Assistant Curator, Prints, Drawings, and Photographs

Job Summary

The RISD Museum at Rhode Island School of Design is pleased to announce an opening for an Assistant Curator of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs. Under the supervision of the department Curator, the Assistant Curator takes responsibility for the care and development of an important departmental collection, as well as its interpretation through exhibitions, publications, and participation in the RISD Museum teaching and educational programs. The successful applicant will recognize and value diversity as central to excellence and have a passion for works on paper that can be communicated to scholarly and general audiences.

As one of the three largest university art museums in the United States, the RISD Museum is a place for investigation, transformation, and creative process. For artists, students, educators, and the greater community we make the visual experience richer and deeper. We encourage inquiry. We foster connections between the visual arts and other forms from the literary to the scientific. We help build the skills needed in a fast-changing global society. To learn more about the RISD Museum visit http://risdmuseum.org/.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for the care of the collection. Document works on paper in the collection: supply basic cataloging information to Registrar for all objects acquired or already owned by the Museum; conduct inventories of objects in the collection; conduct and record or publish research on objects in the collection. Oversee the preparation of work sent to the photography studio. Preserve works on paper in the collection: with advice from the Curator and Conservator implement proper housing, storage, and presentation of the collection. Manage the proper storage of all objects to ensure safety and accessibility. Implement established handling procedures and oversee proper handling by fellows, interns, work-study students, and visitors. Make recommendations for loans, advising on their care. At the request of the Curator, serve as a courier. Work closely with the Museum Security Department to ensure the security of works of art.
• With an inclusive lens, teach and make the collection accessible for RISD and Brown faculty and students, the broader academic community, and the general public. Answer scholarly and public inquiries.
• With an inclusive lens, work collaboratively with Museum staff to interpret the collection through exhibitions, installations, publications, and educational programs.
• With an inclusive lens, help develop the collection. Develop a sound knowledge of the art market, including the availability and value of objects. Develop contact with dealers and cultivate donors and potential donors. Through the Curator and the Director recommend purchases and gifts, as well as deaccessions and method of deaccessioning (sale, exchange, transfer). Assist the Curator by preparing information on purchases, gifts, and deaccessions.
• Support the fundraising and public relations efforts of the Museum and the Development Office. Identify, cultivate, and educate supporters and potential supporters of the Museum through advice and special activities. Provide timely information necessary to prepare grants, budgets, and work plans for projects. Provide timely information regarding the collection and exhibitions to Marketing and support its efforts.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience

• Masters or equivalent combination of education and experience required; Ph.D. preferred. Two to three years of curatorial or related experience; a record of scholarly publications and/or exhibitions. Preference will be given to candidates who have expertise in European works on paper pre-1900 and who have some knowledge of art beyond Western cultures. Proficiency in a language other than English. Familiarity with conservation and collection care; excellent research and writing skills; excellent speaking skills; collaborative, teamwork approach; flexibility; strong interpersonal skills; strong organizational skills.

Full consideration will be given to candidates who apply by April 6, 2020.