About the Clark
The Clark is a leading cultural institution and actively seeks employees who are energized and motivated by its dual mission as an art museum and a center for research and higher education, dedicated to advancing and extending the public understanding of art. The Clark’s mission and its geographical location define three essential aspects of its character and identity: the quality of its art, the beauty of its pastoral setting, and the depth of its commitment to the generation of ideas. Clark employees enjoy the opportunity to live and work in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, a place of rich natural beauty, a dynamic environment defined by its deep cultural resources, and a region that is growing as both a center of innovation and a major tourist destination.
Position Summary
The Clark Art Institute seeks a full-time Curatorial Assistant. The position is intended to serve as preparation for advanced careers in museum curatorial departments or for graduate study. It is a one-year position, renewable for a second year. The position is responsible for performing a variety of duties and project assignments primarily related to curatorial functions and as assigned by Chief Curator.
Applications submitted before March 27 will be given priority. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Major Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
- Perform basic curatorial functions for upcoming exhibitions as assigned including research, label writing and conceptualizing installation design; research new acquisitions and incoming loans.
- Assist with coordinating supervised public access to curatorial files by appointment.
- Draft correspondence related to outgoing loan requests.
- Assist in a variety of assignments as requested by the Chief Curator.
- Coordinate materials for exhibition catalogs: investigate, research and check information provided as to factual content; provide physical facts as appropriate; provide templates for completion of catalog by appropriate staff; assist with image research, and research and write texts for publication as assigned.
- Research and respond to public inquiries about CAI collections and individual works of art.
- Prepare correspondence requesting loan of artwork in preparation of temporary exhibitions as assigned. Track responses to correspondence; coordinate with curators and registrar loans for exhibits. Bring critical issues to attention of Curator / Registrar to ensure request for loan is not jeopardized.
- Assist with preparation of grant applications for exhibition and curatorial projects (including indemnity applications) as requested.
- Act as courier for works of art leaving from or arriving at the Clark.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training, and Skills
- Master’s in Art History.
Work Experience
- Minimum of 1 year of relevant experience preferred.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Physical Demands:
- Ability to sit at a desk/workstation and use a computer for prolonged periods of time.
- Ability to stand for up to four hours.
- Ability to physically move and handle artwork, which requires being able to lift up to 30 pounds occasionally.
- Work Environment: Work will be performed in an office environment and museum spaces. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
Employment at the Clark is contingent on the verification of background information submitted by the applicant.
The Clark is an equal opportunity employer.
