About the Role
We're looking for an empathetic, self-driven and curious Curator to collaborate with us on shaping and expanding the Garage Gallery's collection and exhibitions. This role is ideal for someone deeply interested in photography and optical history who enjoys independent research, narrative-building, and working within unconventional spaces.
This is not a salaried or hourly position. Compensation is tied to projects and outcomes, with meaningful upside as the gallery evolves.
This role is well suited for emerging arts professionals, students, artists, or individuals seeking hands-on experience developing the character of and operating a distinct gallery environment.
Compensation Structure
- Commission or revenue share on sales (store and gallery), editions, or projects you curate
- Project-based stipends when funding or grant support is awarded to the Optics Lab
- Public authorship, credit, and curatorial attribution across exhibitions and publications
- Priority consideration for career growth opportunities as the gallery evolves
What You'll Do
- Collaborate on exhibition concepts, creative partnerships, and Optics Lab storytelling
- Assist with exhibition installs and de-installs (no prior experience required; training provided)
- Research and propose potential exhibition themes, stories, and schedules
- Develop and maintain documentation and historical context for displayed work
- Write curatorial texts, art and photography descriptions, and research notes
- Engage with collectors, historians, and the photography community
- Contribute to website content and occasional editorial features
- Assist with administrative tasks and gallery upkeep
- Play a direct role in shaping how exhibitions look and feel, from object presentation to narrative flow and visual tone
Who This Is For
- Background or active practice in photography, art history, or visual culture
- Reliable, self-motivated, and comfortable working independently during gallery hours
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
- Flexible availability, including Saturdays
- Comfortable working without guaranteed income; compensation is tied to outcomes
- Motivated by research, preservation, and storytelling over commercial scale
- Interested in shaping something early, rather than stepping into a well-established institution
Please send your cover letter and resume to careers@theopticslab.com, with “Curator” in the subject line.
Apply