Registrar for Collections [Arkansas Arts Center]

The Arkansas Arts Center, known for its international collection of drawings and contemporary craft, seeks a qualified applicant for the following position.

Title:               Registrar for Collections

Reports To:    Chief Curator and Curator of Contemporary Craft

Summary of Duties:             

• Develops and implements collections management policies and procedures in accordance with best practices established by the American Alliance of Museums and other related museum professional organizations, and in compliance with fine arts insurance requirements; is principally responsible for registering and cataloguing all objects in the collection; prepares reports as requested by Executive Director, Chief Curator, and other curators regarding the same.
• Executes, coordinates, supervises, and/or assists with the storing, retrieving, handling, inspecting, packing/unpacking, and shipping of all collection artwork entering or leaving the museum; prepares related paperwork, including incoming and outgoing receipts, loan agreements, shipping documents, condition reports, photographs, etc.; regularly inspects collection artwork on display in galleries and coordinates care of same with preparators and/or contract conservators; monitors and procures needed supplies for storage of collection objects and records, including archival folders and boxes, glassine and related archival papers, storage equipment and hardware, etc.
• Advises Chief Curator and Deputy Director regarding fine arts insurance coverages; requests and issues certificates of insurance regarding collection objects or objects on loan to the collection from individuals or museums; similarly ensures certificates of insurance are secured for collection artwork on loan to qualified borrowers; reviews Standard Facility Reports submitted by borrowers and makes recommendations to curators.
• Executes, and/or coordinates with preparators and curators, the movement of all artwork into/out of collection storage; maintains current location records for collection objects; conducts regular inventory of artwork in collections storage.
• Monitors safe environmental controls for collection; notifies and coordinates with AAC Facility Manager the safest environment for museum collection; develops, coordinates, and implements security needs related to the collection in consultation with Chief Curator, Deputy Director, and security supervisor.
• Creates and maintains all paper and electronic records pertaining to the collection; serves as systems administrator for electronic collections management database; coordinates photography of collection objects in collaboration with Rights and Reproduction Coordinator; attaches photographs and related supplementary material to object records in electronic collections management database.
• Creates and maintains exhibition and publication histories for collection artwork; maintains artist and object files.
• Assists Chief Curator and other curators with programs for the Collectors Group, Friends of Contemporary Craft, and affiliated collection-related groups, including coordination of incoming and/or outgoing gallery/dealer art shipment/transportation.
• Schedules and supervises use of the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Drawing Research and Education, including assisting qualified scholars and students in their research of collection artwork; coordinates and conducts tours of collection storage at the request of Executive Director, Chief Curator, or curators; provides timely notice of such activities to fellow Exhibitions staff , security supervisor, and appropriate AAC personnel.
• Trains and assists in the supervision of interns, preparators, registrars, and related personnel.
• Assists other Arts Center staff as needed, including coordinating and communicating with other departments about schedule changes, security, and matters pertaining to the collection and borrowed works of art; fulfills other duties as assigned by the Chief Curator.

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) in Museum Studies or related field; Master of Arts preferred;

or three to five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of

education and experience; background or familiarity in Art History, especially drawings and

contemporary craft.  Proficiency of Microsoft Office and collections management database

software, preferably EmbARK; familiarity and demonstrated experience with best-practices in

safe handling and storage of artwork.

Closing Date:  April 10, 2015 (resumes will be reviewed as received)

Procedure for Application: 

Applicants should submit resume and a one-page narrative describing their interest in the position and the experience that relates to the responsibilities described above to Denise Woods, Human Resources Manager at personnel@arkansasartscenter.org