Høvikodden 1311
Norway
Henie Onstad Kunstsenter is seeking a Chief Curator and Director of Collection, as well as a Curator
Henie Onstad Kunstsenter is one of Norway’s most important museums for modern and contemporary art. The centre is situated on the outskirts of Oslo, surrounded by a sculpture park as well as fjords, woodland and beaches. The Henie Onstad Collection consists of about 8000 works of modernist and contemporary Scandinavian and International art, and the art center present an ambitious programme with three to five temporary exhibitions per year.
Henie Onstad opened its doors for the first time in 1968, founded by the figure skater and filmstar Sonja Henie (1912–69) and her husband Niels Onstad (1909–78). As well as both historical and contemporary exhibitions, the museum has always been an important site for cross-disciplinary artistic productions, with a strong music, performance and dance programme. Henie Onstad has an important education programme for children and families and a range of educational courses for all age groups. Henie Onstad is a private foundation supported by local and national governmental funds as well as private donations and project support.
Henie Onstad has now two vacancies: Chief Curator and Director of Collections, and Curator. Both are full time positions that will help shape the institution's development in the years to come.
Chief Curator and Director of Collection
As Chief Curator and Director of Collection, you will be involved in the strategic development of Henie Onstad in the years to come. You will play a key part in strengthening the art centre's position nationally and internationally. You will develop the exhibition programme in close collaboration with the Director and the curatorial team, as well as developing the collection. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a deep understanding of Henie Onstad's interdisciplinary approach, national and international position as a museum for modernist and contemporary art. You will foster collaboration across different artistic fields, and balance art historical integrity and relevance with an understanding of audience engagement, partnerships and external support.
You have a relevant higher education qualification and substantial experience in curatorial work at institutions, including budget responsibility, planning, application work and reporting. Experience of collections management at an institutional level is desirable. Excellent knowledge and experience in the fields of modernism and contemporary art, including relevant international academic research in the field, is emphasised.
Applicants possess exceptional public speaking abilities, alongside a demonstrated capacity for inclusive and collaborative leadership. The role entails continuous interaction with a broad range of stakeholders, including the museum’s Board of Directors, colleagues, media representatives, patrons and donors, external partners, as well as the general public.
As well as excellent knowledge of contemporary and modernist art, you will bring strategic vision, financial stewardship, organizational efficiency, team spirit, and a dedicated commitment to staff development. You are fluent in one Scandinavian language and English, both written and spoken.
Application deadline: April 25, 2025.
Apply here.
Visit our website hok.no
Curator
Together with skilled colleagues, you will curate, plan and organise engaging exhibitions in close collaboration with the Chief Curator and the production team at Henie Onstad. You will ensure excellent communication both internally and externally to colleagues, partners, visitors and stakeholders. As a curator you will participate in Henie Onstad's ongoing work with collections and archives.
Broad professional knowledge of contemporary art and modernism, a wide professional, international network and excellent written and spoken communication skills are essential for the position. You hold a higher education degree in art history or a related field relevant to the position, possess a strong track record of recognized curatorial achievements, and demonstrate excellent knowledge of international contemporary art and modernism. The successful candidate is engaged, innovative, flexible and self-motivated, takes ongoing responsibility and a great team player.
As a curator, you will participate in the work of developing Henie Onstad's exhibition programme in accordance with the museum's vision and strategy. You will work with project budgets, external funding and reporting. The role of curator demands very good written communication skills and you will produce exhibition texts and serve as editor for publications and catalogues. You are knowledgeable, engaging, and communicate effectively both internally and externally. With a broad artistic network, you enjoy building new relationships. As a colleague, you are solution-oriented, curious, collaborative, and thrive in creative, interdisciplinary processes. You speak English fluently, both written and spoken. Knowledge of one Scandinavian language is preferable but not essential.
Application deadline: August 10, 2025
Apply here.
Visit our website hok.no
