Assistant Project Conservator, Time-Based Media
We are Guggenheim, a global constellation of museums unlike any other in the world. Four museums on three continents, united by the power of groundbreaking art to connect us to ourselves and to each other. Since our founding in 1937, the Guggenheim has introduced, celebrated and brought to the public the newest voices and visions in modern and contemporary art. When Solomon R. Guggenheim and Hilla Rebay set out to share the joy they first experienced in discovering experimental art, they initiated the creative risk-taking that is today synonymous with “Guggenheim” throughout the world. Across the globe, each Guggenheim stands not just as a backdrop for visionary art but as masterpieces in and of themselves to experience.
SUMMARY OF POSITION:
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is pleased to offer a one-year fixed-term Assistant Project Conservator position centered around the intake of artworks from the D.Daskalopoulos Collection, recently gifted to the museum in 2022. This position will focus on documentation, assessment, treatment, storage, and installation parameters for the time-based media artworks that are associated with this Collection.
The D.Daskalopoulos Collection is a shared gift of over 100 artworks between the Guggenheim Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, further described here. Specific responsibilities of the Assistant Project Conservator will include completing the intake process for time-based media artworks through detailed documentation, conducting artist interviews, and, if necessary, carrying out test installations of artworks. This position will require close communication with conservation staff; collaboration across multiple departments at the Guggenheim; and exchange of information with our partner co-owner. The Assistant Project Conservator will also help facilitate outgoing loans and may act as a courier where needed.
General tasks will include engaging in regular department activities and assisting in more broad collection care activities at the Guggenheim. The Assistant Project Conservator should demonstrate a firm grasp of theoretical principles in contemporary conservation, as well as experience interviewing and working with living artists. This term position may participate in engagement activities that raise the department's profile for patrons and the general public and may also carry out research for presentation and publication.
SKILL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
EDUCATION:
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: n/a
REPORTS TO: Conservator, Time-based Media
LOCATION: Midtown West, Manhattan
WORK SCHEDULE: Hybrid eligible, and Hours vary based on position.
POSITION TYPE: Full-time, Exempt. This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Local 2110 UAW.
This position is expected to start in early 2025.
SALARY RANGE: $65,000 – $67,000 Annually
The Guggenheim is dedicating itself to creating paths that lead to a more inclusive and diverse institution. We encourage inquiries from applicants who will reflect the plurality of our culture and our global audience. The Guggenheim does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin or disability status.
SUMMARY OF POSITION:
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is pleased to offer a one-year fixed-term Assistant Project Conservator position centered around the intake of artworks from the D.Daskalopoulos Collection, recently gifted to the museum in 2022. This position will focus on documentation, assessment, treatment, storage, and installation parameters for the time-based media artworks that are associated with this Collection.
The D.Daskalopoulos Collection is a shared gift of over 100 artworks between the Guggenheim Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, further described here. Specific responsibilities of the Assistant Project Conservator will include completing the intake process for time-based media artworks through detailed documentation, conducting artist interviews, and, if necessary, carrying out test installations of artworks. This position will require close communication with conservation staff; collaboration across multiple departments at the Guggenheim; and exchange of information with our partner co-owner. The Assistant Project Conservator will also help facilitate outgoing loans and may act as a courier where needed.
General tasks will include engaging in regular department activities and assisting in more broad collection care activities at the Guggenheim. The Assistant Project Conservator should demonstrate a firm grasp of theoretical principles in contemporary conservation, as well as experience interviewing and working with living artists. This term position may participate in engagement activities that raise the department's profile for patrons and the general public and may also carry out research for presentation and publication.
SKILL AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Experience in relevant software for the assessment, conservation and documentation of time-based media art.
- Knowledge of collection databases and documentation methodologies.
- Strong art historical background in modern and contemporary art.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
- Attention to detail with the capability to prioritize while handling multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- A spirit of innovation, curiosity and collaboration is desirable.
- Experience preparing for and conducting effective artist interviews.
- Knowledge of artwork test installation processes and methods for documenting observations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Examine, analyze and treat media works in the Guggenheim collection, adhering to the highest standards.
- Assist in preparing loan evaluations and in examining and documenting new acquisitions.
- Provide written and photographic documentation to record condition of objects, treatments proposed and treatments performed in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
- Manage and build complete object record files for each artwork and work with the co-owner to develop protocols for sharing this information.
- Collaborate with conservation and curatorial colleagues to critically assess media and devise treatment strategies.
- Support in maintaining a modern and well-equipped lab.
- Assist with mentoring interns and teens.
- Ability to travel within the metropolitan area as required to perform the above duties at any of the Guggenheim’s owned or leased properties upon request.
- Ability to work nights, weekends and holidays on occasion.
- Willingness to work with chemical solvents and/or fumes, adhering to appropriate safety protocols.
- Ability to lift at least 25 lbs.
EDUCATION:
- Master’s degree in Art Conservation
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: n/a
REPORTS TO: Conservator, Time-based Media
LOCATION: Midtown West, Manhattan
WORK SCHEDULE: Hybrid eligible, and Hours vary based on position.
POSITION TYPE: Full-time, Exempt. This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with Local 2110 UAW.
This position is expected to start in early 2025.
SALARY RANGE: $65,000 – $67,000 Annually
The Guggenheim is dedicating itself to creating paths that lead to a more inclusive and diverse institution. We encourage inquiries from applicants who will reflect the plurality of our culture and our global audience. The Guggenheim does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin or disability status.
Department: Conservation
This is a full-time position