Adjunct Instructor: Exhibition Management
The Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University invites applications for an Adjunct Instructor to teach 93-808 Exhibition Management, a required graduate course in the Master of Arts Management (MAM) program.
The Master of Arts Management Program is a joint degree offered by Heinz College and the College of Fine Arts that prepares future leaders for careers across museums, performing arts organizations, galleries, public art initiatives, cultural nonprofits, and the broader creative sector. We welcome applications from experienced professionals with demonstrated expertise in exhibition planning, design, implementation, and management.
Course Description
This graduate course introduces students to the planning, development, and implementation of exhibitions across museums, galleries, cultural institutions, festivals, immersive experiences and other exhibition-based experiences.
Students examine the complete exhibition process - from concept development through installation and evaluation - while considering the roles of curators, artists, designers, educators, registrars, preparators, community partners, and organizational leadership. The course also explores exhibition budgeting, project management, interpretation, audience engagement, logistics, and ethical considerations, including current trends and controversies within the field.
We are particularly interested in practitioners with substantial experience managing exhibitions who can integrate current professional practice into the classroom.The final project in this course should reflect the standards, expectations, and collaborative processes students will encounter in the field.
Because this course is taken during the second year of the MAM program, students enter with a foundation in nonprofit management, finance, marketing, and organizational leadership. The instructor should build upon that knowledge by emphasizing practical application, current professional practice, and real-world case studies.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Analyze the exhibition planning and implementation process across a variety of cultural organizations.
- Evaluate exhibitions from the perspective of visitors, artists, and institutions while considering accessibility, interpretation, and audience engagement.
- Assess current practices, trends, ethical issues, and controversies in exhibition management.
- Develop a comprehensive exhibition proposal, including concept development, interpretive planning, budget, timeline, resource plan, and implementation strategy.
- Apply project management principles to the successful planning and execution of exhibitions.
Course Format
This is a seven-week graduate course offered during the Spring semester.
The course may be scheduled as either:
- Two 80-minute afternoon class meetings per week; or
- One 170-minute evening class meeting per week (including breaks), based on instructor availability and university scheduling.
The course should incorporate a combination of readings, case studies, class discussion, experiential learning, site visits when appropriate, and assignments that culminate in a final exhibition proposal.
Candidates Should Demonstrate
- Significant professional experience in exhibition management within museums, galleries, cultural institutions, public art organizations, festivals, or related settings.
- The ability to connect theory with current professional practice through engaging classroom instruction.
- Experience managing exhibitions from concept development through installation and evaluation.
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills that foster discussion, critical thinking, and collaborative learning.
- Prior teaching, guest lecturing, mentoring, or other higher education experience is preferred, but not required.
