Daniel and Brett Sundheim Chief Curator - Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia - University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA - Koya Partners
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POSITION PROFILE Daniel and Brett Sundheim Chief Curator Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia - University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA
About the Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia -
University of Pennsylvania
The Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia (“ICA”)
was founded to champion new and underrecognized artists and ideas. That same spirit of
experimentation and possibility continues to guide their work today. ICA has for almost 60
years been the region’s premier hub of contemporary art. The ICA develops projects at the
intersection of interdisciplinary artistic practice that encourage an exchange of ideas on art
and society.
Through exhibitions, commissions, events, publications, and special projects, the ICA supports international and local
artists across disciplines in making ambitious projects and furthering new directions in their practices and in the field. The
ICA is committed to their audiences having access to impactful experiences and supporting meaningful connections with
art and artists. Issues of equity, inclusion and social justice are core to the ICA’s mission and they advocate for artists,
research, and dialogues that contextualize and resonate with the socio-political conditions of our time.
Located within the University of Pennsylvania, the ICA shares the University’s history and commitment to experimental
research and discovery and believe in supporting the next generation of imaginative and creative thinkers through
student-led projects, career development opportunities, and collaborations across fields of inquiry at Penn and beyond.
ICA cares about building relationships within their community that they contribute to and strengthen the cultural life of the
University of Pennsylvania (“University” or “Penn”) and the city of Philadelphia.
Daniel and Brett Sundheim Chief Curator, 2
Institute of Contemporary Art-Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania
About the Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia -
University of Pennsylvania
Highlights of Recent and Upcoming Programming include:
Premiered at ICA September 17 – December 30, 2021, now on view at the Hammer Museum February
6 – May 15, 2022
Ulysses Jenkins: Without Your Interpretation. This is the first major retrospective on the work of
groundbreaking video/performance artist Ulysses Jenkins. A pivotal influence on contemporary art for
over 50 years, Jenkins has produced video and media work that conjures vibrant expressions of how
image, sound, and cultural iconography inform representation. Using archival footage, photographs,
image processing and elegiac soundtracks Jenkins pulls together various strands of thought to interrogate
questions of race and gender as they relate to ritual, history, and the power of the state.
March 16 – May 22, 2022
RAW Académie at ICA: Infrastructure, directed by Linda Goode Bryant.
Based in Dakar, Senegal, RAW Académie is a residential program for the research and study of artistic and
curatorial practice and thought that is rooted in the question: “How do we learn from each other?” For the
ninth session of its Académie, RAW will relocate its staff and organization to Philadelphia in an experiment
in institutional exchange, alternative pedagogy, and hospitality. The session, Infrastructure, is directed by
artist, writer, filmmaker, and activist Linda Goode Bryant. Over the course of seven weeks, Goode Bryant will
Daniel and Brett Sundheim Chief Curator, 3
Institute of Contemporary Art-Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania
About the Institute of Contemporary Art-
Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania
work to reimagine the possibilities for an alternative arts infrastructure
with an interdisciplinary roster of visiting fellows, artists, curators Learn More:
and faculty from the University of Pennsylvania—including Gudskul, icaphila.org
Arthur Jafa, Louis Massiah, Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung, Bryant
Wells, and Sarah Workneh. The session’s investigations will be shared
through a series of public-facing events resulting in an exhibition that
will remain on view through May 22, 2022.
The ICA is excited to premier the following exhibitions in 2022 and
2023: Sissel Tolaas: RE______; Terence Nance: SWARM;, Carolyn
Lazard; and Probable Furniture and On Sargasso Seas.
August 19 – December 30, 2022
Sissel Tolaas: RE________
For artist and smell researcher Sissel Tolaas smell is an important and
underappreciated tool of communication. At her studio and chemistry
lab in Berlin, she is researching the complex topics of smell while
exploring smell as a medium of artistic expression. Her investigations
range from in-depth research and analysis, to the archiving and
synthetic (re)production of smell molecules and structures. With an
artistic and scientific practice that addresses the sense of smell rather
than sight and hearing, the work in Tolaas’s site specific exhibition at
ICA will activate a different type of engagement and perception for
audiences.
March 10 – July 9, 2023
Carolyn Lazard: Long Take
This exhibition marks the first US solo museum presentation of
the work of New York/Philadelphia–based artist and writer Carolyn
Lazard. Working across disciplines and mediums, Lazard explores
the social and political dimensions of care at the intersection of race,
gender, and disability. Focusing on accessibility and dependency,
their artworks and published writings center illness as a site of
abundance and collectivity. For their exhibition the artist presents
Long Take, a newly conceived installation that responds to the legacy
of dance for the camera, considered through the lens of accessibility
as a creative tool.
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Institute of Contemporary Art-Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania
What’s Next
The ICA is at an exciting inflection point: In November
2020, Zoë Ryan started her tenure as ICA’s Daniel W.
Dietrich, II Director and began to connect with ICA’s staff,
Board of Advisors, colleagues across Penn’s campus,
and fellow arts leaders from throughout Philadelphia and
across the country.
The conversations were foundational in understanding the current state
of ICA and how it is viewed internally and externally, and in charting a
course for ICA in the coming years.
In fall 2021, ICA began a strategic visioning process that is engaging
ICA’s staff, Board, community stakeholders, and visitors, and will result in
a new Mission Statement and Theory of Change Statement that will serve
as a roadmap for setting priorities and making strategic decisions over
the next five years.
This process ensures that priorities are mission-centered; responsive
to the local and non-local audiences, and the artists with whom ICA
work with; achievable within the ICA’s staff capacity; and measurable in
impact. The strategic visioning process will occur in tandem with ICA’s
DEAI work to ensure the ICA has the necessary infrastructure to engage
varied publics, and to encourage a DEAI-centered visioning process that
includes as many voices as possible.
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Institute of Contemporary Art-Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Director, the Chief Curator will work
to expand the reach, relevance and impact of the ICA’s
artistic contributions by playing a key role in strategizing,
articulating, and executing a vision for ICA’s curatorial
program. This includes exhibitions, publications, programs,
and projects that support experimentation, research, and
artistic and intellectual exchange.
A key component of this position is actively seeking out and implementing
new frameworks and contexts through which to present and explore artistic
ideas.
The Chief Curator is a critical partner to the ICA Director and Board of
Advisors in building and strengthening the vision, artistic identity, and ICA
team with enormous potential for developing inventive processes and
projects through positive leadership at a critical time for the institution.
As ICA begins work on its next strategic plan, this leader will provide critical
input on a number of topics, including audience engagement and equity
and inclusion strategies. The Chief Curator is a central part of this process,
working in partnership with the Director and the core team to develop and
implement a plan that will write the next chapter in ICA’s history.
Daniel and Brett Sundheim Chief Curator, 6
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Key Responsibilities of the Chief
Curator Include:
Curatorial Strategy and Vision
• Provide an advanced vision for and leadership of ICA’s exhibition strategy and multidisciplinary curatorial
program centered on art, design, architecture and the built environment. This includes the development of
an ongoing plan for major exhibitions that strikes a balance between local, national and global coverage;
articulates a holistic program narrative; attracts revenue and fundraising; and compels deep community
engagement.
• Curate and overseeing original and compelling exhibitions that productively question assumptions about
art, culture and society, with a particular eye towards innovative, large-scale shows and traveling exhibitions
that engage and expand audiences.
• Design and build programming onsite, offsite, and across ICA’s digital platforms.
• Develop original research for projects spanning group, thematic, and solo exhibitions and curatorial projects
that are not limited to, but include, a focus on emergent artistic and cultural practices, bringing to light
overlooked artists and ideas, and exploring issues that contextualize and resonate with the socio-political
conditions of our time.
• Review proposals for exhibitions by ICA curators and guest curators and provide support and mentorship
to ensure projects are well situated within the arc of ICA’s program and successfully realized.
• Establish a vision and plan (in tandem with other departments at ICA, including Public Engagement) for
publishing that continues ICA’s history of contributing scholarship to the field and considers original writing,
visual essays and other forms of publishing that further an exchange of ideas on contemporary artistic
practice. Define a roadmap that includes staffing, budget, capacity, etc., for achieving related goals.
• Introduce programs and write original scholarly essays and articles.
• Lead interpretation efforts creating materials and experiences that are artist-centered and support
audiences in having meaningful connections with ICA projects. Work closely with the Communications and
Public Engagement department to ensure best practice approaches to publications and interpretation.
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Key Responsibilities of the Chief
Curator Include:
• As a leader in the field, contribute to professional organizations and events, such as conferences and art
fairs, to continue to broaden ICA’s visibility and build its reputation.
• Keep abreast of local, national, and international arts scholarship and practice, and new developments in
the field through research and contact with other curators, artists and scholars.
• Consistently look to innovate and introduce new processes and working methods to ICA to improve and
foster a positive and evolving culture of experimentation and discovery.
• Build and grow relationships with artists, curators, faculty and leaders within the Philadelphia region, in
addition to regional, national, and international organizations to develop partnerships that will resonate with
both local and national audience.
• Work across ICA, establishing ties with the University and beyond to create rigorous and collaborative
methods of inquiry and research through programming, publishing, and academic courses that supports
the teaching mission of Penn and reinforces the multidisciplinary profile and potential of ICA, furthering its
research mission and fostering connections between art, ideas, and society.
• As an incubator of ideas, a laboratory where experimentation and risk-taking are part of its DNA and
housed within the academically rich environment of the University (and alongside award-winning educators
and scholars at the forefront of research and thought), consider ways ICA can integrate and leverage
these resources. Through the lens of inclusivity and access and an interdisciplinary approach, explore
the potential ways ICA can expand its impact across campus and become an integral part of the student
experience at Penn.
• Take advantage of ICA is a non-collecting institution, developing and realizing new commissions and
experimental projects that contribute to the field with new conversations and lines of inquiry that frame
more inclusive, diverse, and equitable readings of the time in which we live.
Leadership, Management and Ambassadorship
• Collaborate as a high-performing member of the senior leadership team, with proactive input into decisions
Daniel and Brett Sundheim Chief Curator, 8
Institute of Contemporary Art-Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania
Key Responsibilities of the Chief
Curator Include:
Leadership, Management and Ambassadorship
• Collaborate as a high-performing member of the senior leadership team, with proactive input into decisions
affecting the ICA’s annual and long-term operating plans, including strategic action plans, program
priorities, human and financial resource allocations and holistic institutional communications.
• Lead planning and priority-setting for the curatorial department (staffing, budgets, capacity, etc.). Set
objectives for income and expenses, adjusting forecast to ensure goals.
• Co-lead initiatives and strategies for diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, with a particular focus on
deeply embedding these values in the curatorial and exhibition programs and across the curatorial team.
• Oversee, mentor, and develop a team of curators, promoting professional growth while creating
opportunities for them within the development of exhibitions and programming.
• Act as an effective spokesperson for ICA and the Arts at Penn, and on a local, national, and international
level.
• Building upon relationships with artists, gallerists and museum professionals locally, nationally, and
internationally to raise the profile of ICA as a leading venue for contemporary art and ideas, and mentor
curatorial staff to do the same.
• Maintaining existing and developing new relationships engaging ICA Trustees, funders, donors, and
collectors towards institutional relevance and sustainability.
• In concert with Director of Curatorial Affairs, oversee all aspects of the curatorial program from budgets,
schedules, logistics, and production for originally conceived shows, projects borrowed from other
institutions, and ICA exhibitions that travel to other venues.
• Balance the creative and intellectual process of developing programs and partnerships with duties
associated with administrative and financial oversight and planning.
• Work closely with Development staff to strategize, cultivate, and expand programmatic support. Actively
cultivate donors, foundations, government and corporate funders for program specific projects and general
curatorial support for the department.
• In partnership with the fundraising and development team, co-create fundraising events.
Daniel and Brett Sundheim Chief Curator, 9
Institute of Contemporary Art-Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania
Key Responsibilities of the Chief
Curator Include:
Qualifications and Abilities
• Preferably an advanced degree in Art History, Arts Education,
Architecture, Arts Administration or non-profit management or
equivalent experience from which that training can be acquired.
• Minimum of seven years of experience in museum curatorial,
programmatic and management roles; experience with managing
budgets and teams.
• Commitment to supporting an anti-racist framework and conducting
their work through the lens of equity; lived experience or training in
anti-racism encouraged.
• Relevant and/or significant academic and scholarly achievements
in a related field, including published or edited works or articles;
recognition and/or awards from relevant institutions, accreditation
or certifications from relevant organizations, academic, and creative
affiliations, including membership with arts organizations; and
speaking engagements at seminars, panels, conferences and other
industry gatherings.
Daniel and Brett Sundheim Chief Curator, 10
Institute of Contemporary Art-Philadelphia, University of PennsylvaniaCandidate Profile
The Chief Curator will possess the following professional
and personal qualities, skills and characteristics:
Curatorial & Visionary Leadership
The Chief Curator possesses a deep knowledge of contemporary art and
artists, as well as the art world and its key players, and demonstrated
experience building groundbreaking collections and exhibitions
through a deep understanding of IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity
and Accessibility). The ideal candidate demonstrates a sophisticated
understanding of transcultural, Black, Latinx, Indigenous and queer
perspectives. This individual has enthusiasm for new curatorial
methodologies including those that partner with stakeholders and/
or advisory groups to directly engage marginalized communities. The
Chief Curator is experienced in hiring curators with expansive cultural
competencies. Finally, the ideal candidate possesses the curiosity and
drive to stay ahead of trends in the museum and broader art world
in order to identify new and unique opportunities that serve the ICA’s
mission.
Leading Through Influence and Relationship-Building
The Chief Curator is highly skilled at building effective relationships
across complex institutions at all levels. This leader will also bring
experience expanding and deepening the institution’s reach and impact
within the communities it serves. The ideal candidate is a strong leader,
mentor, communicator, and collaborator with the ability to engage a
range of stakeholders including the Institute’s Director, staff, Board
members, donors, artists, visitors and partners at the local, national and
international level. The Chief Curator is an outstanding communicator,
able to speak and write passionately about ICA’s legacy, impact, growth
strategy, values and future direction to all audiences. The Chief Curator
possesses the ability to develop a powerful sense of shared purpose in
others and motivate them to engage the opportunities and challenges
at present and in the future while providing effective leadership during a
period of change, reflection and growth. A leader who possesses self-
confidence and an approachable yet sophisticated style that will resonate
in the Philadelphia and Penn community and beyond, the Chief Curator
will have a high level of emotional intelligence and will develop productive
and fulfilling relationships with constituents.
Daniel and Brett Sundheim Chief Curator, 11
Institute of Contemporary Art-Philadelphia, University of PennsylvaniaCandidate Profile
Management & Business Acumen
The Chief Curator will be skilled at building and leading high-performing,
diverse teams of the highest degree of professionalism and guiding team
members’ growth and development. The Chief Curator has the ability to
set clear priorities, delegate and guide investment in people and systems
and also serve as the ultimate decision-maker. The Chief Curator will
encourage and celebrate the talents of the team while also holding each
member accountable to mutually agreed-upon goals. The ideal candidate
identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; develops alternative
solutions; works well in group problem-solving situations; and uses sound
reasoning even when dealing with emotional topics. The ideal candidate
is open and nimble in adjusting to emerging needs or shifting priorities.
This leader will provide a productive work environment that matches the
skill set and abilities of staff members as well as professional growth
opportunities that result in team cohesion and camaraderie.
Additionally, the Chief Curator will approach the department’s operations
and finances with focus and balance and will make decisions based
on a clear understanding of the strategic objectives and parameters of
the ICA. This executive demonstrates proactive leadership, the ability
to foster trust and collaboration among team members and manage
through change with flexibility and poise. Finally, the Chief Curator brings
strong project-management skills and ability to lead multiple, high-profile
projects forward and effectively leverage available resources and/or
creatively identify new resources as necessary.
Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility
The Chief Curator will demonstrate a commitment to promoting the
ICA’s values around racial equity and anti-racism through ICA’s Inclusion,
Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) initiatives. This leader will bring
demonstrated experience authentically engaging diverse populations,
visitors, artists and beyond, and approach their work through a social
justice lens. Globally and culturally competent, the Chief Curator will
have the character and integrity necessary to develop rapport with
people of varying experiences, backgrounds and philosophies. This
empathetic leader will demonstrate proven success with leading and
implementing IDEA initiatives and values in their institutions and will share
their knowledge with their team and others who surround them. The
Chief Curator will ensure the ICA’s work towards becoming an anti-racist
institution is demonstrated through ICA’s internal and external stories and
actions.
Daniel and Brett Sundheim Chief Curator, 12
Institute of Contemporary Art-Philadelphia, University of PennsylvaniaCandidate Profile
A Passion for the Mission
Fully embracing the mission of the ICA and its values, the Chief Curator
will be passionate about working in partnership with the staff, board
and stakeholders to advance the ICA’s mission, vision and curatorial
agenda. This leader will possess a deep commitment to evolving and
expanding the ICA’s impact, relevance and reach for the 21st century.
Embracing the ICA’s culture while continually innovating it alongside the
leadership team, staff, Board, and University, the Chief Curator will be
deeply committed to the ICA’s broad and diverse community of internal
and external stakeholders, artists, partners, and citizens. This leader will
have a strong work ethic, emotional intelligence, a sense of humor (this
is key, maybe it should be higher up!) and evidence of a commitment to
lifelong learning and professional growth. Additionally, this leader will be
an individual of unquestioned integrity, ethics, and values – someone who
can be trusted without reservation.
Daniel and Brett Sundheim Chief Curator, 13
Institute of Contemporary Art-Philadelphia, University of PennsylvaniaUniversity Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer
in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education,
research, and innovation.
This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10
universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12
highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate,
graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive
interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia.
The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus within West
Philadelphia, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and
recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks,
lively cultural offerings, renowned health system, many colleges and
universities, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect
place to call home for work and play.
The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes
excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families,
generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development
opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and
wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Affirmative Action Statement Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits
discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender
identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age,
disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.
Background check required after a conditional job offer is made.
Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the
requirements of the job.
Daniel and Brett Sundheim Chief Curator, 14
Institute of Contemporary Art-Philadelphia, University of PennsylvaniaContact
Koya Leadership Partners, the executive search firm that specializes in
mission-driven search, has been exclusively retained for this engagement.
Anne McCarthy is leading this search. To make recommendations or to
express your interest in this role please email
ICAcurator@koyapartners.com.
All nominations, inquiries, and discussions will be considered strictly
confidential.
ICA is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages
applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and
LGBTQ+ applicants.
About Koya Partners
Koya Partners, a part of Diversified Search Group, is a leading executive search and strategic advising
firm dedicated to connecting exceptionally talented people with mission-driven clients. Our founding
philosophy—The Right Person in the Right Place Can Change the World—guides our work as we partner
with nonprofits & NGOs, institutions of higher education, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in
local communities and around the world.
Koya is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to creating an environment and team that represents
a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, styles, and experiences. We encourage all to apply because we
believe a diversity of voices leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for everyone. Koya does
not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation,
military status, veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by
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For more information Koya Partners, visit www.koyapartners.com.
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