The Watermill Center a laboratory for the arts and humanities
Artistic Director, Robert Wilson www.watermillcenter.org
ARTIST PROGRAMS MANAGER
The Artist Programs Manager is a position reporting to The Watermill Center Director. Working closely with the Facilities Director and Watermill Center Assistants, the Artist Programs Manager is responsible for managing The Watermill Center’s (WMC) year-round Artist Programs. These programs include the Artist Residency Program, International Summer Program, Inga Maren Otto Fellowship, and Nina von Maltzahn Fellowship. The Artist Programs Manager will work collaboratively with WMC’s Public Programs, Communications, Development, and Finance teams to support essential activities related to the Artist Programs.
About The Watermill Center
The Watermill Center is a laboratory for the arts and humanities, providing a global community the time, space, and freedom to create and inspire.
Founded in 1992 by Robert Wilson, The Watermill Center is an interdisciplinary laboratory for the arts and humanities situated on ten acres of Shinnecock ancestral territory on Long Island’s East End. With an emphasis on creativity and collaboration, Watermill offers artist residencies and education programs that integrate contemporary artistic practice with resources from the humanities and research from the sciences.
Situated on 39 Watermill Towd Rd, a 20,000 square foot main facility houses a Study Library, Art Collection, spaces for rehearsals, performances, and exhibitions, a kitchen with dining areas, and office space. The Artist-in-Residence House, at 11 Watermill Towd Road, is a 10,000 square foot facility with eight private bedrooms, a kitchen, living areas, and an amphitheater. The Art Collection consists of 5,000+ works of art and artifacts, ranging from ancient to contemporary, including numerous museum-quality works from Indonesia, Africa, and Oceania, as well as works by contemporary artists such as Paul Thek, Donald Judd, Bruce Nauman, Robert Mapplethorpe, Agnes Martin, among others.
Responsibilities
● Oversee annual open calls and artist invitations for the Artist Programs. ● Manage the selection process for all WMC’s Artist Programs, including organizing and leading internal and external selection committee meetings and communicating with the selected artists. ● Manage artists from selection to completion of their residency, including pre-residency planning, contracts, transportation, housing, orientation, workspace setup, material and tech needs, exit interviews, etc. ● Establish, track, and maintain budgets and facilitate expenditures with the Director of Finance. ● Design and implement opportunities for artists to meet (whether in person or virtually) with WMC staff, arts professionals, mentors, and WMC alumni to support their practice. ● Work closely with the Public Programs Manager to coordinate artist participation in public and educational programming (e.g., In Process, Viewpoints Lecture Series, Community Day, etc.).
The Watermill Center | 39 Watermill Towd Road, Water Mill, NY 11976 | +1 (631) 726.4628
The Watermill Center a laboratory for the arts and humanities
Artistic Director, Robert Wilson www.watermillcenter.org
● Work closely with the Development Department to coordinate artist participation in special events (e.g., Artist Table Brunch, Benefit Fundraisers, Discover Watermill Day, etc.). ● Work closely with the Communications Department to coordinate artist participation in residency documentation, press interviews, etc. ● Provide general support during public and private events. ● Facilitate public tours and assist visitors with Open Library hours, as needed. ● Manage volunteers and Artist Program interns. ● When needed, help move items from the WMC Collection, which are sometimes fragile and/or heavy. ● Assist the Facilities Director and Assistants on projects related to the building and grounds, as needed.
Desired Skills
● Experience working with artists ● Knowledge of contemporary arts and cultural sector ● Highly collaborative and able to manage across the organization ● Experience prioritizing tasks, working deadlines, and adapting to changing priorities ● Management experience handling multiple projects simultaneously ● Strategic thinker with creative problem-solving skills ● Excellent organizational, research, and communication skills ● Knowledge of technical production ● Proficiency in Google and Microsoft Suites, Slack, Zoom, and adopting new digital tools.
Employment Terms
Full-time, ongoing position located at The Watermill Center in Water Mill, NY. M-F, 9:00am to 5:00pm with some weekend hours. 15 days vacation, dates to be approved by supervisor; 10 major public holidays; 5 personal days; Option for health and dental insurance benefits; option for 401(k) plan. Salary commensurate with experience.
Please send a resume and a brief cover letter to [email protected] with the subject heading “Artist Programs Manager.” Only those whose applications are being considered will be contacted. No emails or phone calls, please.
The Watermill Center, operated by the Byrd Hoffman Water Mill Foundation, is a proud equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, familial or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.
The Watermill Center | 39 Watermill Towd Road, Water Mill, NY 11976 | +1 (631) 726.4628