Curator / Gallery Producer — Pop‑up Gallery (Harlem)
3 hours ago
Manhattan, New York
Summary Nzinga Café is launching a short‑run pop‑up gallery in Harlem and we’re looking for a driven, young curator already steeped in the NYC art scene who wants to build a name quickly. You’ll program exhibitions, book artists, run install/dismantle, handle press and arts‑community outreach, and drive sales and foot traffic. This is a hands‑on role for someone who hustles, networks, and loves producing memorable, community‑centered shows. Key responsibilities • Conceive, plan, and program 1–2 pop‑up exhibitions (6–8 week or shorter runs) from concept to deinstall., • Source and secure artists (solo and group), negotiate consignment terms, and manage intake logistics., • Create floor plans, hanging maps, labels, and condition reports; supervise install and lighting., • Build and execute press, social, and community outreach strategies targeted to NYC art press, local partners, and collectors., • Produce opening receptions and public programs (talks, workshops, pop‑ups) and manage RSVP/guest lists., • Manage on‑site sales with POS reconciliation and artist payout coordination., • Maintain inventory, consignment paperwork, and insurance documentation., • Act as public face of the gallery at events, fairs, and in the neighborhood; grow the gallery’s collector and press network., • Track show metrics (attendance, sales, press hits) and deliver a short post‑mortem report after each run., • Required qualifications, • 1–4 years experience in NYC galleries, curatorial programs, arts nonprofits, or equivalent; demonstrable ties to the local art community., • Proven experience programming, installing, and producing exhibitions or events., • Strong written and verbal communication; comfortable pitching press and partners., • Practical skills: basic lighting/hanging knowledge, inventory and condition reporting, familiarity with gallery sales workflows and POS systems., • Self‑starter with reliable availability for evenings and weekends during openings and events., • Professional references from artists, gallerists, or curators., • Preferred, • Existing press or collector contacts in NYC., • Experience with social media marketing, Eventbrite/Patreon/Ticketing, or email outreach., • Background in community‑centered programming or neighborhood partnerships., • Ability to lead and supervise volunteers or part‑time staff., • Compensation, • Competitive commission model: curator earns a negotiated percentage of sales generated during the show (typical range: 10–20% of gross sales or a negotiated percentage of the gallery’s net commission)., • Additional small stipend or flat fee per show negotiable based on experience and scope., • Opportunity for performance bonuses tied to attendance, press placements, and successful sales milestones., • This role is ideal for someone building their curatorial resume and network; strong results will lead to ongoing collaboration and increased compensation., • Why join us, • Produce high‑visibility shows in Harlem with genuine community engagement., • Autonomy to shape program and build your curator profile quickly in a supportive, scrappy team., • Direct, measurable impact on sales, press, and cultural programming with guidance from experienced founder/operators., • Please include in a single PDF:, • Short cover letter (1 page) describing a recent exhibition or project you produced and the measurable outcomes., • CV or resume., • Applications reviewed on a rolling basis; early submissions prioritized., • Send the package of PDF to the address above as we won't answer in this platform., • Equal opportunity, • Nzinga Café is committed to equitable and community‑centered programming. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities.