Assistant Curator: Collections

Background

The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) is located in the historic Royal Hospital Kilmainham, a 17th-century building set on 48 acres overlooking the River Liffey. IMMA aims to create a unique space where contemporary culture, local and global, meet to inspire and challenge.

Role Purpose

The Assistant Curator will work within the Collections Team and across departments to support IMMA’s Strategic Goals (2023-2028):

• Catalyst for Change
• Radically Public Space
• Center for Research and Innovation
• Global Connector

The role involves supporting the development, curation, and management of the Collection and its archives, ensuring high standards of care and facilitating public access through research and loans.

Key Responsibilities

Curatorial Research and Development

• Curate and deliver Collection programs, including displays, projects, and events both online and onsite.
• Develop innovative curatorial projects for public access to the Collection.
• Contribute to European museum network initiatives and peer development, particularly in addressing climate issues.
• Establish IMMA as a leading national digital resource on contemporary Irish and global art.
• Collaborate with Engagement & Learning and Audiences & Development teams for innovative digital programming.

Collections Management

• Contribute to an effective Collections Management System.
• Ensure documentation of displays, new acquisitions, and preventive conservation.
• Assist in Collection audits and address outstanding documentation.

Collection Access, Research, and Display

• Curate and deliver exhibitions and projects for public access.
• Plan and manage Collection programs at IMMA and beyond.
• Develop a digital platform for the Collection.
• Manage budgets for Collection Display and Archives Programs.
• Facilitate loans, copyright requests, and public queries.

Content and Communication

• Develop and deliver content related to the Collection, including publications and online content.
• Provide high-level information for digital, national, and international programs.
• Contribute to IMMA’s Public Engagement program through talks and lectures.

IMMA Representation

• Act as an ambassador for IMMA at events.
• Support IMMA’s Development strategy through engagement with donors and partners.
• Stay informed of contemporary art developments and undertake studio visits.

Programme Evaluation

• Evaluate Collection management and programming.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Participate in cross-functional teams, including Communications, Digital Development, and Wellbeing at Work teams.

Key Deliverables

• Develop and curate the National Collection of Irish and International Modern and Contemporary art.
• Support the establishment of IMMA as a leading digital resource on Irish contemporary art.
• Ensure ethical, inclusive, and climate-responsible actions in line with IMMA’s policies.
• Maintain updated artwork files and assist in making them accessible to IMMA staff and researchers.

Requirements

Essential

• 3rd level qualification in Visual Art, Museum Studies, or a related field.
• In-depth knowledge of contemporary art and curatorial practices.
• Experience in Collection documentation, care, and management.
• Proficiency with a Collection Management System.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.
• IT platform confidence.
• Ability to work under pressure and multitask.

Terms and Conditions

Benefits

• Involvement in IMMA’s 2024-2028 Strategy.
• Hybrid working model.
• Work in a historic 17th-century building.
• Free parking and secure bike sheds.
• Career development through mentoring, coaching, and training.
• Erasmus + Staff Mobility Scheme funding by the EU.
• Government Pension Scheme.
• Employee Wellbeing Committee and Assistance Program.
• Generous leave benefits.
• Inclusive culture and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Opportunities to attend special museum events and exhibitions.
• Networking opportunities with museum and cultural professionals.

Salary Scale

• Executive Officer (PPC) Scale Point as at 01st June 2024: €36,044 – €58,834

Application Details

• Submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae via the provided Bamboo link.
• Contract Duration: 2-year full-time specific purpose term.
• Closing Date: 12:00 on Sunday, 14th July 2024.
• Interview Dates: July 2024.
• Commencement Date: July/August 2024.