The Art Institute of Chicago, founded in 1879, is a world-renowned art museum housing one of the largest permanent collections in the United States. An encyclopedic museum, the Art Institute collects, preserves, and interprets works in every medium from all cultures and historical periods. With a collection of approximately 300,000 art works and artifacts, the museum has particularly strong holdings in Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painting, contemporary art, early 20th century European painting and sculpture, Japanese prints, and photography. The museum’s 2009 addition, the Modern Wing, features the latest in green museum technology and 264,000 square feet dedicated to modern and contemporary art, photography, architecture and design, and new museum education facilities. In addition to displaying its permanent collection, the Art Institute mounts more than 30 special exhibitions per year and features lectures, gallery tours, and special performances on a daily basis.
The Art Institute of Chicago seeks to fill the position of Paintings Conservator. This is a full-time position with occasional travel. The Paintings Conservator will carry out treatment and research on contemporary paintings and mixed-media artworks, and work with curators to establish priorities and set schedules for collections care, treatment, and research. The conservator will oversee preparation, installation, and documentation for exhibitions and loans focused on the contemporary collection. The conservator will carry out in-depth examination of artworks and interview artists for material research and condition documentation. Applicant must be comfortable working within a large, dynamic museum environment, carrying out assignments both independently and as part of a team.
Primary responsibilities:
- Carry out conservation treatments on contemporary paintings and mixed-media artworks. Responsible for prioritizing treatment needs and scheduling examinations and treatments with curators. Regularly meet with curators to discuss gallery rotations and art movement for installation, loans, and exhibitions.
- Examine paintings for the purposes of research and the assessment of condition. Carry out the technical examinations of artworks being considered for acquisition or long-term loan. Prepare written documentation and imaging, including X-ray, IR imaging, and other supporting information to supplement these examinations. Interview artists, studios, and estates for research and condition documentation. Collaborate with other conservation specialties, scientists and curators as appropriate.
- Oversee all aspects of preparation, installation, and documentation for exhibitions and loans for the contemporary collection, including travel as needed. Advise on, monitor, and document complex museum installations.
- Publish results of research projects in museum publications, social media, and journals aimed at both professional and general audiences. Present conservation research and initiatives at professional conferences, and to the general public through lectures, tours, and gallery talks.
- Advise on storage and long-term care of contemporary artworks, working with curators, registrars, technicians, and other necessary parties, to determine appropriate space, equipment, and handling needs.
Qualifications:
Applicants must have an advanced degree in art conservation with a specialization in paintings conservation. A minimum of 10 years post-graduate experience is required, with considerable experience researching and caring for contemporary paintings, a broad knowledge of contemporary artists’ materials and techniques, familiarity with current conservation research in the field, and documented treatment abilities. Applicant must have strong written and oral communication skills.
- Anticipated start date: Winter 2018
- Application deadline: September 15, 2018
How to Apply:
Candidates should submit their resume, two references, a cover letter detailing the candidate’s interest in applying for the position and what skill set the candidate would bring to the position, along with one sample of a relevant publication, and a portfolio with two or three examples of projects (please attach all as one document).
Application submission questions apply_help@artic.edu.
Please apply at: https://hrweb.artic.edu/recruit/applyjob.html.
The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace.
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