Curatorial Research Assistant

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The Curatorial Research Assistant is responsible for development-phase research and coordination of a new commission and related career survey of a major contemporary artist. The exhibition will comprise MOCA’s contribution to the Getty Foundation’s 2024 Pacific Standard Time initiative Art x Science x LA. Under the supervision of the exhibition curator, duties include conducting research on artist, artworks, exhibitions, current climate science, and other related subjects; supporting the establishment and preparations for online convening of an international advisory group; organizing and maintaining research files; assisting with multiple aspects of exhibition organization including communication with artist’s studio, database entry, and correspondence; and providing administrative support related to the advisory committee and exhibition development.

This is a part-time, temporary position with an end date of December 2022, with possible extension through 2024. Must be based in Southern California or be willing to relocate at own expense.

Essential Functions:

Perform research, compile information on artist and artworks using online resources and, when Covid-safe, MOCA’s library and local and specialized libraries. Some travel may be required. The Curatorial Research Assistant may be asked to incur expenses for parking, transportation, photocopying, and other research needs that will be reimbursed by MOCA.
Compile research material that will eventually serve as catalog back matter including general bibliography and exhibition chronology, artists’ bibliographies, and other information as required.
Assist with preparations for advisory committee meetings and related travel arrangements, if applicable.
Assist with locating potential exhibition loans and images, scan images into TMS database, obtain lender contact information for objects and copyright information for images.
Enter and update exhibition object information into TMS database; generate checklists, lender lists, mailing lists, and other reports as required.
Compile special installation requirements and photography restrictions for artworks identified for the checklist.
Work with the Advancement department to track exhibition-related activities and expenses for grant reporting.
Work with Advancement and Communications departments on image and information requests.

Requirements:

M.A. in art history or related subject and knowledge of contemporary art, with particular understanding of the history of art addressing climate change
A minimum two years of administrative support experience. Ability to use Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, and Adobe Photoshop
Knowledge of The Museum System (TMS) database preferred
Must possess excellent interpersonal, writing, organizational, and office skills.

Application:

Please submit your resume and cover letter to hr@moca.org with the subject line “Curatorial Research Assistant”.