Thursday, December 22, 2011

Look who’s putting the layer back into layer cake

In a surge of enthusiasm for middle management both Auckland Art Gallery and Te Papa are on the hunt for someone to head up their curatorial departments. Both jobs are virtually the same with similar requirements and expectations. Applications are due on 20 January and 27 January respectively. See if you can spot the differences.

1      Which institution offers “an inspiring place to work”?

2     Who requires “A minimum of 5 years experience in a public gallery/art museum, managing exhibition and collection processes and delivery”?

3      Which job requires the applicant to be ‘politically savvy’? 

4      Who requires the successful applicant to be “responsible for increasing the awareness, understanding and enjoyment of works of art”? 

5      Which institution wants to “ ensure that art scholarship and research is of the highest standard”? 

6       Who insists on “an exceptional track record of exhibitions and publications”?

7       Who's on the lookout for a "coach"?

8       Which manager will be in charge of “seven curators and exhibition project coordinators”? 

9      Who wants their manager to “lead the development and display of the art collection”?

10    Who wants their manager to be responsible for the “development and provision of high quality, innovative exhibitions”?

Te Papa = a, AAG = b. Answers: 1b, 2b, 3a, 4b, 5a, 6a, 7b, 8b, 9a, 10b