erika.katayama
12-16-2014, 08:55 AM
CONSERVATOR OF OBJECTS AND VARIABLE ART
(please specify “Conservator of Objects” in your subject line if you email your resume)
Reports To: Chief Conservator
Basic Work Week: 37.5 Hrs/Wk
OVERVIEW
The Indianapolis Museum of Art seeks an experienced and highly motivated objects
conservator to become Conservator of Objects and Variable Art. This full-time staff
position will be responsible for leading the IMA’s active objects conservation efforts for
its significant collections of African, American, Asian, European, contemporary art and
design arts that span 5,000 years of history. Additionally, art and design are featured at
The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres; Oldfields–Lilly House and
Gardens, a historic Country-Place-Era estate and National Historic Landmark on the IMA
grounds; and the Miller House and Garden in Columbus, Indiana, one of the country’s
most highly regarded examples of mid-century Modernist residences
(http://www.imamuseum.org/).
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The Conservator of Objects and Variable Art will perform all aspects of caring for the
IMA’s diverse collection. Responsibilities will include preventive care, examination,
documentation, treatment, exhibition and loan preparation, research, advocacy and
outreach. The Conservator will work closely with the Contemporary Department and
living artists (or their studios/ foundations, etc.) on the creation/fabrication,
documentation, and preservation of commissioned indoor and outdoor works of art. All
conservation related activities will conform to national and international codes of ethics
and standards for care.
The IMA has well-equipped conservation labs for paintings, paper, objects, and textiles
conservation, along with a state-of-the-art conservation science laboratory
(http://www.imamuseum.org/art/conservation,
http://www.imamuseum.org/research/conservation-science). The Conservator of Objects
and Variable Art will share a conservation technician with Textile Conservation.
Other duties may be assigned.
To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function
satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and or ability
required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to
perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Applicants must have a master’s degree from a recognized conservation training program
and eight years of experience following graduation is preferred. Priority will be given to
applicants able to work in the United States with extensive museum experience and a
record of publication and talks/posters at professional conferences. A broad knowledge of materials, cultures/ art history, and documentation and research techniques along with
demonstrable skill in object conservation practice is essential. Knowledge of and
conservation experience with modern materials (i.e. plastics), electronic, video, and
variable artworks is preferred. Experience with supervision and mentoring of
conservation staff, graduate interns and pre-program interns is important. The successful
candidate will report to the Chief Conservator and must be able to communicate and
work well with other conservators and departmental staff; conservation scientists;
curators; registrars; storage, design, and installation staff; and a variety of other museum
employees in furthering the mission of the museum.
Please provide the names and contact information for three professional references with
submission of your resume and letter of interest.
(please specify “Conservator of Objects” in your subject line if you email your resume)
Reports To: Chief Conservator
Basic Work Week: 37.5 Hrs/Wk
OVERVIEW
The Indianapolis Museum of Art seeks an experienced and highly motivated objects
conservator to become Conservator of Objects and Variable Art. This full-time staff
position will be responsible for leading the IMA’s active objects conservation efforts for
its significant collections of African, American, Asian, European, contemporary art and
design arts that span 5,000 years of history. Additionally, art and design are featured at
The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres; Oldfields–Lilly House and
Gardens, a historic Country-Place-Era estate and National Historic Landmark on the IMA
grounds; and the Miller House and Garden in Columbus, Indiana, one of the country’s
most highly regarded examples of mid-century Modernist residences
(http://www.imamuseum.org/).
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The Conservator of Objects and Variable Art will perform all aspects of caring for the
IMA’s diverse collection. Responsibilities will include preventive care, examination,
documentation, treatment, exhibition and loan preparation, research, advocacy and
outreach. The Conservator will work closely with the Contemporary Department and
living artists (or their studios/ foundations, etc.) on the creation/fabrication,
documentation, and preservation of commissioned indoor and outdoor works of art. All
conservation related activities will conform to national and international codes of ethics
and standards for care.
The IMA has well-equipped conservation labs for paintings, paper, objects, and textiles
conservation, along with a state-of-the-art conservation science laboratory
(http://www.imamuseum.org/art/conservation,
http://www.imamuseum.org/research/conservation-science). The Conservator of Objects
and Variable Art will share a conservation technician with Textile Conservation.
Other duties may be assigned.
To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function
satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and or ability
required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to
perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Applicants must have a master’s degree from a recognized conservation training program
and eight years of experience following graduation is preferred. Priority will be given to
applicants able to work in the United States with extensive museum experience and a
record of publication and talks/posters at professional conferences. A broad knowledge of materials, cultures/ art history, and documentation and research techniques along with
demonstrable skill in object conservation practice is essential. Knowledge of and
conservation experience with modern materials (i.e. plastics), electronic, video, and
variable artworks is preferred. Experience with supervision and mentoring of
conservation staff, graduate interns and pre-program interns is important. The successful
candidate will report to the Chief Conservator and must be able to communicate and
work well with other conservators and departmental staff; conservation scientists;
curators; registrars; storage, design, and installation staff; and a variety of other museum
employees in furthering the mission of the museum.
Please provide the names and contact information for three professional references with
submission of your resume and letter of interest.