The Walters Art Museum, located in the historic Mount Vernon district in Baltimore, offers challenging and creative work opportunities by promoting collaboration and teamwork. Our mission is to bring art and people together for enjoyment, discovery, and learning. We promote and model a culture that celebrates the diversity and inclusion of all our staff, visitors, and members.
I. Overview
As a member of the Department of Conservation, Collections, and Technical Research with a shared focus on the preservation, study, and installation of the Walters Collection, the Exhibition Designer reports to the Head of Exhibition and Installation Planning. The Exhibition Designer is responsible for working collaboratively with curators and conservators to create designs, from concept to post-close project evaluation, for exhibitions and installations at the Walters. This position also works closely with the Graphic Designer and Exhibition and Installation Associate to design and implement an overarching approach to the graphic program for each exhibition and installation. All activities of the Exhibition Designer are guided by the mission of the Walters Art Museum.
II. Duties and Responsibilities:
i. Works closely with the curatorial staff and within the framework of the institutional Exhibition Process to develop exhibition design concepts
ii. Works collaboratively within larger Conservation, Collections, and Technical Research Team and especially with the Exhibition Production Manager to create and execute installations that showcase and safeguard collections
iii. Coordinates with Graphic Designer, Lighting Designer, Exhibition and Installation Associate, and IT staff, and others as appropriate, to plan and implement all aspects of exhibition installation including graphics (labels, illustrations, text panels), tech elements, lighting, fabrication needs, visitor flow, etc
iv. Creates layouts, gallery and case elevations, casework and furniture design, and interactive components from preliminary concept to final build-out and installation
v. Works closely with the fabrication team to ensure production is as designed
vi. Works closely with Conservators, Registrars, and mount-makers to implement installation strategies that incorporate the display needs of the collections. This includes requirements for safe mounting and display.
vii. Works closely with Conservators to test and select object-safe materials for temporary exhibition and permanent gallery installations
viii. Maintains an up-to-date library of conservation-approved paint samples, fabric samples, etc.
ix. Actively participates in the exhibition and/or object installation to ensure safe object placement within design parameters
x. Consults with staff in other departments on non-exhibition projects as needed
xi. Trains, mentors, and directly supervises students, design interns, and fellows
xii. Facilitates work with external contract designers as needed
III. General Qualifications
a. Education
Minimum requirement: MA in Design, or Museum Studies, with an emphasis in Design
b. Experience
Minimum of two years experience in museum setting or equivalent.
IV. Qualifications and Skills:
a. General knowledge of 3-D and graphic design principles.
b. Proficiency and demonstrated training with Mac OS Mojave and MS Word; Vectorworks drafting programs; and with Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign software.
c. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects on distinct timelines; ability to meet aggressive deadlines; ability to adjust quickly to changing circumstances and deadlines; ability to work with a wide range of team members;
d. Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills, time management, and planning skills to ensure project progress and completion.
e. Excellent communication skills and must be team-oriented.
f. Knowledge of PowerCADD preferred.
g. Experience with and understanding of accessible exhibition design preferred
Payrange: $50,000 - $53,000
