Nzinga Cafe
Curator / Gallery Producer — Pop‑up Gallery (Harlem)
Nzinga Cafe, New York, New York, us, 10261
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.
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.
Application Instructions
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.
Experience:
Required
Languages:
English – Advanced
Employment:
Part‑time
Schedule:
Monday-Friday 9AM-7PM
About Nzinga Café Nzinga Café Gallery is a Harlem‑based pop‑up space spotlighting emerging artists and curators through bold, short‑run shows. We value autonomy, community, and cultural impact—and seek collaborators with vision, hustle, and heart.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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.
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.
Application Instructions
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.
Experience:
Required
Languages:
English – Advanced
Employment:
Part‑time
Schedule:
Monday-Friday 9AM-7PM
About Nzinga Café Nzinga Café Gallery is a Harlem‑based pop‑up space spotlighting emerging artists and curators through bold, short‑run shows. We value autonomy, community, and cultural impact—and seek collaborators with vision, hustle, and heart.
#J-18808-Ljbffr