Reference # 27260
Closes on 14 Apr 2019 23:55
Department Curatorial
Expertise 2-5 years
Career level MA, BA
Hours/Status Full-Time
Art transforms lives. It provokes us to think, to express, to explore our own creativity, to envision new possibilities. SFMOMA expanded the museum to provide a better experience for our visitors and a better home for our expanding collections, including the SFMOMA collection and the Fisher Collection, one of the finest collections of contemporary art in the world. The new SFMOMA, designed in collaboration with the architecture firm Snøhetta, opened May 14th 2016. With this project, we are transforming not just the museum’s physical presence, but also our contributions to the community, enhancing SFMOMA’s role as a place for learning, inspiration, and interaction for visitors from the Bay Area and beyond. We are making SFMOMA a magnet for contemporary art and for the audiences who will engage with it.
Reporting to the Curator, the Curatorial Assistant, Permanent Collection assists in the research, display, growth, and stewardship of the permanent collection of photography.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Under the direction of the Curators, conduct research on new accessions and works in the permanent collection
- Assist with questions about the permanent collection, both from outside and within the museum, including inspection of artwork, consulting object files, library resources, correspondence with artists and galleries, etc.
- Assist departmental curators with queries about permanent collection for research or inclusion in exhibitions
- Catalogue objects; refine and vet object records in Embark for exhibition and publication
- Assist departmental curators with permanent collection exhibitions, including writing object labels and texts, coordinating framing, press releases, grant proposals and other associated materials.
- Attend exhibition project meetings and provide exhibition-related information and material to Development, Marketing and Communications, Education and Public Programs, Museum Store, and other departments, as directed.
- Assist with scholar visits and class visits to the Collection Study Center; conduct classes, as assigned
- In coordination with the Assistant Curator, Permanent Collection, liaise with Registration, Conservation, and CIA, as well as galleries, donors, and artists to arrange shipping, framing, conservation and photography for Accessions meetings; assist with planning and layout of Accessions meetings.
- Work with the Accessions Coordinator and Loans Out Coordinator in the creation of gift records, accessions records, and loan paperwork
- Collaborate with Assistant Curator, Photography Conservators, and Registrar in the proper care, movement and storage of photographs
- Coordinate the digitization of work in the permanent collection
- Write object labels and extended texts for exhibitions and/or website, working with Publications and Graphic Design, as directed
- Give private and/or public tours, talks, and museum guide trainings, as assigned
- Assist curators in building and maintaining relationships with artists, galleries, and partner institutions
- Assist curators in building and maintaining relationships with collectors, trustees, and accessions committee members
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Training: Possession of Master’s degree in Art History or closely related field with coursework in the history of photography.
Work Experience: Two years related experience.
Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of modern and contemporary art history and terminology, and superb writing and diplomatic skills essential. Ability to provide basic office support including word processing, database management, power point, faxing, filing, and answering telephones. Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines. Strong organizational skills a must: ability to prioritize and organize multiple activities, as well as supervise the activities staff members around a common project. Ability to communicate effectively with donors, artists, Museum staff, colleagues, and the general public, whether in person, on the telephone, or in writing. Strong second language skills a plus.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Physical Demands: Must be able to visually inspect work.
Special Environmental Factors: Close office setting.
