Exhibition Research Assistant | UK
Exhibition Research Assistant – Renaissance Watercolours
Division: Research
Department/Section: Research Contract: 2 year Fixed-term
Reporting to: Exhibition Curator
Closing date for receipt of applications is midday Monday 17 September 2018
Interviews are likely to be held the week beginning 8 October 2018
Interview expenses will not be paid unless there is a prior agreement.
Background
The V&A is planning an exhibition for Spring 2020 on the Renaissance watercolour. The narrative will trace the emergence of three fundamental representational genre: the landscape watercolour, the natural history study and the portrait miniature. Comprising around 150-200 exhibits the show will include major works by a number of internationally celebrated painters.
There will also be a major scholarly publication to accompany the exhibition.
Purpose of job
A practically minded scholar is required to assist in the development and delivery of the exhibition, in particular to build and maintain good relations with lenders and other stakeholders and to carry out curatorial administration. The Research Assistant will also assist the Exhibition Curator to deliver the accompanying publication.
Main tasks
1. Undertake a wide range of research tasks for the Exhibition as directed by the Exhibition Curator. This will include research on subject areas, collections or objects relevant to the exhibition.
2. Contribute to further development of the structure, themes and content of the exhibition, developing specific research subjects as required.
3. Assist with the process of object selection, which will involve making arrangements for, and sometimes undertaking, research trips as necessary; developing and maintaining excellent relationships with lenders; preparing in-principle loan request letters for the Curator.
4. With the Exhibition Curator, encourage debate on the exhibition subject both within and outside the Museum.
5. Undertake administrative duties, including:
6. Managing photography and conservation programmes, and (in consultation with the Exhibitions Manager) creating and maintaining the exhibition records in the Collections Management System (CMS) database and the electronic and hard-copy exhibition ‘bibles’.
7. Liaise with V&A Collections and lenders on behalf of the Exhibition Curator.
8. For publications, compile draft entries, bibliographies, illustration lists, object checklists, time-lines, captions, any relevant end matter. Assist with proofing and indexing. Liaise with Publishing.
9. Undertaking picture research for the Exhibition. Create and maintain an Excel spreadsheet for tracking permissions and copyrights as needed for contextual images and AV material selected for the exhibition, working closely with the Rights Clearance Manager.
10. Assist the Exhibition Curator and Collections colleagues with object movements, updating entries on the Collections Management System (CMS) database.
11. Assist the Exhibition Curator with aspects of briefing and provision of information to the graphic and exhibition designers.
12. Assist Exhibition Curator and Exhibition Manager with all aspects of research, object selection, acquisition and permissions clearance for AV material for the exhibition. Create and maintain an Excel spreadsheet for tracking permissions and copyrights, working closely with the Rights Clearance Manager.
13. Assist the Exhibition Curator and Manager with the development of partnerships and ventures both within the V&A and with other external organisations where necessary, including academic partners and lenders.
14. Liaise with relevant sections of the V&A on behalf of the Exhibition Curator as and when necessary, including Learning, Development, Marketing, Press, Digital Media, Events, VAE.
15. Supervise volunteers working on the project, if required.
16. Be committed to health and safety and ensure familiarity with all of the Museum’s health and safety policies and procedures.
17. Be security conscious, ensure familiarity and co-operation with all museum security procedures and ensure you wear a security pass at all times when on museum premises.
18. Promote equality and diversity in all aspects of your work by developing and maintaining positive working relationships, ensuring that colleagues are treated fairly and with respect/dignity and actively contributing to developments that support the museum’s strategy for widening access, inclusion and diversity.
19. Carry out ad hoc duties as requested by appropriate managers within your department.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential requirements
1. A graduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline
2. Demonstrable expertise and research experience in a relevant area of art and design history
3. Experience of researching museum collections and the ability to carry out research independently.
4. Experience of picture and audio-visual research
5. Experience of project work, and the ability to co-ordinate many aspects of the Exhibition with due attention to detail and deadlines
6. Proven experience of building and maintaining excellent working relations with a wide range of individuals
7. Excellent written English and verbal communication skills and an ability to communicate at all levels to academic and non-academic audiences
8. A self-motivator who can work well as part of a team and with a wide range of people.
9. Proficient in word processing and database packages such as Word, FileMaker Pro, Microsoft Project and Excel.
Desirable requirements
1. A post-graduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline
2. Experience of working collaboratively with designers to deliver projects to a high standard and on budget
3. Proficiency in another language preferably French, German and/or Italian
OTHER INFORMATION
Hours/Salary:
Net working hours (i.e. excluding meal breaks) are 36 per week.
The salary for this role will be £22,227-£24,000, dependent upon experience. Salaries are reviewed on an annual basis.
Annual leave:
28 days plus 8 days public holidays
Pension benefits:
You will be auto enrolled into the Museum’s Group Personal Pension Scheme and have the opportunity on completion of Probation to an enhanced pension provision, including an employer contribution of 10%.
Other benefits:
Non-contributory life assurance policy (to value of 4 x annual salary)
An interest free season ticket or bicycle loan is available after three months.
Free entrance to all the major museums and exhibitions in London as well as many others. Subsidised staff restaurant
Discounts on purchases in V&A shops
Application process:
Please apply online via the V&A’s website at www.vam.ac.uk/jobs
If you are having technical difficulties applying online, please use the online chat functionality which can be found on the bottom right hand side of the form. Alternatively, you can contact Vacancy Filler directly on 01509 236434, and quote the role reference number and your application number (if known). Please note, Vacancy Filler are contactable, Monday – Friday between 9.00am – 5.00pm.
If you have any queries regarding the role and/or the V&A’s recruitment process, you can email us – contacthr@vam.ac.uk or telephone us on 020 7942 2937 (Working hours Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm).