Visual Arts Curatorial Fellowship

About IMMA

The Irish Museum of Modern Art, based in what was the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, an extraordinary 17th century building, set upon a hilltop of 48 acres overlooking the river Liffey, is a witness to at least a millennium of change. All of which feeds into our contemporary thinking and commitment to celebrate this remarkable site. At IMMA we have begun to create a space unique with contemporary culture. This is a space where local and global connect, a space where contemporary art and contemporary life meet, challenge and inspire one another.

Role Overview

The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) invites applications for its Visual Arts Curatorial Fellowship. This fellowship is designed to support emerging scholars and professionals in the field of contemporary art. Reporting to the Head of Programming (or nominated person), the Visual Arts Curatorial Fellow will work from the Exhibitions Department to support all phases of exhibition development. This program offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in curatorial practices while contributing to the operational success of the Exhibitions Department. Fellows will also benefit from professional growth opportunities, including exposure to IMMA’s strategic projects and access to training and career development resources.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of exhibitions, aligning with IMMA’s strategic goal of connecting audiences with contemporary art.
• Assist in the management and display the museum’s permanent collection, ensuring it reflects IMMA’s commitment to innovative programming and community engagement.
• Conduct research on works of art within the collection to support IMMA’s mission of challenging and inspiring through art.
• Update information for wall texts and documentation in the curatorial files, contributing to the museum’s role as a creative catalyst for change.
• Provide administrative support within the Exhibitions Department, helping to strengthen IMMA’s operational success.
• Work closely with individual curators, liaising regularly with members of staff in other teams and departments to foster a vibrant cultural hub.
• Complete additional duties as required to support IMMA’s strategic initiatives.

Fellowship Components:

1. Primary Work Placement:
   o Engage in specific projects under the supervision of the Head of Programming (or nominated person), focusing on agreed learning objectives and contributing to IMMA’s strategic goals.
2. Professional Experience and Exposure:
   o Gain insight into the diverse functions of the museum and participate in professional training opportunities and seminars, supporting IMMA’s goal of professional development.
3. Public Tours and Research:
   o Regular interaction with visitors and contribute to public museum tours and / or educational programs, enhancing IMMA’s community relationships.

Learning Outcomes:

• Develop practical skills in exhibition preparation and collection management, aligned with IMMA’s strategic focus on operational excellence.
• Enhance research capabilities and curatorial documentation practices, supporting IMMA’s mission to challenge and inspire.
• Gain experience in public engagement and educational programming, contributing to IMMA’s role as a cultural hub.
• Build professional networks within the museum and cultural heritage sectors, in line with IMMA’s strategic goal of strengthening community relationships.
• Acquire knowledge of international museum logistics, loan processes, and best practices in art installation and conservation, supporting IMMA’s commitment to innovative programming.

The successful candidate will have:

Qualifications:

• B.A. in Art History, Museum Studies, or equivalent (specialty in contemporary art).
• M.A. or Ph.D. (advantageous).
• Minimum 2 years of curatorial or related experience.

Experience:

• Museum Knowledge: Demonstrable knowledge of collections, exhibitions, and operations in Ireland’s cultural, heritage, and arts sectors.
• Art Publishing: A record of art publishing (advantageous).
• Visual Art Tours: Experience in leading tours and interpreting contemporary and modern art.Additional Knowledge and Experience:
• International Museum Loans: Knowledge and experience with loan processes.
• Logistics: Experience with transport, customs, crating, export licenses, and condition reporting.
• Museum Best Practices: Facilities reports, security, conservation, display, and installation.
• Technical Teams: Experience working with technical teams and art handlers.
• Stakeholder Management: Experience with private and corporate lenders and patrons.
• Database Management: Knowledge and experience with museum relational databases.
• Exhibition Design: Basic experience with design software and implementation.
• Research: Both directed and independent.

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a capability-based interview. This means you will be asked to provide specific examples from your experience that demonstrate how you meet the core requirements of the role. The aim is to understand how you have applied your skills and knowledge in real-life situations relevant to the responsibilities of this role.

Capability Dimensions for Assessment:

1) Building Future Readiness
2) Delivering Excellence
3) Managing Information, Problems & Decisions
4) Leading, Supporting & Developing
5) Leading with Specialist Insight
6) Communication & Collaboration.

Why Work with IMMA?

At IMMA, we are proud to offer:

• Opportunity to get involved in IMMA’s 2024-2028 Strategy, development of key themes in response to current global cultural concerns which will shape our programming over the next five years.
• Progressive, hybrid working model.
• The opportunity to work in a beautiful serene historic 17th Century Building surrounded by 48 acres ofMeadows and Gardens – an oasis in Dublin City.
• Free Parking / Secure Bike Sheds.
• Career development opportunities through mentoring, coaching, and training.
• Erasmus + Staff Mobility Scheme funding by European Union.
• Government Pension Scheme
• Employee Wellbeing Committee.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Generous Public Sector leave benefits.
• Strong values-based and inclusive culture.
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Great team environment working to our Core Tenets: Contemporary, Inclusion, Innovation, Collaboration andGlobally Connected.
• Valuable experience at a leading cultural institution.
• Opportunities to attend special museum events and exhibitions.
• Networking opportunities with professionals in the museum and cultural sectors.

Salary

• The salary for this role is in line with public sector pay scales, starting at €37,544, Point 1 of the Grade Executive Officer Std (PPC) scale, as of 1st March 2025.
• The Full Time Salary Scale: €37,544; €39,465; €40,550; €42,667; €44,564; €46,400; €48,229; €50,019; €51,848; €53,670; €55,604; €56,900; LS1 €58,748; LS2 €60,610
• Candidates should note the Irish Museum of Modern Art complies with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and guidelines on Public Sector pay and conditions of employment and pension provisions. Entry level will be at Point 1 of this Grade.

Contract Details

• Contract Type: Fixed Term
• Contract Duration: 2-year fellowship
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week, net of breaks
• Location: IMMA, Military Road, The Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Kilmainham, Dublin 8

How to Apply

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please submit the following:

1. A tailored cover letter explaining your suitability for the role.
2. A current curriculum vitae.

Applications should be submitted via https://imma.bamboohr.com/careers/53.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 21 May 2025
Interview dates: June 2025
Commencement Date: August 2025

Please note:

• IMMA operates an open competition process, and applications are accepted exclusively via BambooHR.
• Applications sent by email or through other channels will not be considered. For questions related to the role or application process, you are welcome to contact us.
• IMMA’s HR office is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Irish Bank Holidays. Any queries submitted during
• these times will be responded to on the next working day.
• We aim to respond to queries as promptly as possible. However, during periods of high activity, response times may be longer than usual. We appreciate your patience and understanding, and we thank you for your interest in working with IMMA.
• For further assistance or reasonable accommodations during the application process, please email tetiana.shchukina@imma.ie.

Join Our Team

IMMA is an equal-opportunity employer, deeply committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We value the richness that a diverse team brings to our work, enhancing both staff and visitor experiences.