Curatorial Assistant for Works on Paper
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 an energetic, organized, and motivated individual as a full-time Curatorial Assistant for Works on Paper. The position is intended to serve as preparation for advanced careers in museum curatorial departments or for graduate study.
The Curatorial Assistant for Works on Paper is responsible for performing a variety of duties and project assignments primarily related to curatorial functions and as assigned by curatorial staff. The position supervises the Manton Study Center for Works on Paper.
Applications submitted before November 6 will be given priority. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is January 4, and the anticipated term for the position is 18 months.
Major Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
- Oversee Manton Study Center for Works on Paper, including scheduling and outreach, art movement, monitoring of class visits and individual appointments, and coordination of public programs. Help supervise graduate interns assigned to Manton Study Center.
- Assist with preparations for upcoming exhibitions and gallery rotations including object-related research, label writing, preparing of grant materials, provenance research, organizing and tracking checklists and status of loan requests, and assisting with mockups of installation layout and design.
- Draft correspondence related to outgoing loan requests, circulate for departmental review, and finalize letters for the Director’s signature.
- Assist with coordination of materials for exhibition catalogs, including gathering and verifying of content, updating of checklist information, assisting with image research, and preparing texts for publication as assigned.
- Perform research on the permanent collection and proposed new acquisitions as requested by curators.
- Respond to public inquiries about the Clark’s collections and individual works of art.
- Assist with planning for programs related to exhibitions and curatorial projects, and develop and implement programs for the Manton Study Center. Participate in meetings as requested.
- Provide tours as needed to visiting groups and individuals.
- Act as a courier for works of art leaving from or returning to the Clark, as requested.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training, and Skills
- Master’s degree in art history.
Work Experience
- Minimum of 1-2 years 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 regularly.
- 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.
