ABOUT THE KITCHEN
The Kitchen, one of New York City’s oldest nonprofit alternative art centers, was founded as an artist collective in 1971 and became a 501c3 in 1973. It supports emerging and established artists, enabling them to create and present new work in dance, film, music, theater, video, visual art, and literature. Known for its legacy of innovation, The Kitchen fosters a community where artists and audiences can engage with boundary-pushing art that strengthens dialogues between the arts and broader culture.
Notable artists who have presented significant work at The Kitchen include Muhal Richard Abrams, Laurie Anderson, ANOHNI, Robert Ashley, Charles Atlas, Kevin Beasley, Beastie Boys, and many others.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Kitchen is seeking a part-time Archive Fellow for an eight-month period to work on a preservation initiative to make its 50+ year archive more accessible. Reporting to The Kitchen’s Archivist and Manager of Education, the Archive Fellow will support new digital preservation systems, migrate digital assets, and catalog digital objects in ArchivesSpace. Additional tasks include scanning, entering metadata, and completing The Kitchen’s Processing Manual. The Archive Fellow will also conduct independent research within the archive, organizing two Archive Spotlights for The Kitchen’s website.
The ideal candidate will have knowledge of archival arrangement and description (DACS), metadata standards (EAD, MODS, Dublin Core), and experience with LCNAF, LCSH, Getty AAT, and Homosaurus. A background in performance, music, or art history is a plus.
This is a part-time, in-person position requiring some work in an offsite art storage facility. The ability to handle boxes weighing up to 50 lbs is not mandatory. The stipend for this position is capped at $10,000 with no additional benefits, and candidates must commit to two on-site days per week.
DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES
- Catalog digital objects in ArchivesSpace.
- Migrate digital assets to offsite cloud-based systems.
- Perform web crawls and archive websites and social media.
- Scan and photograph posters, prints, and slides.
- Authorize artist names and create subject headings.
- Record daily logs of archival work.
- Assist researchers and prepare licensing or permissions contracts.
- Update and maintain the On File section of The Kitchen’s website.
- Provide support for exhibitions, performances, and grant applications.
- Ensure file naming, checksums, and security of files.
- Contribute to the completion of The Kitchen Processing Manual.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Experience working in an archive.
- Three years of related experience.
- MLS or Certificate of Archive Management preferred.
- Strong foundation in information systems and metadata.
- Experience with scanning and photography is a plus.
- Knowledge of metadata standards (DACS, DublinCore, PBCore, EAD).
- Familiarity with Windows and Mac OS operating systems.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please email your resume and cover letter as a single PDF to jobs@thekitchen.org with “Archive Fellow” in the subject line by close of business on Thursday, August 1, 2024. Only selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.
