base schedule of weekdays, 9am-5pm. Some evening or weekend work may be required for special events, studio visits, travel, or meetings. Position is on-site at The Dahl Arts Center in Rapid City. Position reports to the Gallery Director & Curator.
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About the Rapid City Arts Council:
Founded in 1968, the Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) champions the power of art to bring all kinds of people together, making art more accessible, more integral, and more inspiring for the communities we serve.
Through a public-private partnership with the City of Rapid City, RCAC supports creative placemaking and economic development efforts, and is responsible for the management of the civically owned Dahl Arts Center, home to 6 visual art galleries, a 250+ capacity events center, five classrooms, and a curated permanent collection of local and regional art.
RCAC focuses on these key areas:
- Advocacy: Driving public awareness and conducting cultural planning that aligns with the city’s foundational development policies to advance the role of the arts.
- Dahl Arts Center Management: Overseeing the 39,000-square-foot facility, which serves as a hub for arts and community engagement.
- Community Arts Opportunity Grantmaking: Supporting local arts nonprofits through the City’s Arts Contingency Fund, enhancing the sustainability of the arts in our community.
- Galleries: Providing exhibitions, presentations, and performances that celebrate the diversity of regional artists.
- Arts Education: Offering programs for individuals of all ages and abilities, fostering lifelong engagement with the arts.
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To Apply:
Please submit a resume and a brief cover letter detailing your interest and relevant experience to [email protected] by 6/03/26.
Pay: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
