Martin Friedman Chief Curator

Martin Friedman Chief Curator

Madison Square Park Conservancy, New York

Reports to Executive Director

Overview of Organization

Madison Square Park Conservancy (MSPC) is the nonprofit entrusted by the City of New York to operate Madison Square Park, a 6.2-acre public space in the heart of Manhattan. Our mission is to conserve, maintain, and program this ever-evolving, historic green space, including raising 100% of the park’s operating budget. Our dedicated team takes great pride in caring for and shaping an urban oasis for all to enjoy. Since 2004, MSPC has commissioned 50 projects by visionary artists, ranging in practice and media, for temporary exhibition in the park through its public art program. Anchoring a diverse and vibrant live-work community, Madison Square Park is both an intimate neighborhood park and an international destination for 60,000 daily visitors. A public space since 1686, the park has long been a gathering place for people from all walks of life. Today, it is also a public garden, urban forest, wildlife habitat, public art exhibition space, a haven for children and pets to play, and one of New York City’s most transcendent and welcoming places.

Overview of Position

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Martin Friedman Chief Curator is responsible for setting the vision and direction and managing all aspects of MSPC’s curatorially-driven public art program. MSPC seeks a curious, engaged and dynamic leader who is equally comfortable serving as the public face of the art program; fundraising and managing budgets; collaborating with a broad range of team members and stakeholders; and conducting research and writing interpretive materials. The Chief Curator will be expected to continue and build upon the strong international reputation of MSPC’s public art program by fostering innovation and diversity. Discussions are underway with artists for commissions through 2027. The Chief Curator manages the Curatorial Manager, works in tandem with the Director of Art Operations, and collaborates closely with the Executive Director, Director of Development and External Affairs, Director of Park Operations and other MSPC team members. 

Key Responsibilities The Chief Curator will:

● oversee the program’s annual commissions, including researching and selecting contemporary artists; developing, managing and tracking project budgets; negotiating project agreements; managing projects from conception to completion, including securing project approvals and identifying and negotiating opportunities for post-exhibition loans to other institutions; writing and producing signage and other exhibition materials; and helping promote each exhibition and artist

● identify, solicit and secure funding and cultivate existing and potential donors in order to raise the public art program’s ~$1.5 million annual budget, in collaboration with the MSPC development team and external grant writer

● work closely with MSPC program and external affairs team to plan, execute and promote free public programs related to each exhibition

● lead art team, and collaborate with and support other MSPC teams, seeking opportunities for cross-pollination

● cultivate, consult with, and organize quarterly meetings of the MSPC Art Committee, a small group of MSPC trustees, alumni artists, patrons, museum directors, writers, curators, and neighbors

● work with MSPC art and development teams to grow and steward the Art Council and organize member activities

● conceive and implement regular symposia on important public art issues

● steer the Public Art Consortium, an international cohort of fifty curators from museums, sculpture parks, and public art programs

● build and steward partnerships with other parks, community-based organizations and like-minded institutions to expand the reach of the public art program

● hone expertise through ongoing research of contemporary artists and participation in relevant programs; attend art fairs, gallery openings, and other cultivation and networking events

Qualifications and Requirements

● Bachelor’s degree in art, art history, arts administration or a closely related field; preference for master’s degree or PhD, but experience will be considered in lieu of advanced degree(s)

● Minimum 8-10 years of curatorial experience, with a strong track record of working with living artists on site-specific installations at a scale similar to Madison Square Park; preference for experience commissioning outdoor art on public land

● Demonstrated success in institutional, individual and corporate fundraising; comfort asking for and raising funds for projects

● Outstanding verbal and written communication skills; ability to convey scholarly content clearly and concisely to a non-specialist public audience

● Superior planning and organizational skills, attention to detail, and excellent follow-through

● Comfort working under pressure against multiple deadlines while maintaining a calm work environment and good humor

● Ability to plan years in advance and juggle several large projects in various stages of development 2 

● Strong interpersonal skills; enjoys building and maintaining personal and institutional relationships

● Self-motivated and resourceful leader; experience managing and working collaboratively as part of a small, mission-driven team

● Commitment to creating an equitable, inclusive and welcoming environment within team and for all park visitors

● Flexibility to work after hours and on occasional weekends

Compensation, Benefits and Schedule

● Annual Salary Range: $145,000 - $160,000, depending on relevant experience and demonstration of successful past performance

● Benefits: Employee Health plan, Dental and vision Plan, Vacation/Sick/Personal Days, Floating Holidays, 401K Plan with match after one year of employment, commuter benefits, Short-Term Disability benefit, and Health Advocate