Burchfield Penney Art Center Launches National Search for Chief Curator  

Buffalo, NY — The Burchfield Penney Art Center has launched the search for a Chief Curator. This executive-level, full-time position presents an extraordinary opportunity for an innovative and collaborative museum professional to lead the Art Center’s curatorial program and help shape the future of a renowned regional institution. 

As the museum dedicated to the legacy of Charles E. Burchfield and the art and artists of Western New York, the Burchfield Penney seeks a Chief Curator who is deeply engaged with both historical and contemporary artistic practices and committed to developing inclusive and visionary exhibitions that reflect the Art Center’s mission and values. 

The Chief Curator will play a pivotal role in leading the execution of a dynamic exhibition schedule—typically 12 to 16 exhibitions annually—and in fostering meaningful partnerships across the region’s vibrant arts community. The successful candidate will lead a talented curatorial team, oversee the development and management of exhibition and departmental budgets, and work collaboratively across departments to support the museum’s strategic goals. 

“This is a rare opportunity to shape a curatorial program rooted in local excellence while participating in national and international conversations in the museum field,” said Scott Propeack, Executive Director of the Burchfield Penney Art Center. “We are excited to find a creative and forward-thinking leader to help deepen our impact and expand the reach of our exhibitions.” 

Applicants should bring curatorial expertise and a passion for engaging diverse audiences through thoughtful exhibition development, scholarship, and innovative programming. The position offers a competitive salary range of $84,000 – $98,000, along with a comprehensive benefits package. 

Applications received by September 5, 2025, will receive priority consideration. Interested candidates should email a single PDF containing a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to burchfld@buffalostate.edu, with “Chief Curator” in the subject line. The position will remain open until filled. 

To view the full job description, visit: https://bpac.co/pg:50 
 
 
ABOUT THE BURCHFIELD PENNEY ART CENTER 
Established in 1966 on the campus of SUNY Buffalo State University, the Burchfield Penney Art Center is the museum dedicated to the art and vision of Charles E. Burchfield and the art and artists of Buffalo, NY, and our region. 

The Burchfield Penney Art Center’s programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. The Burchfield Penney receives generous public support from SUNY Buffalo State University, Erie County, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the City of Buffalo. Private support is provided by The Cameron and Jane Baird Foundation, the Cullen Foundation, the Charles E. Burchfield Foundation, M&T Bank, The Margaret L. Wendt Foundation, the Joy Family Foundation, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Designated Inclusive Arts and Culture Organizations Endowment Fund, a component fund of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, Inc., Elizabeth Elser Doolittle Trust, the Mary A. H. Rumsey Foundation, the James Carey Evans Endowment, and many additional individuals, corporations, foundations, and Burchfield Penney members. The Burchfield Penney Art Center is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Julia Norris
Director of Communications
norrisjl[at]buffalostate.edu 
716-878-3457