The Special Collections and Archives (SCA) unit comprises two archival repositories, located at the Central Library and the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library. Our team of over twenty-five librarians, archivists, and paraprofessionals are committed to exceptional access, preservation, and customer service for our world-class collections. SCA focuses on key collecting areas including the history of the American West, African American history, Western American art, genealogy, rare books, conservation, maps, Colorado and Denver-focused history, and more.
Within SCA, the Museum Services team provides free, public access to engage visitors with the rich history of Colorado and the American West through exhibits, objects, artwork, and archival materials.
We are seeking two term-limited Associate Curators to join our Museum Services team in developing exhibits and public-facing experiences that explore our collections, center community voices, foster curiosity, and advance equity. You will work at the intersection of museums, library services, community engagement, and exhibition practice to create experiences that invite visitors into conversation with history, art, and culture. Under the direction of the Curator, the Associate Curators will be essential in expanding and establishing this team’s services.
You will conduct research, develop curatorial projects, and collaborate across DPL to organize, design, and install exhibits at the Central Library, Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, and branch locations. Your work will directly support our mission to provide free public access to the rich cultural heritage of Colorado and the American West while ensuring diverse communities see themselves reflected in our collections and exhibits.
As an Associate Curator, you will collaboratively administer all aspects of exhibits and temporary installations from conception through completion. The program themes and content must meet the library’s standards for high-quality visitor experiences.
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Conduct curatorial research for a variety of history, art, and cultural exhibits
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Develop exhibit concepts that ask open-ended questions and invite visitors into collaborative knowledge-building
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Write visitor-centered in-gallery text and interpretive resources that are well-researched, factual, welcoming, accessible, and foster curiosity
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Work with the Museum Services team to create welcoming and informative graphics for display
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Manage exhibition projects from design phase through implementation, maintenance, and closing
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Lead and collaborate with DPL branch staff in installations and de-installations
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Handle art and artifact installation following professional museum standards
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Conduct site visits and assessments for exhibition spaces across DPL locations
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Troubleshoot technical issues and adapt to changing conditions during installation
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Build and maintain relationships with local and regional partners including museums, artists, universities, galleries, cultural organizations, historical societies, and community groups
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Partner with donors, nonprofit organizations, businesses, private collectors, government agencies, colleges, and artists to accomplish curatorial vision
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Work with communities to ensure their stories are told by their members
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Lead public exhibit tours and collaboratively facilitate public programs that engage visitors with exhibit themes
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Research and identify potential new acquisition opportunities that address collection diversity and equity, with documentation of recommendations
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Oversee art and artifact handling with attention to preservation and professional standards
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Complete condition reports for collection objects used for exhibits
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Ensure proper storage and display conditions to preserve collections for future generations
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Maintain accurate records including storage and display locations to ease public access