The Contemporary Arts Center (CAC), New Orleans' premier venue for contemporary arts, seeks an energetic individual to provide leadership and creative direction for its visual arts program. We're looking for a dynamic, visionary curator who has the desire and ability to take an already highly-regarded visual arts program to the next level of innovation and impact not only locally, but also nationally and internationally.

Who We Are
The Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) is a multi-disciplinary arts center, financially stable and professionally managed, which is dedicated to the presentation, production, and promotion of the art of our time. It accomplishes these by organizing curated exhibitions, performances and programs, educating and enlarging audiences, and encouraging collaboration among diverse artists, institutions, communities, and supporters. The CAC was formed in the fall of 1976 by a passionate group of artists when the movement to tear down the walls between visual and performing arts was active nationwide. The CAC began as an artist-run, artist-driven community organization in the nearly empty arts district of New Orleans. As the burgeoning arts district grew, so did the CAC, evolving to meet the increasing needs of a diverse audience and artist communities. Throughout the CAC's 35 years, the center has remained active in the visual and performing arts and arts education communities, continuing to represent an era of creative freedom and multi-disciplinary expression. Over the course of a typical season, the CAC presents 10-14 visual art exhibitions; 6-8 theatrical performances; 4 dance performances involving companies of local, national, and international recognition; 11-15 music concerts with nearly 100 artists performing; and 10 special events & fundraisers supporting the local arts community and our dedicated members. Offering creative outlets and opportunities, the CAC's education department successfully engages over 10,000 children and adults annually, including those with special needs. The CAC's education and outreach projects offer unique arts education settings where students work together with professional artists, generating a greater impact through personal, interactive experiences. Our successful arts education programs targets all levels and ages through: Artist For a Day field trips; KidsFree Children's Gallery that exhibits works by students from Louisiana schools; ArtShops that will generate ten sculptures through artist-school partnerships; Teen Board, a diverse group of arts-focused high school students from public and private schools who meet weekly at the CAC to participate in arts-related activities and appreciation; and the Emeril Lagasse Summer Arts Camp which offers scholarships and reduced-fee admission to half of its attendees. In 2008 & 2009 the CAC was a lead venue for Prospect.1, the inaugural premiere biennial of international contemporary art in the U.S. Today New Orleans holds an arts community prominently positioned as a center of our nation's cultural voice. Our community hopes to continue to promote change and advance a greater understanding of the value of cultural production on a national and global stage. The CAC is a non-collecting institution.

What We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate will possess strong experience with, and knowledge of, contemporary art practices throughout the world, with a history of creating innovative, appealing and provocative exhibitions. A commitment to the full range of contemporary art is especially crucial, including the recognition that our region's artists are breaking boundaries among disciplines and reflecting a unique cultural heritage. Institutionally, we are particularly interested in placing New Orleans contemporary artists in dialogue with artists nationally and internationally. The ability to engage an audience in artistic discourse is particularly important. We would also emphasize the need for multi-disciplinary and cross-departmental interactions.

Job Description
The Director of Visual Arts has primary responsibility for the design and execution of the Visual Arts program at CAC. Working under and reporting to Artistic/Executive Director, the Director of Visual Arts shapes the artistic agenda for the Visual Arts program through curated exhibitions and projects. Implementation of that vision is also the Director's responsibility, which includes supervising the visual arts staff to accomplish departmental objectives. As a senior member of the organizational management team, the Director of Visual Arts will: