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Author: Dominique T. Marcial (Page 2 of 12)

Curatorial Assistant- Newport Museum of Art

CURATORIAL ASSISTANT

(Temporary Part-Time, 3 days/week, May 28 – Sept 21)

 

SUMMARY:

The Curatorial Assistant assists the Senior Curator in the management and coordination of
exhibitions and other museum events. The Curatorial Assistant helps the Senior Curator
manage temporary exhibitions, permanent exhibitions, and loan exhibitions. He/she
manages the logistics of exhibitions, including arranging art shipments and handling loans
and condition reports for exhibitions. This position is a wonderful opportunity to work
closely with museum staff, the curatorial team (including the Senior Curator, Registrar, and
preparators), artists, and works of art. This position is temporary part-time (for 4
months) with the possibility of becoming permanent at the end of the 4 months.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Assists in the preparation of all exhibition related paperwork including loan agreements, incoming/outgoing object receipts, and condition reports
  • Manages all aspects of receiving and installing artwork, including shipping,
  • scheduling installations (in consultation with preparators and curator), and coordinating with preparators
  • Assists in coordination of exhibition timelines
  • Creates and maintains exhibition checklists
  • With the Curator, creates and maintains the exhibition installation schedule
  • Executes a variety of research related to services, vendors, and aspects of exhibitions and gathers estimates for exhibition-related activities
  • Oversees installation and de-installation of both temporary and permanent museum exhibitions, including planning and directing fabrication, installation, and disassembly of exhibitions. Helps ensure that exhibition installations happen on schedule. Works closely closely with 2-3 preparators/art handlers who install and de-install exhibitions and objects on permanent display. Involves some hands-on installation work, such as patching and painting walls and installing works of art.
  • With preparators, installs vinyl cut exhibition title and exhibition labels. Generates labels or works with graphic designer to create them.
  • Works closely with artists and preparators to address any installation and deinstallation issues in advance of installation periods and during installation as issues arise.
  • With preparators, assists the Registrar as needed with handling and storing works of art.
  • Occasional proofreading of wall text and labels
  • Deals with outside vendors for tasks, projects, and products related to exhibitions, including signage vendor and graphic designer
  • Assists with other curatorial tasks as needed
  • This is a temporary part-time position requires availability during normal business hours as well as occasional nights and weekends, when needed.

Qualifications and Skills:

  • A positive attitude
  • Works well under pressure and likes problem-solving
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team-environment
  • Flexibility
  • The ability to multitask and to plan out schedules and tasks in order to meet deadlines
  • Experience with Word and Excel; Experience with Photoshop is a plus
  • A willingness to learn
  • A genuine interest in art
  • Work may be performed indoors and outdoors throughout the campus
  • Position may require periods of walking, bending, stretching, climbing and enough physical strength to carry heavy works of art with others and smaller works unassisted
  • 1-2 years of museum or related experience
  • A valid driver’s license
  • B.A. or B.F.A. in art history, art, design, or liberal arts preferred; M.A. or M.F.A.
  • degree in art history or art or a related field is welcome

 

To Apply:

Please send resume or CV, cover letter, and 3 references to jobs@newportartmuseum.org.

Preparator- Newport Museum of Art

Status: Part-time
Reports to: Senior Curator and Curatorial Associate
Start Date: May 1, 2018

Position Summary:

The Preparator interfaces with all technical aspects of art handling with regard to
installation and de-installation, art transport, packing/shipping, and storage of art objects
under the direction of the Senior Curator, Curatorial Associate, and Registrar. He/she
assists with the maintenance of art storage, framing room, and routine maintenance of
Museum galleries. He/she plays an integral role in exhibition installation, preparing works
of art for hanging, de-installing and returning or storing works of art, and preparing the
galleries for new shows.

Essential Functions:

  • Assists in all aspects of changing gallery space including patching and painting walls, building structures/mounts, and installing/deinstalling artwork.
  • Completes all preparatory tasks for installing artwork including framing and unframing and sometimes matting.
  • Assists Registrar and Curatorial Associate to pack and unpack artwork on loan.
  • Transports artwork locally.
  • Assists with maintaining the appearance of exhibition space including changing light bulbs, dusting, cleaning plexi, paint touch-up, and care and cleaning of other exhibition furniture.
  • Assists with installing and attaching vinyl, wall text panels, and labels
  • Assists Registrar with maintenance of art storage including rehousing artworks, moving large artworks, and moving art from storage to galleries.
  • Abides by all Museum policies and procedures
  • Performs required administrative tasks in an accurate and timely manner.
  • Works with other Museum staff to ensure smooth operation of the Museum’s daily program and events. Represents the Museum with the highest level of integrity and enthusiasm and works positively with colleagues and the public.

Qualifications and Skills:

  • Well organized, resourceful, and results-oriented
  • A good problem-solver
  • Knowledge of art handling practices and procedures
  • Experience using power tools, ladders, and other large equipment
  • Basic math skills
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to follow directions and work in a supportive role
  • Excellent time-management, planning, and teamwork skills
  • Works well under pressure

Required Education and Experience:

  • B.A. or B.F.A. in studio art, art history, or a related field
  • A minimum of 2 years’ experience as a preparator in a gallery or museum
  • Valid drivers license

Preferred Skills and Experience:

  • Knowledge of museum standards for collection care, packing, crating, handling, installing, and housing artworks
  • Knowledge of loss-prevention techniques
  • Design skills are a plus
  • Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Illustrator, In-Design, Photoshop and ability to learn local Collection Management Software

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

  • Work may be performed both indoors and outdoors throughout the campus as well as off-site locations
  • Position may require standing for prolonged periods, walking, climbing, bending and stretching, and enough physical strength to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds unassisted
  • Ability to climb ladders etc. in excess of 8 feet

 

This is a part-time position requiring availability during normal business hours and occasional nights and weekends, when needed.

 

To Apply:

Please include a cover letter, current résumé, and three references. No phone calls please. All requests should be emailed to: jobs@newportartmuseum.org, with “Preparator” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 
The Newport Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer.

The Newport Art Museum & Art Association, established in 1912, educates and inspires a diverse audience by collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting historic and contemporary visual arts of the highest quality with an emphasis on the rich heritage of the Newport region, and integrates appreciation for the arts and art-making into all its programs. The Museum is fully accredited by the American Association of Museums.

 


 

Director of Museum Education- Newport Museum of Art

Director of Museum Education

SUMMARY:

The Newport Art Museum seeks an experienced and energetic professional to lead our Museum Education Department during a time of growth, renewal and exciting projects. The Director of Museum Education is responsible for providing creative and strategic leadership in overseeing all aspects of the Museum’s educational programming, including but not limited to, a year-round tuition-based studio school for all ages and experience levels, extensive community arts education outreach offerings, in-gallery and on-campus interpretive and learning initiatives, the museum studies program for high-school students, teacher resources and professional development materials, assisting the Director of Community Engagement with museum volunteer docent training and public tours, and partnering with nearby Universities and Colleges in developing an accredited Museum Studies program with the Newport Art Museum as the learning lab.

The Museum Education Director ensures seamless execution of these programs through effective operational planning, budgeting, staff supervision and training, program delivery, and follow-up evaluations. The Director works collaboratively and inter- departmentally to generate concepts, content, communications, and funding that will make its programs successful and expand the reach and reputation of the Newport Art Museum and its Coleman Center for Creative Studies.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Museum Education oversees an administration staff of two, as well as Museum School teaching artists, interns and volunteers.

 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Establishes short-term and long-term goals and objectives for the Museum Education department in consultation with the Executive Director and other Museum Department Directors

Oversees the development of museum tuition-based education programs that are effective and engaging, meet the needs of diverse audiences, promote the Museum’s mission and vision, and meet or exceed the Museum’s financial goals

Manages the development, implementation and continuous monitoring of the department budget in conjunction with the Director of Finance and Executive Director

Works closely with other Museum department directors to plan, promote, and execute Museum arts education programs that will enhance exhibits, public programs, and donor cultivation efforts

In conjunction with Museum’s Director of Advancement, identifies funding needs, helps prepare proposals as well as final reports, and deepens relationships with various community stakeholders, thereby expanding the Museum’s professional connections and visibility on a local, regional, and national level with high schools, community colleges, universities, other museums, and supporters of arts education

Ensures program effectiveness and content quality through monitoring, evaluation, and feedback with adherence to nationally accepted standards

Serves on interdepartmental projects, such as the Arts Campus redesign, Artist-in-Residence program, grant writing, strategic planning, and marketing initiatives

Ensures program effectiveness and content quality through monitoring, evaluation, and feedback with adherence to nationally accepted standards

Ensures program effectiveness and content quality through monitoring, evaluation, and feedback with adherence to nationally accepted standards

Proposes new program initiatives that align with the Museum’s strategic plan

Working with the Museum Education Associate, oversees daily management of education contact and class tuition data base

Hires, trains and supervises museum education staff, interns, and volunteers

Produces the research, writing, and coordinates the distribution of resource materials for arts educators

Assists in planning for meetings of the Board of Trustees and manage the meetings, agenda, goals, and reporting of the Museum Education Committee

Represents the interests of the Museum Education Department in management-level meetings and in meetings of national and regional conferences, staff task forces, work teams, etc.

Performs additional duties as directed

 

EDUCATION, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Masters Degree in art, art history, education or an advanced degree in museum studies preferred

A minimum of three years experience in managing a successful studio arts education program within a museum, school or community setting a plus

Ability to develop quality, imaginative, and forward-thinking programs and curricula that when appropriate, adhere to Rhode Island’s National Core Arts Standards

Previous participation with community arts outreach programming and working knowledge of effective partnership models to successfully deliver such programs

Demonstrated knowledge of effective personnel and budget management practices

Ability to create and implement both short-term projects and long-range plans

Broad knowledge of the significant thought-leaders and presenters in the field

Exceptional communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills

Special and passionate interest in the place of contemporary art in civic life and a diverse community

An established network of artists, arts teachers, community programmers, as well as public and private school administrators in and around Rhode Island a plus

Willingness to work overtime during special events, facility rentals, heavy visitation, or to meet a deadline

Excellent writing, speaking, organizational, project management, and interpersonal skills

Computer literacy, particularly in word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheet programs

Strong passion for the mission of The Newport Art Museum

Must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel

 

TO APPLY:

Please include a cover letter, current résumé, and three references. No phone calls please. All requests should be emailed to: jobs@newportartmuseum.org, with “Director of Museum Education” in the subject line. This is a full-time position with benefits. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 
The Newport Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer.

The Newport Art Museum & Art Association, established in 1912, educates and inspires a diverse audience by collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting historic and contemporary visual arts of the highest quality with an emphasis on the rich heritage of the Newport region, and integrates appreciation for the arts and art-making into all its programs. The Museum is fully accredited by the American Association of Museums

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The Case for Narrative Art: George Lucas Style

On March 14, 2018, the George Lucas Museum of Narrative Art broke ground in Los Angeles. The museum states that it will offer a one of a kind museum experience, when it opens in 2021, focusing on narrative and celebrating storytelling through art.

Narrative Art involves telling stories through various works and mediums such as classical paintings, comics, film, theater, etc, with a focus on how artists capture these stories.

The concept of narrative art  has roots as far back as hieroglyphics, and in all honesty, it shouldn’t be a novel concept in museums. Storytelling is essential to audience engagement with objects and material. Everything from tours to educational programs, to labels, should have a bit of a narrative thread that effectively engages the audience through the stories they tell.

Narratives in museums may come from artistic expression or intent in a piece, visitor interpretation (such as VTS), or interpretive lenses that might draw upon many contexts that are social, political, religious, etc. Whichever form a story may come in, it is the power of narratives that help the visitor connect to the content.

Narratives must involve a structure, from the rising action, there must be a climax, or an “aha” moment, and some type of resolution or conclusion. In museums, the climax, or “aha” moment is a primary goal of interpretation. It is an important aim to have the visitors reach a moment  of realization, connection, provocation, or if we’re really lucky, a transformation in their frame of thinking.

According to the website of the soon-to-be Lucas Museum, the collection will consist of paintings, illustrations, comics, and films, which provides an abundant platform of media to act as various entry points into narratives for diverse audiences. Perhaps this museum will act as a resource and a means to inspire more museums with various media to engage with narrative art in their interpretation practices.

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