The William Humphreys Art Gallery (WHAG) invites applications for the Principal Curator of Collections vacancy as advertised.

Equity Statement: Preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants who are members of the designated groups in line with the employment equity plan and targets of the Gallery.

Remuneration: An all-inclusive package of R 340 440 per annum. Membership to the Museum Pension Fund is compulsory.

Purpose of the Position:

The main purpose of this post is to ensure the safe storage, preservation, and conservation of all artworks, the updating of the collection database, and the maintenance of WHAG’s online platforms. The Principal Curator of Collections is expected to oversee tasks delegated by the Chief Curator, coordinate with necessary staff of WHAG and service providers, and generally ensure that the projects are moving forward on time.

Responsibilities:

• Manages and provides proper care, preservation, and storage of the Gallery’s collections.
• Develops and implements procedures for identifying, researching, and cataloguing objects.
• Serves as part of the collections committee to consider acquisitions and donations.
• Ensure all objects in the permanent collection and loan collection are accounted for in terms of museum practices.
• Coordinate logistics, maintain collection records, and complete of condition reports for all incoming and outgoing artworks.
• Develop an effective collection’s digital imagery catalogue and provide information to all staff and researchers who want to access the Gallery’s collection.
• Design and implement preventative conservation measures or treatment where necessary.
• Develop, maintain, and monitor websites and social media platforms and online marketing.
• Layout, design, and printing of invitations and other promotional material.
• Make presentations to public in areas of specialty and collections care. Attends and represents the Gallery at professional conferences, workshops, or regional meetings.
• Make recommendations for budgetary requirements of collections, preservation, and storage efforts.
• Supervises the Conservation Technician and other staff, interns or volunteers performing collection management duties.
• Ad hoc duties and projects as and when the need arises.

Requirements:

• Bachelor Degree of Arts (BA) in Fine Arts, Art History, Museum Studies, Cultural Heritage Studies, or an equivalent qualification. A post-graduate degree will be advantageous.
• Excellent knowledge and application of MS Office, WordPress, CorelDRAW, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience working with museum database software or similar software.
• Competency in handling and ensuring all objects in the permanent and loan collection are handled, stored, transported, and exhibited in an environment and manner conducive to the preservation of the artworks.
• Excellent knowledge and application of collections management practices coupled with a basic knowledge of conservation principles and techniques.
• Strong administration and co-ordination skills, with a methodical approach and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong research skills.
• Ability to work independently and deliver work within agreed upon timeframes.
• Passionate and knowledgeable about the museum industry.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with collections within the museum/gallery industry, art auctions, or corporate collection.
• Experience in working with museum database software or similar software.
• An understanding of printing processes and vinyl cutting will be advantageous.

Knowledge:

• Competency in handling and ensuring all objects in the permanent and loan collection are handled, stored, transported, and exhibited in an environment and manner conducive to the preservation of the artworks.
• Must have basic computer and software skills in order to work in the museum’s database and project management systems.
• Excellent knowledge and application of collections management practices coupled with a basic knowledge of conservation principles and techniques.
• Strong administration and coordination skills with a methodological approach and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong research.
• Valid driver’s licence will be advantageous.

Personal Attitudes:

The ideal candidate for the Principal Curator of Collections role should exhibit a strong set of personal attitudes including integrity, leadership, initiative, stress tolerance, and a commitment to achievement. They should possess excellent communication skills, both interpersonal and community-wide, along with the ability to network and represent the institution externally. The candidate should strike a balance between visionary thinking and attention to detail, while fostering teamwork and demonstrating exceptional management, organizational, and operational capabilities. Proficiency in handling multiple priorities and making sound decisions through effective planning are essential attributes for this role.

CLOSING DATE: 22 September 2023

Application can be emailed to sam@whag.co.za or hand delivered to:

The Director
William Humphreys Art Gallery
1 Cullinan Crescent
Civic Centre
Kimberley

The William Humphreys Art Gallery is committed to employment equity and redress. The William Humphreys Art Gallery is an equal opportunity employer. The William Humphreys Art Gallery reserves the right not to make an appointment. If the William Humphreys Art Gallery has not contacted applicants within four weeks of the closing date, applications should be considered unsuccessful.