Assistant Curator

Assistant Curator: Collections, IMMA

BACKGROUND
The mission of IMMA is to connect audiences and art and to provide a space where contemporary life and contemporary art connect, challenge and inspire.

Since it’s opening in 1991 the museum has rapidly established itself as a significant and dynamic presence in the Irish and international arts arena. It is highly regarded by its peers throughout the world for the range and relevance of its exhibitions, for its innovative use of its growing collection, for its award-winning education and community programme and for its visitor-centred ethos and facilities.

The programme goes beyond the gallery space to harness the full potential of IMMA’s home in the buildings and extensive 48-acre grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham (RHK), Dublin, with a programme of live performance, summer festivals, food and gardening that invites the audience into a direct interaction with creativity, and provides a space for debate, inspiration and participation.

THE ROLE
Purpose
To work with the Head of Collections and the Curator: Collections to support the development, curation and management of the Collection and its archives for all our audiences. To work with the Collections team to ensure that the highest standards of Collections care and management are maintained and to assist with the facilitation of public access to the Collection and archives through research, access and loans.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Curatorial Research and Development

• To work with the Head of Collections and the Curator: Collections to curate and oversee the delivery of Collection programmes at IMMA including displays, events and publishing.
• To work with the Head of Collections to develop innovative curatorial projects that facilitate wide public access to the Collection as a national and international resource.
• To work with the Head of Collections and Curator of Collections in the development of the Collection, in consultation with the Director and Acquisitions Committee.
• To work with the Collections team to establish IMMA as the leading digital resource on contemporary Irish art practice, to promote Contemporary Irish Art worldwide.
• To work with the Collections team and Audiences & Development team to devise and deliver innovative digital programming that utilises the Collection and Collection archive.
• To work with the Head of Collections, Curator: Collections and Head of Engagement & Learning to develop third level partnerships that create access to the Collection and facilitate research.

2. Collections Management

• To actively contribute to the delivery of an effective Collections Management System, working with the Collections and Programme Production teams, ensuring effective planning and use of resources and that the day to day care of the Collection meets the highest standards of industry best practice.
• To work with the Collections Senior Registrar and Assistant Curator: Care & Access to plan and schedule conservation work; to ensure that Collections records and archive are kept up to date, including documentation of displays and events.
• To work with the Collections Senior Registrar with documentation for new acquisitions.
• To contribute to the ongoing work to address outstanding documentation of Collection artworks and archives; to assist Collection audits.

3. Collection access, research and display

• To actively contribute to curating and delivering exhibitions, displays and projects that create access to the Collection for a wide public.
• Execution of specific Collection Programmes at IMMA and beyond ensuring effective planning and use of resources and that the highest curatorial standards are met.
• To work with the Programme Manager and Programme Production team to effectively plan and manage the delivery of Collection programmes at IMMA and beyond.
• To assist in the development and delivery of a digital platform for theCollection.
• To manage budgets for Collection Exhibition and Archive Programmes.
• To assist in the Department’s facilitation of loans, copyright requests and
  public queries relating to the Collection.

4. Content and Communication

• To develop and deliver content relating to the Collection including publications, online content delivery and visitor gallery information.
• To work with the Development and Communications teams to provide appropriate, high level information on Collection digital, national and international programmes.
• Timely and effective communication to other programmers on Collection digital, national and international programmes.
• Contributing to IMMA’s Public Engagement programme through the delivery of talks and lectures.
• Contribute to the curation of the Project Spaces.

5. IMMA Representation

• Acting as an ambassador and advocate for IMMA at IMMA events and at cultural events nationally.
• Supporting IMMA’s Development strategy through engagement with donors and corporate partners.
• Keeping informed of developments in contemporary art and visiting galleries and undertaking studio visits, virtual / in person, on behalf of the IMMA programming team.

5. Programme Evaluation

• To contribute to the Collections team’s evaluation of Collection management and programming.

6. Cross Functional
Cross functional working with other programming teams is required, supported and encouraged:

• Departmental lead in Communications cross-functional team
• Member of the Programming Team
• Member of the Programme Production cross-functional team as required
• Member of the Digital Development Team as required
• Member of the Archive Team
• Member of the Wellbeing at Work team as required

The above key responsibilities’ is a guide to broad areas of responsibility and accountability and should not be regarded as a comprehensive listing. The roleprofile may be reviewed in the light of new structures and / or the changing needs of the Museum.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Key Criteria will include:

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• 3rd level qualification in Visual Art or Museums Studies or related topic
• In-depth knowledge of contemporary art developments and curatorial practices
• Experience and knowledge of Collection documentation, care and management issues
• Experience in using a Collection Management System
• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Confidence with the relevant IT platforms
• The ability to work under pressure and multi-task

TERMS AND CONDITIONS